Maple Brown Butter Pecan Blondies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional) Unpacking the ingredients is key to making great blondies. First, we start with butter. Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor. Granulated sugar balances the sweetness. Eggs bind everything together and add a nice texture. Next, we have maple syrup. It brings a unique sweetness and a lovely aroma. The pecans add crunch and nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor. They also provide a contrast to the soft blondie texture. White chocolate chips are optional but fun! They add a creamy sweetness that pairs well with the maple flavor. If you skip them, the blondies will still be great. Each ingredient plays a role in making these blondies a delightful treat. To start, you need to prepare your baking pan. Use parchment paper to line a 9x9 inch pan. This paper helps you lift the blondies out easily. It also keeps the edges from sticking. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key for even baking. If you skip this step, your blondies may bake unevenly. Now, let’s make the brown butter, which adds a deep flavor. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. After about 5-7 minutes, it will turn golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma when it is ready. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the butter cool for a few minutes. Cooling helps you mix it without cooking the eggs later. In a large mixing bowl, blend the cooled brown butter with both sugars. Whisk until smooth. Then, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the blondies tough. Pour the batter into your lined pan. Spread it evenly across the surface. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the blondies are ready. After baking, cool them in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Timing Your Preheat Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing. This step ensures even baking. If your oven is not hot enough, your blondies may not rise or cook well. Cooling Properly Before Cutting Let your blondies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cutting them too soon may cause them to fall apart. Additional Flavor Options For a burst of flavor, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet maple flavors. You can also try adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth. Mixing in Spices or Other Nuts Feel free to mix in other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also try spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the measurements balanced to avoid overpowering the maple taste. Serving Suggestions for an Elegant Display Serve your blondies on a pretty cake stand. This makes them look inviting. You can add a small scoop of ice cream next to each piece for a fun touch. Garnishing with Maple Syrup and Pecans Drizzle some extra maple syrup over the top just before serving. This adds shine and extra sweetness. For a final touch, sprinkle whole pecans on top for a beautiful finish. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts or chocolates in the blondies. Try using walnuts or almonds for a new twist. You can also add dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. The options are endless, and each choice brings a new taste to the table. Adding fruit or spices can also make these blondies unique. Chopped apples or pears add moisture and sweetness. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the flavor. I love to experiment with different combinations to find my favorite. For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour blends. They work well in this recipe and keep the texture nice. Make sure to check the labels for safe baking. If you want to make vegan blondies, replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a tasty treat that everyone can enjoy. These swaps keep the deliciousness while meeting different dietary needs. To keep your blondies fresh, you need the right methods. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and moist. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This method works well for short-term storage. For longer storage, line the container with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes for easy serving. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember to let them come to room temp before serving. Freezing blondies is simple and keeps them tasty. Start by cutting them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy a blondie, take it out and thaw it. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your sweet treat just like fresh! Blondies and brownies differ mainly in flavor and color. Blondies use brown sugar and no cocoa. They taste sweet and buttery, with a hint of vanilla. Brownies include cocoa, giving them a rich chocolate flavor. Blondies are lighter, while brownies are darker and denser. Yes, you can use white sugar instead of brown sugar. However, the flavor will change. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel taste. If you use white sugar, consider adding a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor. To check if your blondies are done, look for golden edges. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Absolutely! You can make these blondies a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps the flavors develop more, making them even more delicious. You can serve these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream is also a great choice. Drizzling extra maple syrup on top adds to the flavor. For a fun twist, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. This blog post covered how to make delicious maple brown butter pecan blondies. We explored key ingredients, detailed step-by-step baking instructions, and shared helpful tips and tricks. I discussed variations like gluten-free options and flavor tweaks. Following these steps leads to blondies that delight. Remember, baking is both an art and a science. Use fresh ingredients and enjoy the process. Happy baking!$

Maple Brown Butter Pecan Blondies

Indulge in the rich flavors of Maple Brown Butter Pecan Blondies with this easy recipe! This delightful treat combines nutty brown butter, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans for a dessert that melts in your mouth. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, these blondies are quick to make and simply irresistible. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it cooks until it transforms into a golden brown hue and gives off a nutty aroma, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.

Incorporate the eggs into the mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup until everything is well-combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing for optimal texture.

Gently fold in the chopped pecans and white chocolate chips, if you choose to include them, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies are ready when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Once baked, allow the blondies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then transfer to the wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16

- Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the blondies on a decorative cake stand. Drizzle some extra maple syrup over the top just before serving and garnish with whole pecans for an elegant finish!