If you’re craving a sweet treat, these Brown Butter Caramel Blondies are the answer! Rich brown butter paired with gooey caramel creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist. With this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll make classic blondies that are buttery, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the deliciously simple world of these blissful blondies!
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additions
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Brown butter caramel blondies need simple yet rich ingredients. First, the unsalted butter is key. It adds creaminess and flavor. Brown sugar gives a deep sweetness that pairs well with the caramel. Eggs help hold the blondies together. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
Next, we mix in dry ingredients. All-purpose flour is the main base. Baking powder helps them rise. Baking soda keeps them soft. Salt balances the sweetness.
Finally, the fun part—additions! Chocolate chips add richness. You can use dark or milk chocolate. Caramel sauce brings a gooey texture. You can buy it or make it at home. This blend of ingredients creates the perfect dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Prepare the baking pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the blondies later.
Making the Brown Butter
- Melt and brown the butter
- Cool slightly before mixing
Next, let’s make the brown butter. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it often. Cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely so it does not burn. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
Combining Ingredients
- Mix sugar and eggs
- Combine dry ingredients
- Fold chocolate chips into the batter
In a large bowl, mix the browned butter with 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar. Whisk this until smooth. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg mixes in well before adding the next. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Save a few for the top.
Assembling the Blondies
- Layer blondie batter and caramel
- Add toppings
Pour half of the blondie batter into your prepared baking pan. Drizzle half of the ½ cup of caramel sauce over this layer. Carefully spread the rest of the blondie batter on top. Finish by adding the reserved chocolate chips and drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top.
Baking
- Bake time and tips for doneness
Bake your blondies for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are done.
Cooling and Serving
- Cool before slicing
- Presentation ideas
After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This makes slicing easier. When ready, cut them into squares. For a nice touch, serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and offer extra caramel sauce on the side. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even better!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Brown Butter
- Look for a golden brown color and a nutty smell.
- Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Watch closely as it can change fast.
- Don’t add water or cold ingredients to hot butter.
- Use unsalted butter for better control of salt.
Achieving the Best Texture
- Blondies are done when edges are golden.
- A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- For chewy blondies, underbake slightly.
- For cakey blondies, bake until toothpick is clean.
- Keep an eye on time; ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for more flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty touch.
- Add nuts or chocolate shavings for a fancy look.
- Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make brown butter caramel blondies even more fun! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. You can also try different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate chips add a rich taste, while white chocolate brings sweetness. For a cozy twist, sprinkle in some cinnamon. This spice warms up the flavor and makes every bite special.
Dietary Modifications
Want to make these blondies gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the blondies tasty. If you need vegan options, try using flax eggs instead of real eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free treat.
Seasonal Twists
Get creative with seasonal flavors! For fall, add pumpkin spice to the batter for a cozy vibe. During the holidays, a touch of peppermint can make your blondies festive. Just crush peppermint candies and mix them in. These small changes make your blondies perfect for any time of year!
Storage Info
Room Temperature Storage
Brown butter caramel blondies stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. To keep them soft, place them in an airtight container. You can also cover them with plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. Avoid stacking them to keep the tops smooth and pretty.
Refrigeration and Freezing
If you want to keep blondies longer, refrigerate them. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze blondies. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy blondies warm, you can reheat them. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them soft and gooey. You can also use a microwave. Heat each piece for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce!
FAQs
What are brown butter caramel blondies?
Brown butter caramel blondies are sweet bars made with brown sugar and butter. They have a rich, nutty taste thanks to the browned butter. The caramel adds a sweet and gooey layer, making these blondies a delight. They are chewy and soft with a lovely texture. You can also find chocolate chips mixed in for extra flavor.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. After cooling, cut them into squares. Place the blondies in an airtight container. You can store them for up to three days at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy them fresh when needed.
How do I store leftover blondies?
To store leftover blondies, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about three days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar, but it will change the flavor. Brown sugar gives a rich, caramel-like taste. If you use white sugar, the blondies will be less sweet and not as moist. The texture may also be different.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
If you don’t have caramel sauce, you have options. You can make a simple caramel at home with sugar and butter. Another choice is to use butterscotch sauce for a similar flavor. You can even skip it and enjoy plain blondies with chocolate chips instead!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious brown butter caramel blondies. We detailed the core ingredients, the step-by-step process, and helpful tips to perfect your blondies. Don’t forget to get creative with flavor variations and storage tips to keep them fresh. Enjoy baking these treats and share them with friends! You’ll impress everyone with your skills. Happy baking!
