These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are rich and chewy, featuring the lovely nutty taste of brown butter and crunchy pecans. They’re a sweet treat that feels fancy, but they’re super easy to make!
If you’re a fan of caramel flavors, you’re in for a treat! I enjoy serving these warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, your friends will definitely want seconds! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Brown butter is key for this recipe! If you’re in a pinch, regular butter can work, but the taste won’t be as rich. I love the depth that browning adds!
Light Brown Sugar: This gives the blondies their sweetness and chewiness. You can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Pecans: They add a wonderful crunch! If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or even chocolate chunks are great alternatives.
Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add a delightful layer of sweetness. Feel free to skip them, or swap for butterscotch chips if you prefer a different flavor!
How Do You Make Brown Butter Perfectly?
Making brown butter can be tricky! Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a light-colored saucepan; you’ll more easily see the color change.
- Keep stirring the butter while it melts to prevent burning, especially as it starts to foam.
- Once it begins to turn golden brown, watch it closely. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Let it cool a bit before mixing into your batter, as hot butter can cook your eggs! Enjoy the nutty aroma that fills your kitchen!
How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 45 minutes total. This includes around 10 minutes to prep and mix the ingredients, and then about 25 to 30 minutes to bake in the oven. Plus, don’t forget to let them cool before slicing! So, you can expect to dig into these delicious blondies in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove your blondies later!
2. Making Brown Butter:
Next, cut the unsalted butter into chunks and place it in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts. Keep an eye on it as it begins to foam; in about 5-7 minutes, it will turn a lovely golden brown and smell nutty. This is what you’ll need for that rich flavor! Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, pour in the cooled brown butter and add the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended!
4. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, being careful to mix just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing! This keeps your blondies chewy.
5. Adding Pecans and Chocolate (if using):
Now it’s time to fold in the pecans and chocolate chips, if you’re adding them. Gently mix until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the wonderful batter into your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, smooth the top so it’s even. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra pecans and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that final touch of goodness!
7. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look lovely and shiny!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once out of the oven, let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, cut them into squares and serve. You can enjoy them as is or warm them up with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle of whipped cream for something extra special!
Enjoy your rich, nutty Brown Butter Pecan Blondies with that perfect chewy texture and a hint of sea salt crunch! Happy baking!
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to taste. Typically, using salted butter means you might want to omit the 1/2 teaspoon of added salt.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans on hand or if you’re allergic, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just ensure any substitute is chopped if needed for better distribution in the batter.
How Do I Know When the Blondies Are Done Baking?
Check the blondies after 25 minutes. They are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The blondies will continue to cook a bit as they cool in the pan.
Can I Freeze Leftover Blondies?
Absolutely! Allow the blondies to cool completely, then cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!