Introduction
Buttery Caramel Blondies are rich, chewy dessert bars packed with warm brown sugar flavor and sweet caramel goodness. Think of them as the golden cousin to brownies—dense, soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with buttery depth.
Origin
Blondies date back to the late 19th century in American baking, even before chocolate brownies became widely popular. Made primarily with brown sugar and butter, they highlight caramel-like flavors. Modern versions often incorporate caramel bits or swirls for an even more indulgent twist.
Cultural Significance
Blondies are a staple at:
- Bake sales
- Potlucks
- Holiday cookie trays
- Family gatherings
Their simple ingredients and crowd-pleasing sweetness make them a reliable, nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients Quantity (Makes 9–12 bars)
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1 cup (225 g)
- Brown sugar (packed): 1½ cups (300 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Caramel bits or soft caramel pieces: 1 cup
- Optional: Caramel sauce for swirling (¼ cup)
Optional Additions
- White chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Sea salt flakes for topping
- Toffee bits
- Chocolate chips
Tips for Success
- Use melted butter for that classic chewy texture.
- Don’t overbake—center should look slightly soft.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.
- Let cool completely before slicing for clean bars.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated.
4. Add Caramel
Fold in caramel bits.
If using caramel sauce, drizzle and gently swirl into the batter.
5. Bake
Spread evenly in pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set but soft.
6. Cool & Slice
Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Description
These blondies are chewy, buttery, and deeply caramelized, with gooey pockets of melted caramel throughout. The edges are lightly crisp, while the center remains soft and tender.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar)
- Calories: 320–360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
- Fat: 15–18 g
- Protein: 3–4 g
- Sugar: 30–35 g
Conclusion
Buttery Caramel Blondies are the perfect balance of rich sweetness and chewy texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Recommendation
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of sea salt
- A cup of coffee or milk
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoy in moderation and consider reducing sugar slightly or adding nuts for texture and balance. Pairing with fresh fruit can help lighten the overall dessert experience.