If you’ve never tried blonde brownies, you’re in for a treat. These brownies mix the rich, buttery flavor of brown sugar and butter with a soft, chewy texture. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you want a quick dessert or something to impress guests.
Why We Love This Blonde Brownies Recipe
Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s talk about why blonde brownies are so loved.
- A Buttery, Caramelized Flavor: Unlike traditional brownies that rely on cocoa powder for flavor, blonde brownies feature the warm, comforting taste of brown sugar and butter. This makes them a sweet, rich treat that’s slightly less intense than chocolate brownies but just as satisfying.
- Easy and Quick to Prepare: Blonde brownies are incredibly simple to make, with only a handful of ingredients required. You can mix up the batter, pop it in the oven, and have a batch of golden, gooey brownies in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile and Customizable: One of the best things about blonde brownies is how easy it is to switch up the ingredients. Add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to make the recipe your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a treat for the kids, or enjoying an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, blonde brownies are perfect for almost any occasion. They’re also fantastic for gifting, making them an ideal option for bake sales or holiday presents.
Ingredients
Cake Flour – I do not recommend substituting the cake flour in this Blonde Brownies recipe. Cake flour gives your brownies a soft, tender texture and fine crumb.
Leavening – Baking powder is used in this Blonde Brownies recipe and cannot be substituted with baking soda. Baking powder already contains the necessary acid, whereas baking soda needs an acidic ingredient to activate.
Unsalted Butter – Unsalted butter adds flavor and moisture to your Blonde Brownies. If you need to substitute, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid an overly salty flavor.
Brown Sugar – The key to the caramel-like flavor in Blonde Brownies, brown sugar provides a rich, molasses undertone. It also helps with the chewy texture and golden color.
Eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure, ensuring the Blonde Brownies are set properly as they bake.
Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhancing the overall taste of the Blonde Brownies.
How to Make Blonde Brownies: Step-by-Step Guide
Making blonde brownies couldn’t be easier. With only a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a batch of these delicious treats in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure the brownies come out easily and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to stir thoroughly after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and give it another good stir.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense brownies.
If you’re adding any optional mix-ins (such as white chocolate chips or chopped nuts), fold them into the batter now.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Expert Tips for Perfect Blonde Brownies
While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tricks to ensure your blonde brownies turn out perfectly every time:
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and heavy brownies. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients, and be careful not to overdo it.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking around 20 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room temperature eggs and melted butter. This helps the ingredients mix together more evenly and results in a smoother batter.
Let Them Cool Completely: While it can be tempting to dig into those gooey, warm blonde brownies right out of the oven, letting them cool fully ensures the texture will set perfectly.
Variations: Get Creative with Your Blonde Brownies
While the classic blonde brownie is delicious on its own, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
Chocolate Chip Twist: For a chocolatey upgrade, mix in milk, dark, or white chocolate chips. The melted chocolate will add a rich gooey texture to your brownies.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the batter before baking, or swirl it into the batter for a sweet, gooey finish.
Peanut Butter Lovers: Add a swirl of creamy peanut butter for a savory twist that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Serving Blonde Brownies
Blonde brownies can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion:
Classic Serve: Enjoy them on their own with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a simple yet satisfying treat.
À la Mode: For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Packed Lunch: Blonde brownies are also perfect for packing in lunchboxes. Their chewy texture makes them an excellent portable snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the Difference Between Blonde Brownies and Traditional Brownies?
While traditional brownies rely on cocoa powder for their chocolate flavor, blonde brownies are made with brown sugar and butter. This gives them a lighter, caramel-like taste rather than the rich, chocolatey flavor of regular brownies.
Can I Use Coconut Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for butter, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Coconut oil has a mild coconut flavor that will be present in the finished product, so keep that in mind when making the switch.
How Can I Make These Blonde Brownies Vegan?
To make these brownies vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I Add More Sugar?
While adding more sugar can make the brownies sweeter, it will also affect the texture. Stick to the recipe for the best balance between sweetness and chewiness.
blonde brownies recipe
Equipment
- Baking Pan 8×8-inch
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup Brown sugar packed
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.