These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are a sweet treat you’ll love! With rich brown butter and crunchy pecans, they pack a ton of flavor in every bite.
Honestly, these blondies are so good that I often hide them from my family just to enjoy them all myself! 😅 They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing… or not!
What I appreciate the most is how quick they come together. Just mix, bake, and voilà! They’re a warm, gooey delight that’s hard to resist. Enjoy them with ice cream for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Brown butter is the star here. It adds a nutty flavor that elevates these blondies. If you’re short on time, regular unsalted butter works fine, but don’t skip browning if you can help it!
Pecans: They’re essential for that wonderful crunch. You can replace them with walnuts or even chocolate chips if you want a different texture and flavor. I personally love the mix of both!
Brown Sugar: It gives the blondies a rich taste. If you’re out, you can use all granulated sugar or make your own brown sugar by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses—just a tablespoon or so will do.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but if you’re gluten-free, a blend of almond flour and coconut flour can work. Expect a slightly different texture, though!
How Do You Brown Butter Perfectly?
Browning butter is a simple technique, but it does require attention. Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, continue stirring as it foams up. Watch closely as it turns a golden brown. Remember, the color and smell matter—once you get that nutty aroma, it’s time to take it off the heat!
- Use a light-colored pan to see the butter’s color change better.
- Be careful not to overcook; burnt butter can turn bitter.
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, let them cool for a while before cutting. So, set aside about an hour in total for this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Baking Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang. This will help you lift the blondies out later—super easy!
2. Brown the Butter:
Next, grab a medium saucepan, and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it foams and turns a lovely golden brown color—it’ll take about 4-5 minutes. You’ll also notice a rich nutty aroma. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat.
3. Mix the Batter:
Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl, and whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, add the eggs—one at a time—mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s all incorporated.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure an even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout your batter.
5. Bring It All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your blondies to be nice and chewy!
6. Add the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans into your batter. This will add fantastic flavor and crunch!
7. Bake:
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Top with some whole pecan halves for a decorative touch and press them lightly into the batter. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while they’re still warm. Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares and serve.
Enjoy your rich, chewy, and nutty Brown Butter Pecan Blondies! They are perfect for sharing… or keeping all to yourself! 😋
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
While butter gives these blondies their rich flavor, margarine can be used in a pinch. However, the browning process won’t be the same, and the taste may be slightly different.
How Do I Know When the Blondies Are Done Baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If it’s covered in batter, give them a few more minutes.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will provide a wonderful sweetness and flavor contrast. Just fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup along with the pecans for a delicious variation.
How Should I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
