Salty Maple Brown Butter Blondies Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty that can transform a good dessert into a great one. One such treat that exemplifies this balance is Salty Maple Brown Butter Blondies. These blondies not only showcase the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter but are also elevated by the deep sweetness of maple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt. Made with simple ingredients, they provide a rewarding experience that is both comforting and indulgent. The optional white chocolate chips add extra creaminess, making each bite heavenly and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to share with loved ones or simply need a sweet fix, these blondies are sure to impress and delight.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan; you can either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the blondies later.

Next, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to let the butter turn a lovely golden brown color, developing a nutty aroma. Once you achieve this, take it off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and maple syrup until they are nicely blended. Then, incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, whisking until everything is well combined and creamy.

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you may end up with dense blondies.

If you choose to use white chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage. These chips will add a wonderful sweetness and texture to your blondies.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. To finish, sprinkle the sea salt evenly across the surface—this will enhance the sweet and salty flavor combo.

Place your blondies in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The edges should also be golden brown, indicating that they are cooked through.

Once baked, allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will make slicing much easier and will help them hold their shape.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tweak these blondies to your liking, there are plenty of variations you can explore. Here are some ideas:

Nutty addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft blondies.
Fruity twist: Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Spice it up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your blondies a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Chocolate overload: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips in place of white chocolate for a richer taste.
Maple glazing: Drizzle with additional maple syrup on top after baking for an extra layer of sweetness.

Cooking Notes

Here are a few tips to ensure your Salty Maple Brown Butter Blondies turn out perfectly:

Make sure your butter is truly browned for the best flavor. Watch it closely when melting, as brown butter can quickly go from delicious to burnt.
Use a toothpick to test doneness—look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
If you don’t have an 8×8 pan, you can use a 9×9 pan; however, adjust the baking time slightly as they may bake faster.
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These blondies are delightful on their own, but there are ways to elevate the experience even further. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing the warmth to melt the ice cream slightly. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully. For an elegant touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips

Always use room temperature eggs for better emulsification in your batter.
Keep track of your baking time for perfect blondies—overbaking can dry them out.
Mix gently after adding the dry ingredients to maintain the blondies’ texture.
Try to use high-quality maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Experiment with different toppings such as caramel sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 (per serving)

Protein: 3g

Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A1: Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the salt balance in the recipe. You can omit the additional sea salt if you do so.

Q2: How do I store leftover blondies?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate them for longer life. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Q3: What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
A3: You can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips based on your preference, or omit them altogether for a classic blondie.

Q4: Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
A4: Sure! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 ratio replacement.

Q5: Are blondies the same as brownies?
A5: While both are delicious and baked in similar ways, blondies are made with brown sugar and often lack cocoa, giving them a caramel-like flavor, whereas brownies are chocolatey.

Conclusion

Salty Maple Brown Butter Blondies are not just a dessert; they are an experience. This sweet and salty creation offers a delightful chewy texture and a mouthwatering flavor blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a comforting treat alone, these blondies are sure to become a favorite. We encourage you to try making these scrumptious treats and share your thoughts. Did you enjoy them? What variations did you try? Engage with us by leaving comments, shares, or your own tips to enhance this delightful recipe.