Craving a sweet treat that’s both chewy and delightful? Look no further! These Chewy Maple Pecan Blondies are rich, easy to make, and packed with flavor. With a blend of buttery sweetness, crunchy pecans, and a hint of maple, they’ll quickly become your new favorite dessert. Get ready to impress friends and family with this irresistible recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into making these delicious blondies together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients come together to create chewy maple pecan blondies. Each item plays a key role in flavor and texture. The butter and sugars give the blondies their rich taste. Eggs add moisture and act as a binder. Maple syrup brings sweetness and a lovely maple flavor. The flour, baking powder, and baking soda help the blondies rise and create that perfect chewy bite.
Nuts add crunch and flavor. You can choose to add white chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: Approximately 180
– Macronutrient breakdown:
– Fat: 9g
– Carbohydrates: 23g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional info helps you keep track of what you eat. Each serving gives a nice treat without too many calories. Enjoy these blondies as a sweet snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key so that your blondies bake evenly.
2. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal later.
Mixing the Batter
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. This step builds the base flavor for your blondies.
4. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until everything blends nicely.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to keep the blondies chewy.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans and white chocolate chips, if you like. Make sure they are evenly spread in the batter.
Baking and Cooling
7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps the blondies bake uniformly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
9. Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps set their texture.Enjoy the process of creating these chewy maple pecan blondies!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Chewy Blondies
To make your blondies chewy, focus on how you mix the batter. Mix the wet ingredients until smooth but do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. When you add the dry ingredients, stir gently. You want to combine them without beating out the air.
Baking time is also key. Bake your blondies for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. You want a few moist crumbs on the pick, not wet batter. This ensures a soft and chewy bite.
Enhancing Flavor
You can make these blondies even better with extra flavor. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or caramel pieces for a sweet twist.
For toppings, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top. A sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavor too. You can also top them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your blondies turn out undercooked, return them to the oven. Bake them for an additional 5 minutes. Check again with a toothpick. If they still seem too wet, keep baking in small increments until they are done.
Dry blondies can happen if you bake too long. If this happens, try adding a bit of milk or cream to the batter next time. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup to add moisture.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can make Chewy Maple Pecan Blondies even more exciting. One great way is to add chocolate or caramel. Just fold in some chocolate chips or drizzling caramel on top. This adds a rich layer of flavor.
Another option is to swap out the pecans. You could use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. If you like dried fruit, add raisins or cranberries. These changes give the blondies a new twist.
Dietary Modifications
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats.
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use plant-based butter and maple syrup to keep the flavor strong. This lets you enjoy blondies without eggs or dairy.
Presentation Ideas
Presenting your blondies well can make them even more special. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Serve them on a wooden board for a rustic feel. Add whole pecans on top for decoration.
If you want to gift these blondies, wrap them in clear cellophane. Tie them with a pretty ribbon. This makes an excellent gift for friends or family. You can also include a small note about the recipe. For those who love baking, this is a lovely way to share your passion!
Storage Information
Best Practices for Storing Blondies
To keep your chewy maple pecan blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This protects them from air and moisture. A good option is a plastic or glass container with a tight lid.
You can keep them at room temperature for up to five days. If you live in a warm area, consider placing them in the fridge. Just remember, chilling can change their texture a bit.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some blondies for later, freezing is great. First, cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible.
For best results, eat them within three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge. For a quick fix, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This helps them stay soft and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out pecans for other nuts. Try walnuts or almonds for a twist. You can even use hazelnuts for a unique flavor. Just make sure to chop them roughly, just like the pecans. This will keep the texture nice and chewy.
How can I make these blondies chewier?
To get that chewy texture, focus on two things: mixing time and baking time. Mix the butter and sugars just until smooth. Overmixing can add air and make them more cake-like. Bake them just until the edges are golden. They should still look soft in the middle. This will help maintain that chewy goodness.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you’re out of maple syrup, don’t worry! You can use honey or agave nectar instead. These will add sweetness and a bit of flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a splash of water to mimic the syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
Check for a few key signs. The edges should be golden brown, while the center looks set but a bit soft. Use a toothpick to test. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This means the blondies are perfectly baked.
This blog post covered how to make delicious blondies. We listed the ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for better taste and texture, along with variations and storage info. Whether you want to switch nuts or add spices, there’s plenty to try. Remember, baking is fun and creative! Enjoy your blondies fresh or as a gift. You now have the tools to make the perfect batch every time!
