Brown Butter Pecan Blondies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, I can’t recommend these Brown Butter Pecan Blondies enough. They combine the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter with the crunchy sweetness of toasted pecans, creating a chewy, golden treat that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring on a lazy afternoon, these blondies boast a deep caramel flavor that makes every bite feel special and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making these blondies shine. Each component plays a role, whether it’s enhancing texture, flavor, or that beautiful golden color you crave in any good blondie.

• Unsalted butter: Browning it brings out those rich, nutty notes that define the recipe’s unique flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds a moist, caramel sweetness that’s essential for chewy blondies.
• Large egg: Provides structure and helps bind all the ingredients together perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of this enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant hint.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the blondie and gives it that satisfyingly dense texture.
• Baking powder: A tiny lift for a tender crumb, preventing the blondies from becoming too dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• Chopped pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and a buttery depth that complements the brown butter beautifully.

How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Blondies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch carefully as it transforms from pale yellow foam to a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll notice a toasty, nutty aroma—this is your cue to remove it from the heat. Let the browned butter cool slightly to prevent scrambling the egg when added later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Whisk together the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and slightly glossy. This blend creates a sticky, sweet base that will give the blondies their irresistible chewiness. Next, pour in the cooled browned butter and mix thoroughly, ensuring that flavor gets evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Pecans

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these to the wet mixture, folding them in just until combined—over-mixing can make the blondies tough, so take it easy. Finally, gently fold in the toasted pecans to spread their buttery crunch throughout every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread your batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Slide it into the oven preheated to 175°C (350°F), and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be golden and the edges set, but the center will still feel slightly soft—this is exactly how you want it for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Blondies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual touch and a hint of sweetness, or try drizzling a little caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving can elevate the flavor by adding a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

Brown Butter Pecan Blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to balance the rich, nutty flavors in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these blondies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve them stacked with fresh fruit and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a stunning dessert display. You can even sandwich two blondies around a scoop of ice cream for a luscious, handheld treat everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover Brown Butter Pecan Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delightful treats longer, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of their signature flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply thaw frozen blondies overnight in the fridge and heat briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. That warmed brown butter aroma will come alive again, making every bite just as comforting as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the Blondies. Just be sure to toast them lightly to maximize nuttiness.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

While you can skip browning, it really elevates the blondies by adding a rich, toasted flavor that plain melted butter just can’t match. It’s worth the extra step for that signature depth.

How thick should I spread the batter in the pan?

Spread the batter evenly but don’t flatten it too much. About a 1 to 1.5-inch thickness is ideal for chewy edges and a slightly soft center.

Can I use salted butter instead?

You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance right. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control saltiness precisely.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before chopping and adding to the batter for maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies have quickly become one of my all-time favorite treats to bake and share. They bring together comforting, familiar flavors with a little extra flair that keeps everyone coming back for more. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet in every bite just as much as I do!

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