Blondie Bars are a delightful treat that brings a chewy, sweet flavor to your dessert table. They are often described as the lighter sibling to brownies, made without chocolate but still packed with rich flavors. These bars are simple to prepare, making them a favorite among bakers of all skill levels. With their golden color and buttery sweetness, Blondie Bars are perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
This Blondie Bar recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Second, the preparation is quick and easy, making it a perfect weekday dessert or a last-minute treat for guests. Lastly, the optional add-ins let you customize the bars to suit your taste, whether you prefer chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. These qualities make Blondie Bars a delicious and flexible choice for anyone!
How to Make Blondie Bars
Making Blondie Bars is a straightforward process that does not require any special skills. Follow the steps below to create your own batch of these delightful treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, butterscotch chips, or dried fruit
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in any optional add-ins until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Blondie Bars
Blondie Bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or bars and serve them on a platter. For an extra treat, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or drizzling some caramel sauce on top. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a lovely afternoon snack.
How to Store Blondie Bars
To store Blondie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Blondie Bars
- Make sure your butter is fully melted for a smooth batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bars tough.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different add-ins to find your favorite combination.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean edges.
Variation
You can easily customize Blondie Bars to suit your taste. Some popular variations include adding peanut butter chips, replacing some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or incorporating spices like cinnamon for a warm flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just make sure to adjust baking time as necessary.
2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, this recipe already uses brown sugar, which gives Blondies their signature flavor. Stick with light brown sugar for the best results.
3. Are Blondie Bars gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
