These maple pecan blondies are a sweet treat that combines chewy yum with a crunchy pecan twist. The maple flavor adds a warm, cozy vibe!
Honestly, they’re perfect for any occasion, and I can’t resist sneaking a piece before they cool down. Who can blame me? 😄
I love baking these blondies because they come together quickly. Just mix, pour, and bake! Each bite is like a little hug. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for extra bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil works well, too, and adds a nice flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives these blondies their delicious sweetness and chewy texture. If you’re out, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can mimic brown sugar.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for that rich flavor! You could swap it with honey or agave syrup, but the taste will change slightly.
Pecans: I love using pecans for their rich, buttery flavor, but walnuts or almonds can make tasty substitutes if needed.
Maple Glaze: The glaze adds a sweet touch! If you want a dairy-free version, simply use almond milk or omit it altogether for a less sweet treat!
How Do I Mix the Batter Without Overmixing?
A common challenge is avoiding overmixing, which can make blondies tough. Here’s how to keep that lovely chewiness:
- Mix wet ingredients until combined but not over-whipped.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula. Stop mixing once you no longer see dry flour.
- When adding the pecans, fold them in just until evenly distributed, again avoiding too much mixing.
This approach will help you achieve perfectly soft and chewy blondies!
Maple Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped + extra for topping
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some cooling time before adding the glaze. In total, you will spend about 1 hour enjoying the process and the delightful smell that fills your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your blondies bake evenly. To make sure they come out easily, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look creamy by now!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Together:
Carefully add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—remember, don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left.
6. Add the Pecans:
Fold in the chopped pecans, but save a handful to sprinkle on top later. This will give your blondies that lovely nutty crunch you’ll adore!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the reserved pecans on top for added texture and presentation.
8. Bake the Blondies:
Pop the pan in the oven and let them bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the blondies are cooling, whisk together your powdered sugar and maple syrup for the glaze. If you want it to be drizzly, add a bit of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the blondies have cooled for a bit, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will make them even more scrumptious!
11. Slice and Serve:
Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes, then cut your blondies into squares. Serve and enjoy these delightful treats with friends or savor them solo—either way, they’re sure to impress!
Indulge in these chewy, nutty maple pecan blondies, each bite oozing with sweet glaze and crunchy pecans—pure bliss!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a delicious flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them up and feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them return to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Freeze Maple Pecan Blondies?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again!
What if I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
If you’re out of maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, although the flavor will change slightly. You can also try using a blend of white sugar and a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness!