Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies Recipe

If you love desserts that combine buttery richness with nutty crunch and a luscious drizzle of something sweet and salty, you are going to adore these Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies. They are soft and chewy with toasted pecans adding the perfect textural contrast, and each bite is elevated by silky salted caramel that melds the flavors beautifully. This treat feels indulgent yet familiar, making Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies a wonderful companion for your afternoon coffee or a comforting dessert after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to these delightful bars.

• 180 g butter, melted: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 180 g brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the blondies soft and chewy.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create the perfect structure without making them cakey.
• 1 tsp vanilla: Enhances sweetness and offers a warm, fragrant background flavor.
• 220 g flour: The sturdy base that gives the blondies their shape and slight chewiness.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness, highlighting the caramel and nutty notes beautifully.
• 100 g toasted pecans: Adds a toasty crunch and buttery flavor that complements the soft blondies.
• Salted caramel sauce: The crowning glory—a glossy, silky drizzle that brings all the flavors together with its sweet and salty finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies

Step 1: Combine Butter and Brown Sugar

Start by melting your butter until it’s beautifully smooth and golden. Mix this with the brown sugar until fully combined—this blend is the foundation of your blondies, giving them that rich, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. The egg helps bind the ingredients while vanilla adds warmth and depth, creating an inviting, homemade aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pecans

Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined—don’t overmix or the blondies might turn out tough. Stir in the toasted pecans last so every bite offers a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into a prepared baking pan and slide it into your preheated oven at 175°C. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft—this ensures that signature chewy texture.

Step 5: Drizzle with Salted Caramel

Once cooled just enough, generously drizzle your salted caramel sauce all over the blondies. This finishing touch adds a glossy glaze and a perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes these Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies

Garnishes

To elevate your Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies even further, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few extra toasted pecans on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a luscious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the dense, chewy bars.

Side Dishes

These blondies shine when accompanied by a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. The bitterness or creaminess of your beverage contrasts the sweetness, making each bite feel special. For a more decadent dessert, pair with fresh berries to add a pop of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them as part of a dessert board alongside chocolate chunks, candied nuts, and fruit preserves. Or cut into small squares for bite-sized treats at a party. You could even layer them in a parfait with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an elegant twist that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. This helps preserve their soft, chewy texture while keeping the pecans delightfully crisp.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these blondies later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months and thaw perfectly in just a couple of hours at room temperature.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm leftover blondies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 150°C) for 5 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce after warming to revive that glossy, melty appeal.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives and will give a slightly different crunch and flavor, but the delicious contrast with the caramel remains just as delightful.

Is it possible to make Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking. Just be mindful of any slight texture changes depending on the blend used.

How do I make my own salted caramel sauce?

Making salted caramel at home is easier than you might think! Simply melt sugar until amber, then stir in butter, cream, and a pinch of sea salt. There are plenty of tutorials available that walk through this luscious sauce step-by-step.

Can I bake these blondies in a different pan size?

Yes, but keep in mind that using a smaller pan will result in thicker blondies requiring a longer bake time, while a larger pan will yield thinner blondies that bake faster. Adjust accordingly and keep a close eye on baking times.

What’s the secret to getting the perfect chewy texture?

The trick is to avoid overbaking—take the blondies out when the edges look done but the center still jiggles slightly. Also, using melted butter and brown sugar contributes to that moist, chewy crumb everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, Salted Caramel Pecan Blondies are exactly what you need. Their buttery softness, nutty crunch, and luscious caramel drizzle make them a crowd-pleaser every time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat to share and savor.