Oh, get ready for a treat that just screams cozy! My absolute favorite thing to whip up when the leaves start turning is a batch of these incredible Maple Pecan Blondies. Seriously, they’re like a warm hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into this perfectly chewy blondie, with that rich, sweet maple flavor just singing, and then BAM! You get this delightful crunch from perfectly toasted pecans. I’ve been making variations of this Pecan Blondies Recipe for years, tweaking it until it was just right, and trust me, this one is a keeper. It’s my go-to for fall gatherings, or honestly, just when I need a little something sweet to brighten my day.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Blondies Recipe
Seriously, these Maple Pecan Blondies are a total win. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, this is it! You’ll love:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, from start to finish, you’ll be done in under an hour. Perfect for those busy fall weekends!
- That Amazing Maple Flavor: It’s warm, comforting, and just screams autumn.
- Perfect Texture Combo: You get that wonderfully chewy blondie base with a fantastic crunch from the toasted pecans. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Perfect for Fall Baking: These are pretty much the quintessential fall treat. They’re a must-have for any autumn get-together!
Gather Your Ingredients for Maple Pecan Blondies
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these amazing Maple Pecan Blondies, you’ll want to round up these goodies. First off, grab 1 cup (that’s two sticks!) of unsalted butter and melt it down. Then, we need 1 cup of packed light brown sugar – the packed part is important for moisture, trust me! For that gorgeous maple flavor, you’ll need 1/4 cup of *pure* maple syrup; none of that imitation stuff, okay? Two big eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract will make everything nice and rich. For the dry stuff, it’s 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder to give them a little lift, and just 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance all that sweetness. Oh, and the star crunch? 1 cup of chopped pecans that you’ll want to toast up first. Doing that makes them so much nuttier and tastier!
Essential Equipment for Your Pecan Blondies Recipe
You won’t need a fancy setup for this Pecan Blondies Recipe! Just grab a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, a good sturdy spatula for folding, your measuring cups and spoons, and of course, a 9×13 inch baking pan. That’s pretty much it – simple tools for a simple, delicious bake!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Maple Pecan Blondies
Alright, let’s get these amazing Maple Pecan Blondies into the oven! First things first, crank your oven up to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s heating, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease and flour. You want these babies to slide right out later!
In a big bowl, whisk together that melted butter, the packed light brown sugar, and your maple syrup. Get it all nice and combined. Now, beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract. It should look lovely and smooth.
In a separate bowl, give your flour, baking powder, and salt a quick whisk together. This just makes sure everything is evenly distributed. Now, here’s the important part: gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Mix it *just* until it’s combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing; we want tender blondies, not tough ones! Overmixing is the enemy here.
Once it’s just combined, gently fold in those toasted pecans. Spread the batter nice and evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with just moist crumbs attached – not wet batter, but not bone dry either. The edges should look golden and set.
Now, the hardest part: let them cool completely in the pan before you even *think* about cutting them. Trust me, this makes all the difference for clean cuts and that perfect chewy texture!
Toasting Pecans for the Best Flavor
Don’t skip this step, seriously! Toasting your pecans makes a world of difference. Just spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven with the blondies for the last 5-7 minutes, or until they smell wonderfully nutty and are lightly golden. You can also do this for a few minutes in a dry skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly. They add this amazing depth of flavor and a fantastic crunch to your Maple Pecan Blondies!
Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture
The secret to that irresistible chewy texture in these Maple Blondies really comes down to a few things. Using melted butter and packed brown sugar is key – they add moisture and chewiness that you just don’t get with other methods. And like I said, *do not overmix* the batter once you add the flour! Just mix until it’s combined. This keeps the gluten from developing too much, which is exactly what we want for that tender, chewy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pecan Blondies
Got questions about these delightful Maple Pecan Blondies? I’ve got answers! Baking should be fun, not fussy, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Absolutely! If pecans aren’t your jam, or you just don’t have them on hand, walnuts are a fantastic substitute in this Pecan Blondies Recipe. They offer a similar nutty crunch. You could even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a plain maple blondie, but honestly, that crunch is part of what makes them so special! Just make sure whatever nut you use is toasted for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover Maple Pecan Blondies?
These Maple Cookie Bars are pretty forgiving when it comes to storage. Once they’re completely cool, just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy and delicious for about 3-4 days. If your kitchen is super warm, popping them in the fridge might help them hold their shape a bit better, but I usually just leave them on the counter.
Can I make these Maple Pecan Blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! These are perfect for making ahead, which is a lifesaver for holiday baking or when you just want to be prepared. I find they’re actually even a little chewier the next day. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container as I mentioned above. They’re ready to go whenever that craving strikes for some easy fall baking!
Nutritional Estimate for Maple Pecan Blondies
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates for one of these delicious Maple Pecan Blondies, and they can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you measure! But generally, you’re looking at around 200 calories per blondie. They’ve got about 12g of fat, with 6g of that being saturated, 22g of carbohydrates, and around 18g of sugar. There’s also about 2g of protein. It’s certainly a treat, but a super yummy one for your Maple Desserts collection!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
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Amazing Maple Pecan Blondies: 1 Blissful Bite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Pecan Blondies are a delightful fall treat. They feature a rich, chewy texture with the warm flavors of maple and the crunch of toasted pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Ensure your butter is fully melted for the best texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the blondies tender.
- Cooling completely before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
