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    Home · Recipes · Brownies and Bars · Decadent Butter Pecan Blondies with Brown Butter

    November 1, 2018

    Decadent Butter Pecan Blondies with Brown Butter

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    Image For Pinterest
    Image For Pinterest
    Image For Pinterest

    Chewy, buttery blondies are the perfect dessert for potluck parties and holiday gatherings. They're easy to make, easy to transport, and most importantly, a seriously delicious crowd-pleaser. If you're looking to see your crowd really go wild this holiday season, you cannot go wrong with a decadent batch of Butter Pecan Blondies, rich and nutty with brown butter, topped off with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.

    If you find yourself short on time, both browning the butter and adding the frosting are optional, but don't worry -- the Butter Pecan Blondies are enough in-and-of their own to send raving reviews in your direction! In addition to a soft and gooey batch of Southern-inspired blondies, we'll also cover the basics for browning butter, some time-saving recipe tips, and the secrets to a perfectly fluffy Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.

    An overhead shot of butter pecan blondies cut into squares that are sitting on top of a wire cooling rack. At the top of the image is a wood handle knife.

    BUTTER PECAN BLONDIES JUST MAKE SENSE

    The Southern region of the U.S. is known for pecan groves, and it's safe to say that pecans are a favorite amongst Southerners. They're put to good use in all kinds of dishes, but they shine particularly bright in desserts.

    Butter Pecan became a signature flavor for cakes, cookies, and ice creams alike. You'll find any dessert boasting the "Butter Pecan" name possesses all of the following flavor components: Vanilla, nutty, buttery, and sweet, with just a hint of salt. It only made sense for Butter Pecan to lend its name to the blondie as well.

    Butter pecan blondies before they are cut. To the right side of the blondies is a bowl of frosting and behind that are the other ingredients to make this recipe.

    As the vanilla cousin of the brownie, blondies proved the perfect vessel for Butter Pecan to truly shine...especially when you incorporate brown butter into the mix. Once butter is browned, it takes on sort of a nutty quality, pairing extremely well with the pecans. While taking a few extra minutes to brown the butter is not necessary, it certainly doesn't hurt.

    BUTTER PECAN BLONDIE RECIPE OVERVIEW

    Bar cookies are extremely easy to make and they require very few steps. There are plenty of ways to spruce up this recipe to make it extra decadent, but even at its most basic form, you'll find these Butter Pecan Blondies extremely delicious.

    1. Melt the butter (and brown if you'd like).
    2. Mix dry ingredients.
    3. Mix butter, sugar, egg, yolk, and vanilla.
    4. Add dry ingredients to wet, and add pecans.
    5. Bake.

    An overhead shot of butter pecan blondies that have been topped with whole pecans, white frosting, butterscotch chips and brown butter drizzle.

    ABOUT THE RECIPE AND MAKING YOUR OWN MODIFICATIONS

    You can either melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop. If you are melting the butter on the stovetop, you're pretty much half-way done making brown butter. As mentioned earlier, this is certainly not necessary, but it does add a lovely component to the Butter Pecan Blondies.

    MAKING BROWN BUTTER

    To make brown butter, you simply allow butter to sit over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it begins to take on a caramel color and a nutty aroma. You may notice a collection of black specs forming at the bottom of the saucepan. These are "burnt" milk solids, and they can be strained out by simply using a fine-mesh sieve.

    Once the butter has cooled slightly, it is combined with a combination of both granulated sugar and brown sugar. The combination of the sugars offers a nice balance, with just a hint of molasses from the brown sugar.

    And, of course, we can't have Butter Pecan Blondies without the pecans. Chopped pecans go in the batter before baking, and if you're feeling extra decadent, throw in a handful of butterscotch chips as well.

    A close up shot of butter pecan blondies square that is sitting on top of a wire cooling rack. In the background is a bowl of white frosting and whole pecans.

    And while we're on the subject of decadent, let's talk about that topping, shall we?

    THE MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING (OPTIONAL)

    Once the blondies are baked and completely cooled, this recipe gives you the option to top them off with a fluffy Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, chopped pecans, crunchy toffee bits, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. But really, when is cream cheese frosting ever truly optional?

    SECRETS TO A FLUFFY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

    The secret to an extra fluffy cream cheese frosting is room temperature cream cheese and room temperature butter. If these ingredients are too cold, the sugar does not disperse properly. If the butter and/or cream cheese are too warm, you’d end up with a very wet frosting rather than a fluffy one.

    Cream cheese will typically come to room temperature within a couple of hours on the countertop. Butter, however, takes a bit longer. To bring butter to room temperature, I put it on the counter the night before I intend to do my baking, and it keeps just fine.

    However, if you forget to put out your ingredients or you happen to be an impulsive blondie eater, place on a microwave safe dish and microwave at 10-second intervals, turning the stick over after each interval. But, be sure to remove as soon as it starts to feel like it’s hit room temperature.

    A bite is missing from a square butter pecan blondie that is sitting on top of a wire cooling rack.

    The cream cheese frosting adds a note of tang to the blondies, and the crunchy topping of toffee bits and pecans add an extra dimension of texture to the bars. As for the salted caramel on top? Well, that's just a little drizzle of extra decadence.

    They're rich and nutty, soft and gooey, and everything you could want in a Southern-inspired dessert and more. Please, enjoy.

    5 MORE DESSERT BAR RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE

    • Peanut Butter Butterfinger Blondies are decked out with peanut butter, crushed Butterfinger candy, and a drizzle of dark chocolate. They're perfect for Halloween (or any day of the year, really)!
    • Homemade Brownies with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Berries are as tasty as they are beautiful!
    • Egg Hunt Blondies are an adorable, easy treat featuring chewy, vanilla blondies and a buttercream frosting. The icing looks like grass and the M&M's across the top look like little eggs. The cutest Easter dessert ever!
    • Fudgy Brownies with Walnuts are an easy and simple with bite-sized brownies and a quick-fix topping consisting of melted chocolate and chopped walnuts. A perfect chocolate treat for snacking, potluck parties, and giving as gifts!
    • Classic Chocolate Brownies are soft, chewy, loaded with big chocolate flavor, and guaranteed to be the best you’ve ever had! They’re quick and easy to make and require only simple baking ingredients.
    4.67 from 18 votes
    Butter Pecan Blondies
    Print
    Butter Pecan Blondies
    Prep Time
    16 mins
    Cook Time
    24 mins
    Total Time
    40 mins
     

    Blondies loaded with pecans and topped with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.

    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Butter Pecan Blondies
    Servings: 9
    Calories: 364 kcal
    Author: Kelly Anthony
    Ingredients
    For the Butter Pecan Blondies
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
    • 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoon light brown sugar, lightly packed
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup roughly chopped pecans
    • ½ cup butterscotch chips (optional)
    Maple Cream Cheese Frosting and Extra Toppings (OPTIONAL)
    • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, room temperature
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Pinch fine sea salt
    • ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
    • 3 tablespoons chopped toffee bits (optional)
    • 2-3 tablespoons store-bought salted caramel topping (optional)
    Instructions
    For the Butter Pecan Blondies
    1. Preheat the oven to 350° and have ready a greased 8"x8" baking dish.

    2. To brown the butter (optional step), add butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The butter is ready when it becomes caramel-like color and has a nutty fragrance. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the butter. Set aside to cool slightly.

    3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

    4. Add ¾ cup of melted, browned butter to a large mixing bowl, along with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, yolk, and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Add pecans and butterscotch chips (if using) and stir until evenly incorporated.

    5. Bake for 25 minutes and allow to cool.

    For Maple Buttercream Icing and Topping (OPTIONAL)
    1. Allow the blondies to cool completely before icing.

    2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. If you do not have a stand mixer, use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer. Begin mixing on low speed, until most of the powdered sugar is mixed in, then increase the speed to medium-high. Mix until well-combined.

    3. Add the salt, extract and desired amount of food coloring (if using), and mix once more.

    4. Spread the icing evenly across the blondies, and sprinkle with pecans and toffee, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy.

    Recipe Notes

    Note, the amount of butter in the ingredient list does not match the amount of butter called for in the instructions. This is because if you are making brown butter, the butter is likely to reduce while simmering on the stovetop, so starting out with a higher quantity than needed is necessary.

    Nutrition Facts
    Butter Pecan Blondies
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 364 Calories from Fat 225
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 25g38%
    Saturated Fat 13g81%
    Cholesterol 94mg31%
    Sodium 272mg12%
    Potassium 113mg3%
    Carbohydrates 30g10%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 15g17%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 685IU14%
    Calcium 44mg4%
    Iron 1.2mg7%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Image for Pinterest

    MORE BROWN BUTTER RECIPES TO TRY

    A collage of 13 images that are brown butter recipes.

    Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Browned Butter Cauliflower
    Cashew Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting
    Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter
    Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
    Snickers Cheesecake Bars with Brown Butter
    Brown Butter Parmesan Corn
    Brown Butter Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
    Brown Butter Carrots
    Dark Chocolate Brown Butter Brownies
    Browned Butter Salted Caramel Sauce

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    Comments

    1. Cookilicious says

      November 01, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      Oh my..they look delicious! I was just searching for recipes to make this holiday season for gifting. What a timing!

      Reply
    2. Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites says

      November 06, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      These look scrumptious! I really need to take a break from all the chocolate and give these blondies a try!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        November 06, 2018 at 10:38 pm

        That's a tough call to make, but these blondies are worth giving up chocolate every now and again 😉 Thank you, Lauren!

        Reply
    3. Allison - Celebrating Sweets says

      November 06, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      OMG! These are speaking to me. And that frosting?! Definitely not optional for me, this is happening ASAP!

      Reply
    4. Prajakta Sukhatme says

      November 06, 2018 at 5:53 pm

      These are so perfect for upcoming holidays! Love Butter Pecan. Great step by step recipe !

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        November 06, 2018 at 10:38 pm

        Thank you, Prajakta!

        Reply
    5. kim says

      November 06, 2018 at 5:55 pm

      These look absolutely delicious and they're definitely going on my Thanksgiving menu!

      Reply
    6. Mary Bostow says

      November 06, 2018 at 6:13 pm

      Your recipes always impress me. And again I see an incredible dessert. Looks very nice and I'm sure it's very tasty. I'm sure my children will be delighted with this. I love it! Thanks.

      Reply
    7. Melinda Caldwell says

      November 12, 2018 at 5:55 pm

      These look amazing! Can't wait to make them for Thanksgiving. Thanks sharing.

      Reply
    8. Tara says

      August 30, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      These definitely are decadent! I absolutely love the addition of the brown butter. So perfect with that maple cream cheese frosting.

      Reply
    9. Sapana says

      August 30, 2019 at 6:18 pm

      Wow these blondies look AMAZING!!! I love the frosting so much!

      Reply
    10. Tara says

      August 30, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      Decadent but SO good!

      Reply
    11. Chris Collins says

      August 30, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      Never thought of putting pecans in blondies but wow! I'm definitely going to start!! Can't wait to try the recipe 🙂

      Reply
    12. Tawnie Kroll says

      August 30, 2019 at 6:45 pm

      Making this on repeat this Fall because they were so good!!! Thank you!

      Reply

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    I’m Kelly Anthony — a baker, home chef, and mom with a passion for food and an adoration for entertaining.

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