Caramel Chocolate Blondies Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of caramel and chocolate that makes any dessert feel like a special occasion. These Caramel Chocolate Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, featuring a rich, buttery base complemented by gooey caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a cozy evening at home, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Caramel Chocolate Blondies are not just another dessert; they are a testament to the joys of baking. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of buttery blondies, rich chocolate, and luscious caramel creates a flavor explosion.
- Perfect Texture: They’re chewy, soft, and packed with delightful pockets of gooey caramel.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap out the chocolate for white chocolate for a different twist!
The Essentials
To make these delightful Caramel Chocolate Blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Baking caramel cut and rolled into tiny balls, the size of peas (I used Peter’s caramel)
Equipment at a Glance
Before you dive into baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for blondies.
- Parchment Paper: For easy removal of blondies after baking.
- Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the blondies before cutting.
Caramel Chocolate Blondies Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create these scrumptious Caramel Chocolate Blondies? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your blondies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and dark brown sugar. Whisk until well blended. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the tiny balls of baking caramel. This will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout your blondies.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have dietary restrictions, here are some substitutes you can use in this Caramel Chocolate Blondies recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute with a plant-based egg replacer.
- Nut-Free: Ensure any added chocolate or mix-ins do not contain nuts.
- Lower Sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Flavor Logic
The beauty of these Caramel Chocolate Blondies lies in the balance of flavors and textures:
The rich, buttery base provides a perfect canvas for the deep sweetness of dark brown sugar, which enhances the overall caramel flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of richness, while the melted caramel balls create delightful pockets of gooey sweetness. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Caramel Chocolate Blondies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Each will add its unique twist to the blondies.
What if I don’t have baking caramel?
If you can’t find baking caramel, you can use soft caramel candies. Just cut them into small pieces instead of rolling them into balls. They will melt beautifully in the blondies!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! For added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips and caramel.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for a golden edge and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, they need more time.
Hungry for More?
If you enjoyed this Caramel Chocolate Blondies Recipe, you’ll love exploring more delicious treats on the blog. From classic chocolate chip cookies to creamy cheesecakes, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Stay tuned for more mouthwatering recipes that will inspire your next baking adventure!
Baking these Caramel Chocolate Blondies is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about the experience, the aroma filling your home, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Caramel Chocolate Blondies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your blondies bake evenly.
- Line your 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and dark brown sugar. Whisk until well blended. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the tiny balls of baking caramel.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- These blondies freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
