Pecan Praline Blondies: The Ultimate Chewy, Buttery, and Caramel-Kissed Dessert Bar Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fall baking filling your home, even if the weather outside hasn’t quite caught up with the calendar. Here in Georgia, we might still be enjoying warm afternoons in the mid-80s, a gentle reminder of summer’s lingering embrace. Yet, as the days subtly shorten and the air hints at a crisp change, our thoughts inevitably turn to cozy flavors and seasonal treats.
While many up north are delighting in apple picking and pumpkin patch adventures – experiences we often dream of down south – our region celebrates a different kind of fall bounty: the majestic pecan. Unlike the fleeting autumn leaves, our pecan trees are preparing for their grand harvest. We eagerly await the dropping of these treasured nuts, which are more than just an ingredient; they’re a snack, a staple, and a source of immense pride.
Around our home, pecans are savored like fine confections. We consume them with gusto, making them a precious commodity, especially as my freezer stock dwindles to its last bag. This means any recipe that calls for my coveted pecans must be truly exceptional, worthy of their rich, buttery goodness. And let me tell you, these Pecan Praline Blondies? They are absolutely worth every single nut.
What Makes Pecan Praline Blondies So Special?
The Allure of the Blondie (More Than Just a Brownie Without Chocolate)
For those unfamiliar, a blondie is often described as a brownie’s lighter, caramel-flavored cousin. But it’s so much more than “just a brownie without chocolate.” A classic blondie boasts a signature crisp, thin layer on top, giving way to a wonderfully chewy and moist center. This delightful contrast in texture is what makes blondies so incredibly satisfying. Just like brownies, you’ll find aficionados who swear by the chewy corners and edges, while others covet the soft, gooey center bars. I confess, I’m a corner girl through and through, always reaching for that perfectly crisp outer edge.
The Richness of Praline Flavor
What elevates these blondies from simply delicious to utterly irresistible is the infusion of rich vanilla caramel praline flavor. Pralines, with their deep, buttery caramel notes and crunchy pecans, are a southern staple. Incorporating this classic taste into a blondie creates a dessert bar that is both familiar and exciting. The caramelized brown sugar base combined with fragrant vanilla extract forms a deeply satisfying, almost addictive flavor profile that melts in your mouth and lingers pleasantly.
Celebrating Georgia Pecans
When you combine this exquisite vanilla caramel base with the finest Georgia pecans, you get a treat that’s simply unparalleled. Georgia is renowned for its high-quality pecans, known for their distinct buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. These nuts are not just an addition; they are a cornerstone of the praline experience, providing a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth that perfectly complements the sweet caramel. With a good crop, our local pecans are simply divine, making these blondies a true celebration of southern flavors.
Why This Pecan Praline Blondie Recipe Is a Must-Try
Perfect Texture Every Time
This recipe consistently delivers blondies with that coveted balance: a slightly crisp top, delightfully chewy edges, and a wonderfully moist, dense interior. It’s the kind of texture that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite. Whether you prefer the satisfying chew of an edge piece or the soft decadence of the center, these bars are designed to please every palate.
Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Taste
You’ll be amazed at how such simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can come together to create such an extraordinary dessert. With butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, and, of course, a generous helping of pecans, you have everything you need to bake a batch of these glorious bars. The magic happens in the preparation, transforming these humble components into a symphony of rich, sweet, and nutty flavors.
An Addictive Treat for Any Occasion
Be warned: these blondies are incredibly addictive! It’s nearly impossible to stop at just one bar (or even three!). They are perfect for sharing at potlucks, serving at family gatherings, bringing to bake sales, or simply enjoying as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them a versatile dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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Pecan Praline Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with shortening (do not use spray) Line pan with parchment paper then grease parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and continue to heat, over medium low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Add in eggs and vanilla, making sure to combine completely. Add flour, baking powder and salt, stir again. Fold in pecans.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, gently pushing batter to edges and corners.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven when top is crisp and edges are starting to pull away from sides of pan. Do not overbake.
- Let cool completely in pan. Using parchment paper, lift blondies out of pan to a cutting board, cut into squares.
Notes
This is a sticky batter and will stick to the pan if you use cooking spray. Use shortening to grease pan.
recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com
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Tips for Baking the Best Pecan Praline Blondies
Pan Preparation is Key
The success of these blondies starts before you even mix the batter. Since this is a wonderfully rich and sticky batter, proper pan preparation is absolutely crucial. Do not be tempted to use cooking spray alone; it won’t provide sufficient release. Instead, grease your 9×13 baking pan generously with shortening. For an extra layer of insurance and incredibly easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper itself. This two-step method ensures your blondies will lift out effortlessly for perfect cutting, preserving those delicious edges.
Mastering the Caramel Base
The heart of the praline flavor comes from the butter and brown sugar base. When melting the butter and stirring in the brown sugar, it’s important to keep the heat low to medium-low. This allows the sugars to dissolve properly and caramelize gently without burning. Constant stirring for about five minutes ensures an even melt and helps develop that rich, deep caramel flavor that defines these blondies. This step is what creates the chewy texture and intense sweetness, so take your time and don’t rush it.
Don’t Overbake!
Overbaking is the enemy of a moist and chewy blondie. Keep a close eye on your oven around the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for a top that appears crisp and golden, with the edges just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan. The center might still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools. Removing the blondies at just the right moment ensures they retain their signature moist and chewy texture, rather than becoming dry and crumbly.
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Blondies
Once baked, allow your Pecan Praline Blondies to cool completely in the pan. This is vital for them to set properly and achieve their optimal chewy consistency. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to gently lift the entire slab of blondies onto a cutting board. Cut them into squares of your desired size – perfect for individual servings. These blondies are fantastic on their own, perhaps with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. They also freeze well for longer storage, making them a great make-ahead dessert for future cravings.
Explore More Pecan Delights
If these Pecan Praline Blondies have ignited your love for the versatile pecan, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve got a treasure trove of other pecan-centric recipes that are sure to delight. From breakfast to dessert, these ideas showcase the incredible flavor and texture that pecans bring to any dish. Dive in and discover your next favorite pecan recipe!
Caramel Pecan Biscuit Bake
Start your day with an easy and incredibly delicious breakfast treat! Fluffy biscuits coated in a gooey caramel pecan sauce – it’s a pure morning indulgence that comes together effortlessly.
Cinnamon Glazed Pecans
Be warned: these are highly addictive! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these wonderfully sweet and spiced glazed pecans. Perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
All the rich, gooey goodness of your favorite pecan pie, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate, and transformed into an easy-to-eat bar. A perfect holiday dessert or anytime treat.
Fried Candied Pecans
Crispy, sweet, and utterly delightful. These candied pecans are fantastic on their own, but for an extra layer of decadence, try dipping them in melted chocolate!
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
So easy to make and incredibly delicious, these sticky buns will become a weekend baking tradition. Fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon, drenched in rich caramel and crunchy pecans.
Praline Pecan Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
Indulge in this decadent ice cream featuring buttery pecans, a rich brown sugar praline base, and generous swirls of luscious fudge. A truly divine frozen treat!
For even more pecan inspiration, check out these fantastic recipes from my friends:
- Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen: A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty goodness in a bite-sized cluster.
- Triple Nut Tart from Hoosier Homemade: A rich and diverse nutty experience, featuring a medley of your favorite nuts in a beautiful tart.
- Butter Pecan Toffee Cookies from Couponing & Cooking: Soft, chewy cookies with the irresistible flavor of butter pecan and crunchy toffee bits.
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these incredible Pecan Praline Blondies. They’re a true taste of comfort, perfect for bringing a little bit of fall cheer into your home, no matter the weather. Happy baking!