Maple Pecan Blondies with Brown Butter

Introduction

These Maple Pecan Blondies with Brown Butter are the epitome of fall comfort baking — chewy, buttery bars infused with caramelized brown butter, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy toasted pecans. Each bite melts in your mouth with a deep, nutty flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They’re warm, cozy, and taste like autumn in dessert form!

Perfect for serving at gatherings, sharing during the holidays, or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee, these blondies are as elegant as they are indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup, while the pecans bring a satisfying crunch. These blondies are soft and chewy in the center with crisp, golden edges — the best of both worlds. Plus, they make your kitchen smell divine while baking!

It’s one of those desserts that feels fancy enough for special occasions yet simple enough for an everyday treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Brown Butter Magic: The nutty aroma and flavor from browned butter elevate the blondies to gourmet level.
• Perfect Texture: Chewy, moist, and buttery with a golden crust.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans add just the right bite.
• Rich Maple Flavor: Natural maple syrup enhances the sweetness without being cloying.
• Effortless Elegance: Easy to make, yet impressive enough for guests or gifting.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 blondies
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

Simple Cooking Directions

Brown the butter in a saucepan.

1. Mix it with brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Stir in dry ingredients and pecans.
3. Pour into a pan and bake until golden.
4. Cool, slice, and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Brown the Butter:
   In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, and browned butter until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
5. Add Pecans:
   Stir in the chopped toasted pecans (and chocolate chips if using).
6. Spread Batter:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Slice:
   Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
9. Optional Finishing Touch:
   Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

How to Serve

Serve these Maple Pecan Blondies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an indulgent dessert. They’re also perfect as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or chai.

For holidays or parties, cut them into small squares, stack them on a platter, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip browning the butter: It’s what gives the blondies their signature nutty depth.
• Use real maple syrup: Avoid artificial pancake syrup — pure maple makes a big flavor difference.
• Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaking ensures chewy centers.
• Toast the pecans: Toasting brings out their rich, buttery flavor.

Variations

• Maple Walnut Blondies: Substitute walnuts for pecans.
• Chocolate Swirl Blondies: Add melted dark chocolate and swirl before baking.
• Spiced Blondies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper warmth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
• Bourbon Maple Blondies: Add 1 tbsp bourbon for a grown-up flavor twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to 1 week (bring to room temperature before serving).
• Freezing: Wrap blondies individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan (for browning butter)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely — use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–8 minutes.

Q: Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
A: You can, but the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup provides a unique depth and sweetness.

Q: Why are my blondies dry?
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour accurately and remove from the oven when just set.

Q: How do I get clean cuts?
A: Chill the blondies for 30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife for neat edges.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Blondies with Brown Butter are the ultimate fall indulgence — buttery, chewy, and bursting with nutty maple flavor. The brown butter adds irresistible richness, the pecans bring satisfying crunch, and the maple syrup ties everything together in sweet harmony. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these blondies are perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether for holiday gatherings, cozy weekends, or gifting, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, comforting desserts.