Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s both easy and delightful? Peanut Butter Cup Blondies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, they will impress your friends and family. In this guide, I’ll share simple ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips to make these delicious blondies right in your kitchen. Get ready to satisfy your cravings!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates an indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect Texture: The blondies are soft and chewy, with a delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings, like nuts or extra chocolate, to make these blondies uniquely yours!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups, chopped (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
You can add chocolate chips for more chocolatey goodness. Consider using sea salt for a sweet-savory taste. A dash of cinnamon can add warmth. You might also try some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter. Almond flour works well instead of all-purpose flour for gluten-free blondies. You can replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. You can lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the blondies easy when they are done.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix these until they are smooth and well blended. Next, add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix again until the texture is creamy. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Combining Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly. Gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the blondies soft.
Baking the Blondies
Now, add 1 cup of chopped mini chocolate peanut butter cups and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips if you like. Fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. For a fun touch, sprinkle extra chopped peanut butter cups on top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies will be golden brown. A toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut them into squares. For a nice finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Perfect Blondies
To make the best peanut butter cup blondies, follow these key tips:
– Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend smoothly.
– Do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for soft blondies.
– Check your oven temperature. Ovens can vary. An oven thermometer can help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls:
– Skipping the parchment paper. This makes removal hard and can ruin your blondies.
– Overbaking. Check them early. They should be golden and moist in the center.
– Not cooling before cutting. Let them cool fully to prevent crumbling.
How to Achieve Chewy vs. Cake-Like Texture
For chewy blondies:
– Use more brown sugar and less flour.
– Bake for a shorter time.
For cake-like blondies:
– Increase the flour slightly.
– Add more eggs for a fluffier texture.
Experiment with these tips to find your perfect blondie!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother batter and better texture in your blondies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts for a crunchy texture. Chopped pretzels or toffee bits could add a delightful twist!
- Check for Doneness: Start checking your blondies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Variations
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
You can easily make gluten-free peanut butter cup blondies. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture. This swap keeps the blondies soft and chewy.
Adding Different Mix-Ins (Nuts, Fruits, etc.)
Mix-ins can add fun flavors to your blondies. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a sweet touch. Just remember to keep the total mix-ins around one cup for the best texture.
Vegan Version of Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
To make vegan peanut butter cup blondies, replace eggs with flax eggs. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. These swaps keep the blondies delicious and plant-based.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Blondies
Store your leftover blondies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the fridge. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing. This keeps them soft and fresh.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
You can freeze these blondies for later. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just take out the number you want.
Reheating Tips for Best Texture
To reheat your blondies, use the microwave or oven. If using a microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds. Check if they are warm enough. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture. Enjoy your warm blondies with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate!
FAQs
What is the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies and brownies are both delicious baked treats. The main difference is in their base. Blondies use brown sugar and butter, while brownies use cocoa powder. This makes blondies taste sweet and buttery. Brownies have a rich chocolate flavor. Both are soft and chewy, but they offer different tastes and colors.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter! It will add a fun texture to your blondies. The chunks of peanuts give a nice bite. If you love that extra crunch, go for it. Just remember, it may change the smoothness of the blondies a little.
How can I tell when my blondies are done baking?
To check if your blondies are done, look for a golden brown top. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, give them a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
How long do blondies last at room temperature?
Blondies can last about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If they start to dry out, you can warm them a little before serving. They taste great even after a few days!
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely, making blondies ahead of time is a great idea! You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just let them cool and store them properly. This way, you can enjoy them fresh without last-minute baking. They also make a sweet treat for gatherings or parties!
Peanut Butter Cup Blondies are simple and fun to make. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. I shared ways to change flavors and how to store leftovers. Remember: avoid overmixing to keep them chewy, and try different add-ins for variety. These blondies offer a tasty treat for everyone. Bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy every bite. Happy bakin
