If you love sweet treats, you’ll adore these Peanut Butter Cup Blondies. They are chewy, rich, and loaded with creamy peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and even easier to eat! Join me as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips for baking these irresistible blondies. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Combination: The rich, creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate, making every bite a delightful treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these blondies are great for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet snack to share with friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: Feel free to customize the mix-ins by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Detailed Ingredient Descriptions
Each ingredient plays a key role in these blondies.
– Creamy peanut butter gives a rich, nutty flavor and moisture.
– Unsalted butter adds creaminess and helps with the texture.
– Brown sugar brings sweetness and a slight chewiness.
– Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps with browning.
– Eggs bind the mixture and add structure.
– Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors.
– All-purpose flour provides the base for the blondies.
– Baking powder helps the blondies rise and stay soft.
– Salt boosts flavor and balances the sweetness.
– Mini peanut butter cups add bursts of flavor and fun.
– Chocolate chips provide extra sweetness and richness.
Suggested Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use smooth almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different taste.
– Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
– Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a low-glycemic option.
– Egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce work for vegan diets.
– If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free mix instead of all-purpose flour.
These substitutions keep the spirit of the blondies while fitting your needs. Feel free to mix and match!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps with easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix well until the sugars combine fully.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then, add the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is mixed well.
5. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies soft.
6. Gently fold in the halved mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips into the batter.
Baking Process
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should look golden. Check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Cooling and Serving Tips
9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
10. Carefully lift the blondies out using the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cool, cut the blondies into squares and serve. Enjoy these sweet treats with friends or family!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake many people make is overmixing the batter. This can lead to tough blondies. Instead, mix until just combined. Another error is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use a scale or measuring cups for accuracy. Be careful not to bake them too long. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. The edges should look golden, but the center may still be soft.
How to Get Chewy Blondies
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, use brown sugar. This sugar adds moisture and helps create a soft bite. Melt your butter before mixing it in. It helps the blondies stay soft. Also, try not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Best Practices for Mixing
When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, do not rush. Add the dry mix gradually into the wet mix. This helps combine them without lumps. Once you fold in the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips, be gentle. Overmixing at this stage can also make your blondies tough. Enjoy the process, and remember, the goal is a moist, gooey treat!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and better incorporation of all ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until the flour is incorporated for a soft and chewy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your blondies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges and the center should have a few moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner edges.
Variations
Add-in Ideas
You can change up these blondies with fun add-ins. Try adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also use different chocolate types. Dark chocolate chips can give a deep flavor. White chocolate chips add a sweet twist. Mix and match until you find your favorite combo!
Dietary Modifications
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This keeps the texture light and chewy. For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps keep your blondies delicious while meeting dietary needs.
Flavor Modifications
To make these blondies even more unique, add spices or extracts. Cinnamon can add warmth, while nutmeg gives a cozy touch. A splash of almond extract can enhance the nutty flavor of the peanut butter. Experiment with flavors to find the mix that excites your taste buds!
Storage Info
How to Store Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
To keep your blondies fresh, place them in an airtight container. Lay a sheet of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will help prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezing Instructions
Freezing blondies is simple. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Shelf Life and Freshness Tips
Peanut butter cup blondies stay fresh for about three days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. Look for signs like dryness or hard edges. If they start to lose their softness, it’s time to freeze or throw them out. Enjoy your blondies while they’re fresh for the best flavor and texture!
FAQs
Can I make these blondies in advance?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each piece tightly and place it in a freezer bag. They will keep for about three months.
What is the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies and brownies are both delicious bars, but they differ in flavor and color. Blondies are made with brown sugar and have a sweet, buttery taste. They are light in color. Brownies use cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving them a rich, dark flavor. They are also denser and fudgier than blondies. The choice between them depends on whether you prefer chocolate or a sweet vanilla taste.
Can I replace the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can replace peanut butter with other nut butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Keep in mind that each nut butter has a unique taste. Using a different nut butter may change the flavor of your blondies. Try to choose a creamy variety for the best texture.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious peanut butter cup blondies. I covered ingredients, detailed steps for baking, and tricks to get them just right. Variations let you customize flavors and meet dietary needs. I also shared storage tips to keep them fresh. Remember, baking is fun! Embrace your creativity with these blondies. Enjoy the process and share your treats with friends. Happy bakin
