Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe

If you adore rich, chewy treats with a touch of sophistication, then you’re going to be head over heels for my Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe. These blondies combine the silky sweetness of maple syrup with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch, all rounded off with a luscious caramel glaze that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your repertoire for every occasion.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe so special is the harmony of simple ingredients working in concert. The toasted pecans add that perfect crunch, while the maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that’s more complex than plain sugar. I’ve found using extra-virgin olive oil adds subtle richness and keeps these blondies moist and tender.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: I prefer it to butter here for a moist texture and a subtle fruity depth.
• Dark-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the maple syrup perfectly.
• Maple syrup: The star ingredient that brings warmth and complexity beyond ordinary sweetness.
• Eggs plus egg yolk: This combo creates structure while keeping your blondies wonderfully fudgy.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor – a little goes a long way!
• All-purpose flour: The backbone for that tender yet sturdy crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that gives gentle lift without cakiness.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Pecans: Toasted to perfection for crunch and nuttiness that your taste buds will rave about.
• Caramel sauce (optional): For that rich, buttery finish when turned into a glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Smooths out the caramel glaze for easy drizzling.
• Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts the glaze consistency to your liking.

Variations

I love customizing this Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe to suit whatever mood or dietary need strikes. Playing with mix-ins or swapping out the glaze ingredients keeps this classic treat feeling fresh and fun every time.

• Add Chocolate Chips: My family goes crazy when I toss in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for melty pockets of sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve successfully swapped all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend — just be sure to check the rise and adjust baking time.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or dried cranberries if you’re avoiding nuts.
• Savory Twist: A sprinkle of sea salt on top after glazing adds a fantastic contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Pecans for Maximum Flavor

Before diving into the batter, get those pecans toasty! Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet. After about 10 minutes—give them a little shake halfway through to ensure even toasting—you’ll smell the rich, nutty aroma that promises flavor in every bite. Let them cool, then chop roughly. This simple step elevates the nuttiness far beyond what raw pecans offer.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Love

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dark-brown sugar, and maple syrup until everything is nicely combined — about a minute or two should do it. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This combo is your flavor foundation, so I always take a moment here to enjoy the sweet, earthy aroma.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mixture — I add about a cup at a time — using a spatula to avoid overmixing. Scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl to capture every bit of batter. The goal is a smooth, slightly thick batter that’s ready to cradle those toasted pecans.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans and Prepare to Bake

Fold in about 1 1/4 cups of the toasted pecans, saving the rest for topping the blondies. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well if you don’t have parchment handy. Pour the batter into your dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the top for that gorgeous, nutty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. Here’s a helpful trick I learned: insert a toothpick into the center around the 40-minute mark. If it comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, that’s perfect! If there’s wet batter, give it another 5 minutes. You want that luscious gooey texture, not cakey blondies. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely — this sets them up for neat slicing without crumbling.

Step 6: Whip Up the Caramel Glaze (Optional But Worth It!)

In a small bowl, combine the caramel sauce and powdered sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to achieve a smooth glaze. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk — 1 to 2 tablespoons will do. Drizzle generously over your blondies once they’re cooled. I love serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel glaze – it creates a beautiful contrast and really makes the sweetness pop. For a party, you can also dust with a little extra powdered sugar or add chopped pecans on top for extra decor and texture.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a big mug of tea. If you’re serving dessert after a meal, consider fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve arranged these blondies on a wooden board with extra caramel sauce in a pretty jug for drizzling. Another favorite is cutting them into bite-sized squares and stacking them in decorative cupcake liners for easy party snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

These blondies freeze wonderfully! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, just pop them out and thaw at room temp—super convenient for unexpected cravings.

Reheating

To refresh leftover blondies, I like heating them gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. If you added the caramel glaze, the warmth helps the glaze soften and get even more luscious. Just don’t overdo it or they can dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Maple Pecan Blondies with Caramel Glaze Recipe come together with such ease, yet deliver complex flavors and a perfect texture every single time. When I first tried them, I was hooked by their gooey center and crunchy pecan bites — plus, how that gentle touch of maple syrup makes them uniquely special. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you because I know it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too. Give it a try and watch your family or friends go crazy for these sweet, nutty delights.

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