September 30th, 2009 
duodishes 
If real babies could eat blondies, they’d probably enjoy them. And by real, we mean babies that have already made it out of the womb and into the world. There’s a lovely girl having her first baby, and to send her off for maternity leave, we thought nothing less than a batch of blondies would do. It can’t be possible for a pregnant woman to shun dessert, can it? So we set out to make them. Soft, chewy, sweet, a blondie is dessert that you could love as much as a brownie, though they are not exactly the same thing. There’s no cocoa in these babies, and they are made with all brown sugar. What does that mean to you? It means the deep, rich molasses of the sugar itself will permeate these dessert bars, creating a butterscotch flavor that bounces off the tongue. It also guarantees a moist, chewy treat due to the softer texture of the sugar’s grains. Similar to their chocolate cousin, blondies can be zazzed up anyway you like–a little of this, a little of that, or plain and pure. They’re perfect bars for the bun in the oven.
We chose to use this basic recipe because it calls for the butter to be melted before it is mixed with the sugar, rather than creamed at room temperature. That totally brings out a more intense caramelly, butterscotchy flavor. At least, in our humble opinion. We tossed in caramel bits, but of course you could use toasted nuts, dried cranberries, chocolate candies, etc. if you prefer. There’s also more salt and a little cinnamon to balance out what is clearly a very sweet dessert.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies – Serves 16 (remodeled from Simply Recipes)
Blondie
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel bits
Frosting
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1. Butter a 9”x9” pan and lay in parchment paper, so that there is at least an inch of over hang (handles, if you will) on both sides. (If necessary, layer two pieces of parchment over each other in a cross pattern, so that there is enough paper hanging off each side. Use scissors to cut off any extra paper.) Spray the parchment paper with floured baking spray. Set aside.
2. Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Add sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and keep on whisking.
3. Using a heavy spoon, stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt until just incorporated. Finally, add the caramel bits.
4. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly to all sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes or until the blondies bounce back upon touch. Allow to cool at least an hour, but do not remove from the pan.
5. Once blondies have cooled, melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Plop in peanut butter and stir to combine. Spread over blondies. Carefully lift blondies out of tray by the parchment paper handles and cut.
Click HERE for the printable recipe.
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MMMMMMMMMMMMMM,…terrific!!
BLONDIES!! Love them – have several recipes for them on my blog, haha
“And by real, we mean babies that have already made it out of the womb and into the world.”
Probably the funniest thing I’ll read on the Internet today, if not all year.
mmmmmm. those look amazing! i’m sure any baby would gobble them up! pretty sure big people would too
I wish I was the one going on leave! these look great..
Blondies such a beautiful sweeties …… outstanding
Cheers!
Gera
I’m drooling. When I first looked at the picture the chocolate threw me through a loop since I don’t usually expect to see so much of it on a blondie but these sound SO good.
I’m all over anything involving chocolate and PB! Great baby on the way present
Yum. That’s one lucky mommy and one very unique recipe.
Sorry about the couple mixup. I have a friend that people thought was my boyfriend for years until I got married. I always had to end up explaining why he wasn’t my boyfriend because people thought we were clearly in love. Yeah. Well, is the love of my life, but more like the Will to my Grace than like my husband!
You guys are still an adorable pair! It’s great to have a friend you can share a passion for cooking with. None of my friends are into cooking.
That butterscotchy flavor is what I live for when it comes to blondies… I’m loving the chocolate peanut butter frosting, though. Very nice.
[...] Blondies for Babies « The Duo Dishes duodishes.com/2009/09/30/blondies-for-babies – view page – cached If real babies could eat blondies, they’d probably enjoy them. And by real, we mean babies that have already made it out of the womb and into the world. — From the page [...]
Oh man, those look wicked good. I *love* blondies. My girlfriend isn’t a fan so I don’t get them often.
Haha…I’m sure babies would gobble it up not matter what. Get that chocolate addiction started early. LOL. Yummy!
These look incredible! I like the idea of melting the butter first to get a richer flavor. Interesting – I’ll have to try that.
Oh HELL yeah, peanut butter blondies? Yum!
Dare I say that peanut butter and chocolate are another dynamic duo? Yea, I went for that pun hook-line-and-sinker
You had me at “blondie” Duo. These look *amazing*!!!
Blondies are probably one of my biggest dessert weaknesses. I know I know, I have MANY weaknesses in that realm (ice cream, chocolate, cookies, brownies, et all), but there’s just something about blondies that really pushes me over the edge. I’m sure these would send me flying over it…
Wawww, babies will be so addicted to this very tempting looking blondies! miammm
These look delicious and yes I’d imagine people of any age would love them!
These look incredibly delicious!! I haven’t had a blondie in so long, much too long!
Yum, yum, yum!
Sounds heavenly and perfect for a mommy to be.
looks yummy! I love blondies just as much as I love brownies ..
So easy to cook and you can have your own design.
Oh yeah!! I don’t think there is anyone out there who would refuse a freshly baked pan of blondies!
Oh Wow! What a send off, and great idea.
Wow, a frosted blondie? What a way to send off!
Have printed this out for use VERY soon. My favourite flavour combinations…
I feel like baking them right now. This looks terrific.
Mmm these look delicious!
I would love to have some chocolate and peanut butter with my blondies, please!!!!!
They look luscious.
These look great! I don;t think anyone can shun this!