Irresistible Maple Pecan Caramel Brown Butter Blondies: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these extraordinary Maple Pecan Caramel Blondies! They start with my absolute favorite browned butter blondie as the foundation, providing an unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Each blondie bar is generously piled high with a decadent salted maple caramel sauce and an abundance of perfectly toasted pecans, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a perfect blend of sweet, salty, nutty, and buttery goodness that truly embodies comfort.

For many, the crisp air and changing leaves of Fall instantly evoke the comforting taste of maple syrup. Perhaps it’s a childhood memory, like my own, of gathering vibrant leaves and picking apples on a brisk afternoon, followed by making sweet maple candies with my Mom. Or maybe, like me, you simply have an undeniable, almost “unnatural” obsession with this unique, woodsy-sweet flavor. Regardless of its origin, maple syrup holds a special place in the heart of autumn, and it’s this deep connection that inspired the creation of these ultimate fall dessert bars.

That deep-seated maple obsession led to an exciting culinary breakthrough. Just yesterday afternoon, I found myself daydreaming about blondies and the rich, complex notes of maple syrup. My mind wandered, pondering how to infuse a truly whopping maple flavor into a classic blondie. Then, a spark of everyday genius ignited! What if, instead of using traditional sugar, I crafted a luscious “caramel” entirely from pure maple syrup? This idea was a game-changer, promising to deliver that authentic, unadulterated maple essence I craved, while still offering the sticky, gooey texture of a perfect caramel. The thought alone was enough to send me straight into the kitchen, eager to bring this vision to life.

The answer to my creative question, my friends, is nothing short of magic. The result of using maple syrup as the base for the caramel was truly sensational! It’s like a perfect marriage: the classic richness of caramel harmoniously combined with the distinctive, warm notes of pure maple syrup. The resulting flavor is even better than either ingredient could achieve on its own – a testament to how well these two culinary stars complement each other. When you generously pour this incredible maple caramel, studded with perfectly toasted pecans, over the chewy brown butter blondie base, you create a dessert that is so irresistibly delicious, people will literally be fighting over the last piece. This isn’t just an exaggeration; it’s a warning!

To elevate this already phenomenal treat, a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel on top delivers a flavor explosion that demands an opulent, descriptive name: the Maple Pecan Caramel Brown Butter Blondie. The subtle crunch and briny notes of the sea salt cut through the sweetness, enhancing every layer of flavor and creating an addictive sweet-and-salty balance that makes each bite unforgettable. It’s this thoughtful addition that transforms a wonderful blondie into an absolute masterpiece, truly deserving of its grand title.

The Foundation: A Spectacular Brown Butter Blondie Base

Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of this dessert: the Brown Butter Blondie bar bottom. This base truly deserves its own moment in the spotlight because it is nothing short of spectacular! It genuinely blows every other blondie I’ve ever tasted out of the water, setting a new standard for what a blondie should be. The process of browning butter transforms it, developing a rich, nutty aroma and a complex, caramel-like flavor that infuses the entire blondie. This seemingly small step adds an incredible depth that a regular blondie simply can’t achieve, making it stand out as a truly superior treat.

Yes, even my beloved one-pot butterscotch blondie, while still fabulous for its ease and amazing taste, takes a backseat to this new creation. If you’re looking for an effortless, quick dessert, that recipe is still a fantastic choice. However, if you don’t mind investing a little extra time and effort – a small amount of “muscle” in the kitchen – then this new Brown Butter Blondie recipe is pure dynamite. It delivers an intensely rich and satisfyingly chewy texture, along with that elusive je ne sais quoi that only the magical process of browning butter can impart. The nuanced, toasty notes complement the sweet brown sugar and vanilla, creating a base that is wonderfully complex and incredibly satisfying. It’s truly a game-changer for blondie enthusiasts.

In short, this particular blondie base has become my new favorite. Period. Its profound flavor and perfect chewiness make it the ideal canvas for the luscious maple pecan caramel, ensuring every component of this dessert contributes to an overall extraordinary experience. You’ll understand once you take your first bite – there’s simply no going back to an ordinary blondie.

Crafting the Perfect Maple Pecan Caramel

The star topping for these blondies is truly what sets them apart. Our unique “caramel” is made from pure maple syrup, intensified and transformed through a careful cooking process. Unlike traditional caramel made from granulated sugar, this version boasts a more natural, earthy sweetness with all the characteristic warmth of maple. It’s surprisingly simple to create, but yields incredibly complex flavors. Toasting the pecans beforehand is also a crucial step, bringing out their inherent nuttiness and adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramel and soft blondie base. The combination of the sweet maple caramel and the crunchy, aromatic pecans is simply divine.

Just take a moment to gaze at this masterpiece. Imagine the visual delight: glistening, richly hued maple syrup caramel, dripping luxuriantly over the edges. Beneath that golden cascade, you’ll find perfectly toasted pecans, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. And anchoring it all is that wonderfully chewy brown butter blondie, providing a deep, satisfying foundation. This combination is utterly irresistible, a truly harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors that will capture your senses. Once you experience the magic of this maple caramel, you’ll be eager to explore its versatility. Why not head over to my caramel brownie recipe next for another decadent treat featuring this fantastic sauce?

Maple Pecan Caramel Blondies leaning on parchment

5 from 4 ratings

Maple Pecan Caramel Brown Butter Blondies

by

Chef Lindsey

These Maple Pecan Caramel Brown Butter Blondies feature my favorite rich, chewy browned butter blondie as the base, generously topped with an incredible salted maple caramel and perfectly toasted pecans. A truly irresistible fall dessert!

Prep:

40
minutes

Cook:

20
minutes

Total:

1
hour

Servings:

24
Bars

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Ingredients

For the Blondie

▢

1 ½
cups

all-purpose flour
▢

2
teaspoons

baking powder
▢

1
teaspoon

kosher salt
▢

¾
cup

unsalted butter

1 ½ sticks
▢

2
cups

light brown sugar

packed
▢

2

eggs
▢

1
teaspoon

vanilla extract

For the Maple Pecan “Caramel”

▢

4
cups

pecans

chopped
▢

2
cups

maple syrup

grade B or dark amber
▢

½
cup

heavy cream
▢

¼
cup

unsalted butter
▢

1
teaspoon

sea salt
▢

Fleur de sel

for sprinkling

Makes:

0
inch

9
x
10
inch

rectangle

Instructions

To make the Blondie

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9x2 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, swirling several times a minute, until browned bits cling to the bottom of the pan and the butter takes on a slightly nutty aroma. Transfer brown butter to a medium bowl.
Add brown sugar and beat, with an electric mixer, until well combined and mixture resembles wet sand, 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy, 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients and beat until smooth. The batter will be very thick.
Using an offset spatula, evenly spread batter in pan.
Bake blondie until golden brown or a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

To make the Maple Pecan “Caramel”

Toast pecans in 350°F oven until the toasted nut aroma starts wafting through your kitchen, 10-12 minutes. Toss them about and check on them every several minutes. They will burn in a matter of minutes if you aren’t careful.
Pour maple syrup in a deep pot with a thick bottom. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let boil softly for ~15 minutes. Stir every few minutes with a heat proof spatula or spoon to reduce the bubbles. You will notice that the syrup will start to coat the outside of the spatula or spoon and will cool quickly into a caramel-like consistency. It will resemble candy at the softball stage.
Stir in the butter until it is completely melted and then add the cream, stirring constantly. It will not bubble up dangerously like caramel but it will still be very hot. Add the salt and then stir to mix.
Remove from heat and stir in pecans to coat. Pour over cooled blondie and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. Then remove from pan and cut into bars. Sprinkle with fleur de sel or sea salt.
Make ahead: you can store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let the bars come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Blondie recipe from Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2011

Nutrition

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Calories:
375

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Before You Go: More Delicious Treats

I genuinely hope you enjoyed this professional chef-tested recipe for Maple Pecan Caramel Brown Butter Blondies. It’s a true labor of love designed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, especially during the autumn months. The combination of the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter, the rich sweetness of maple caramel, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans creates a dessert that’s simply unforgettable.

If you’re looking for more delicious baking inspiration, be sure to check out our other fantastic Brownies and Bars Recipes. You’ll find a wide variety of delightful treats perfect for any occasion, from classic chocolate fudginess to bright, fruity concoctions. For those who enjoy a brighter, zestier twist, I highly recommend heading straight over to my Lemon Blondies recipe next. It offers a refreshing citrus variation that’s perfect for warmer days or when you simply crave a different flavor profile. Happy baking, and enjoy these incredible dessert bars!