If you love a rich and gooey treat that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and indulgent, you’re about to meet your new favorite dessert: Chewy Candy Bar Blondies. Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked blondie, its golden edges cradling a soft, buttery center. The sweet aroma of melting chocolate wafts through the air, enticing you to take that first bite. Each mouthful is a delightful surprise, packed with assorted candy bar chunks that add different textures and flavors to the mix.
I remember making these blondies for the first time during a cozy Sunday afternoon with friends. We were gathered around the kitchen, laughter filling the air, and as I pulled the blondies from the oven, the rich, buttery scent turned our chatter into excited whispers. The heat of the oven blending with the sweetness of the chocolate made everything feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a simple weekend treat, or just because you crave something sweet, these blondies are the perfect solution. You’ll spend hardly any time mixing and prepping, and yet, the results will make you feel like a baking rock star!
Why This Is The Best Chewy Candy Bar Blondies Recipe
This recipe for Chewy Candy Bar Blondies is a beloved favorite, and it’s easy to see why. First off, the preparation is uncomplicated; in just about 15 minutes, you’ll have your ingredients combined and on their way to the oven. The sensational flavors meld together beautifully, thanks to the rich buttery base and the mix of chocolatey goodness from the candy bars. And let’s not forget about the stunning presentation—the beautiful golden hue, glistening with tiny flakes of sea salt, is sure to turn heads at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them at a brunch, sending them to school as a treat, or serving them at a potluck, they’re versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free or tailored to suit different dietary needs, ensuring everyone can get in on the deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the blondie. It provides structure and helps create that chewy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond or oat flour can be used instead, just remember to adjust the measurements slightly.
Baking Powder: A must-have for that light, fluffy texture. It helps the blondies rise a bit and prevents them from being too dense. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder for best results.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the blondies and balances the sweetness. Use kosher salt or sea salt for a more refined taste.
Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient. It contributes to the rich, buttery flavor of the blondies. Make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor, leading to that irresistibly soft interior. Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark brown will give a more pronounced flavor.
Eggs: A large egg plus an extra yolk adds richness and moisture. Ensure they’re at room temperature for better emulsification.
Pure Vanilla Extract: This provides essential warmth and depth of flavor. Always choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best results.
Chopped Chocolate Candy Bars: Use a mix of your favorite candy bars. Options like Snickers, Milky Way, and Reese’s work beautifully. You could also swap in chocolate chips or nuts if preferred.
Optional Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkling this on top of the blondies before baking elevates the flavor, highlighting the sweetness and providing a delightful crunch.
How to Make Chewy Candy Bar Blondies
Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step ensures your blondies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This little trick will make it easier to lift out the blondies once baked, avoiding any sticky situations. Set the pan aside while you mix your ingredients.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is crucial as it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the blondies rise uniformly. The salt also helps balance the sweetness, ensuring that every bite is flavor-packed. Mix until fully combined, and set aside to prepare your wet ingredients.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, take your slightly cooled melted butter and whisk it together with the brown sugar until well combined. The mixture will look thick and slightly glossy. Next, add in the room temperature egg, the extra egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract, whisking until everything is harmoniously blended. This mixture creates the rich, soft base that will hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
Fold Together Gently
Now, it’s time to pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk them together until just combined. The batter should be quite thick at this point—it’s what makes the blondies chewy! Carefully fold in the chopped candy bars, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want every bite to have a delicious assortment of chocolate goodness!
Bake Until Golden
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If using, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for an added flavor boost. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-34 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking; you want that gooey center.
Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a cooling rack, which should take about an hour. Patience is key here! After they have cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan, transfer them to a cutting board, and then cut them into bars. Each square will reveal its chewy, candy-filled goodness, just waiting to be devoured!
Tips for Success
- Always measure your flour accurately. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense blondies.
- Room temperature ingredients mix better, yielding a smoother batter.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. For softer, gooier blondies, it’s crucial not to overbake.
- Let the blondies cool completely for the optimal texture and easier cutting.
- Customize with your favorite candy or add-ins, but ensure not to overload the batter.
Serve It With
These Chewy Candy Bar Blondies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate them:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an irresistible sundae.
- Drizzle with a simple chocolate glaze for a more decadent dessert.
- Consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch if you’re serving at a gathering.
- For a fun twist, pair with fresh berries for a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
To keep your leftover blondies at their best, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to preserve their freshness longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. For those who wish to freeze, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag—good for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. This will bring back that lovely soft texture, making them taste just as delightful as the day they were baked.
Tips & Variations
Feel free to get creative with this basic recipe! Here are some fun suggestions:
- Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to switch up the flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Blondies: Add pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Nut Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture deviation.
- Sugar-Free Options: Substitute brown sugar with your favorite sugar alternative.
- Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even pretzel pieces for a sweet-and-salty surprise.
Recipe FAQs
What types of candy bars work best?
Almost any chocolate candy bar will work well in these blondies, but favorites include Snickers, Milky Way, or even Reese’s. The more variety, the better!
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Why use both an egg and an egg yolk?
Using both contributes to a richer texture and moisture, giving the blondies that perfect chewy consistency that everyone loves.
How can I enhance the flavor?
In addition to the recommended mix-ins, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which can add a lovely warmth to the blondies.
Indulging in these Chewy Candy Bar Blondies isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories, enjoying simple pleasures, and sharing them with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these blondies will undoubtedly be a hit. So gather your ingredients, find a cozy spot, and enjoy each delightful bite!
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Recipe Card
Table of Contents
Chewy Candy Bar Blondies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-34 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These blondies feature a rich, buttery base filled with chocolate candy chunks, delivering a delightful chewy texture perfect for any sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped chocolate candy bars
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined, then add the egg, yolk, and vanilla, whisking again.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in chopped candy bars.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and bake for 30-34 minutes.
- Let the blondies cool completely before lifting them out of the pan and cutting into squares.
Notes
For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.
Make sure to measure flour accurately to avoid dense blondies.
Allow blondies to cool for optimal texture before cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
