If you're looking for a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and downright addictive, Blond Brownies with Pecans are the answer. These golden, buttery bars deliver all the comfort of classic brownies—but with a Southern twist you’ll fall in love with.
What makes Blond Brownies with Pecans so special? It's the deep flavor of brown sugar paired with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. No chocolate needed—just pure, caramel-like goodness in every bite.
Unlike traditional brownies, Blond Brownies with Pecans are incredibly simple to whip up. One bowl. Minimal ingredients. Maximum flavor. You’ll have bakery-style results in under an hour.
These chewy pecan blondies are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy night in. Each square is soft in the center, crisp at the edges, and loaded with nutty flavor.
Want a dessert that impresses without stress? Blond Brownies with Pecans never fail.
Why These Blond Brownies Stand Out
The beauty of Blond Brownies with Pecans lies in their honest simplicity and incredible versatility. While traditional brownies draw their richness from cocoa, blondies get their signature golden hue and deep, molasses-like flavor from brown sugar.
In this version, Blond Brownies with Pecans deliver a satisfying texture contrast that sets them apart. The buttery crunch of toasted pecans perfectly complements the soft, chewy base—each bite is a balance of comfort and indulgence.
These brown sugar blondies trace their roots to classic Southern baking, where pecans are a staple and brown sugar is always stocked in the pantry. It’s no wonder that Blond Brownies with Pecans have become a beloved treat across generations.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy a square with your morning coffee for a cozy pick-me-up. Blond Brownies with Pecans are also perfect for backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, or tucked into lunchboxes as a sweet surprise.
Whether you’re baking for a c
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Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Light brown sugar, packed
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chopped pecans
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-free version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter
- Nut-free alternative: Swap pecans for chocolate chips or dried cranberries
- Reduced sugar: Use less brown sugar plus sugar substitute
- Egg substitute: Use flax eggs (ground flaxseed + water)
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition
- Stir in the vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined
Pro tip: Make sure your butter isn't too hot when you add the eggs, or you'll end up with scrambled eggs in your batter. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes after melting.
Add Pecans and Transfer
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter
- Reserve a few extra pecans to sprinkle on top if desired
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan using an offset spatula
Kitchen hack: Lightly toss the pecans in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just barely firm to the touch
- The top should be golden brown with a slightly glossy appearance
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges
Important: Don't overbake! These homemade blonde brownies will continue cooking slightly after you remove them from the oven.
- Prepare & Mix: Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar, then add eggs & vanilla
- Add & Transfer: Fold in chopped pecans and transfer batter to prepared pan
- Bake & Cool: Bake until golden brown and edges are set, then cool before slicing
Equipment For Blond Brownies with Pecans
Essential Tools:
- 9x13 inch baking pan (metal for crispier edges, glass for even baking)
- Large mixing bowl and whisk
- Parchment paper for easy removal
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Use any rectangular pan close to 9x13 inches, wooden spoon instead of whisk, or greased aluminum foil instead of parchment.
Expert Cooking Tips & Tricks
For Extra Chewy Texture: Slightly underbake the blondies – they should still be soft in the center.
Toasted Pecan Upgrade: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping for intensified flavor.
Brown Butter Magic: Brown your butter until golden and nutty for richer flavor, then cool slightly.
Recipe Variations
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Chip Pecan: Add chocolate chips along with the pecans
- Caramel Pecan: Swirl in caramel sauce before baking
- Maple Pecan: Replace some brown sugar with pure maple syrup
Dietary Modifications
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and sugar-free brown sugar substitute
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and vegan butter
Storage
Fridge Storage
Store your nutty blondie squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days. The texture actually improves after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Freezing Instructions
These chewy pecan bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
Meal Prep Tip: Cut the blondies and freeze them individually wrapped for grab-and-go desserts throughout the month.
Final Bite: The Secret to Irresistible Blond Brownies with Pecans
Now that you know the secret—letting your batter rest for 10 magical minutes—you’re just one step away from baking the best Blond Brownies with Pecans of your life. That short pause allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and the brown sugar to melt into the mix, giving you those soft, chewy centers and crisp golden edges everyone raves about.
Whether you're baking for a crowd or sneaking a cozy treat for yourself, these Blond Brownies with Pecans offer the perfect blend of rich flavor and nutty crunch. Don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes!
Ready to impress? Bake a batch, let them cool, and enjoy the kind of homemade dessert that tastes like it came straight from a Southern bakery—because now, it kind of does.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment, rate it, or share your blondie photos online and tag us—because nothing beats a warm pan of Blond Brownies with Pecans... unless it’s a second batch.
FAQ
What's the difference between brownies and blonde brownies?
Regular brownies contain chocolate or cocoa powder, giving them their dark color and rich chocolate flavor. Blonde brownies (blondies) don't use chocolate – instead, they rely on brown sugar for their golden color and butterscotch-like taste. Blondies have a chewy, dense texture similar to brownies but with a sweeter, caramel flavor profile that's perfect for adding nuts like pecans.
Do pecans taste good in brownies?
Yes! Pecans are excellent in blond brownies with pecans because their buttery, rich flavor complements the brown sugar base perfectly. Pecans add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of blondies. Their natural sweetness enhances the caramel notes without overpowering the dessert, making them one of the most popular nut choices for blonde brownies.
What nuts to put in blondies?
The best nuts for blondies include pecans (most popular), walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. Pecans offer the richest, butteriest flavor that pairs perfectly with brown sugar. Walnuts provide earthiness, while almonds add mild crunch. Toast any nuts before adding them to intensify flavor. For blond brownies with pecans, stick with pecans for authentic Southern-style taste and optimal texture contrast.
Are blondies supposed to be gooey in the middle?
Yes, perfect blondies should be slightly gooey and fudgy in the center while having set edges. This chewy, gooey texture is what makes blond brownies with pecans irresistible. Underbaking slightly achieves this – the center should be just barely firm when touched. Overbaking creates dry, cake-like blondies. The residual heat continues cooking them after removal, creating the ideal gooey consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Blond Brownies with Pecans prove you don’t need chocolate to bake something truly irresistible. With their chewy texture, rich brown sugar flavor, and buttery pecans, they’re an easy, go-to dessert for any occasion.
Want more sweet ideas? Try my Quick & Easy Lunch Lady Brownies Recipe for a fudgy throwback, or the Quick Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe for a fast, crowd-pleasing treat.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your blondie pics—I’d love to see your delicious results!
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Blond Brownies with Pecans
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan Metal preferred for crispier edges
- Mixing bowl Large size
- Whisk
- Parchment paper For lining the pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Mix Butter & Sugar
- Add Eggs & Vanilla
- Add Dry Ingredients
- Fold in Pecans
- Spread in Pan
- Bake
- Cool & Cut
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