If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert that’s cozy, chewy, and filled with nutty sweetness, pecan praline blondies are the answer. These dessert bars bring together the richness of buttery blondies with the crunch and caramelized flavor of pecans. Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or just a night in with coffee, pecan blondies are not only easy to make but also impossible to resist. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes them special, tips for baking, variations to try, and why they deserve a spot in your recipe box. Don’t miss our cinnamon coffee cake if you love warm, spiced fall treats.
Table of Contents
What Are Pecan Praline Blondies?
A Sweet Introduction
Pecan praline blondies are chewy dessert bars made from a blondie base—similar to brownies but without cocoa powder—layered with a praline topping of brown sugar, butter, and crunchy pecans. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that balances buttery sweetness with a nutty crunch.
Why Blondies Make the Perfect Base
Blondies are often referred to as the vanilla version of brownies. They’re flavored with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a butterscotch-like richness. This base pairs beautifully with pecans, allowing the praline topping to shine without being overly sweet.
Why Pecan Praline Blondies Are Perfect for Fall
Seasonal Flavors That Shine
Fall desserts often spotlight nuts, spices, and caramel notes. Pecan praline blondies add a warm, seasonal flair. The toasted pecans mirror the flavor of pecan pie, but with the convenience of a handheld bar.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
These bars are easy to slice, transport, and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or casual coffee gatherings. They look fancy but require minimal effort—a win-win in the baking world. Looking for inspiration? Try this maple pecan pie for another fall-inspired dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Key Ingredients for Blondie Base
- Butter: Creates a rich, soft texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the bars.
- Eggs: Provide moisture and binding.
The Praline Topping
- Pecans: Toasted for a nutty, buttery crunch.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for praline flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Gives a creamy caramel texture.
- Butter: Helps bind the topping to the blondie base.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Preparing the Blondie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Beat the butter and brown sugar together until smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Fold in flour and salt until combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Making the Praline Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add toasted pecans and stir to coat.
- Pour mixture evenly over the blondie batter.
Check out our sweet potato pie recipe for another holiday favorite packed with southern charm.
Baking and Serving Tips
Getting the Perfect Texture
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies soft and chewy.
How to Serve Pecan Praline Blondies
- Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them over the top.
- Coffee Pairing: These bars are the perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee.
- Holiday Treat Boxes: Cut into small squares, wrap individually, and gift to friends.
Don’t miss our cranberry orange bread for another festive baked good to share during the holidays.
Creative Variations of Pecan Blondies
Adding Chocolate for Extra Indulgence
If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars. The bittersweet notes balance the rich praline topping, making every bite irresistible.
Pumpkin Spice Twist
To highlight the fall season even more, mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the blondie batter. This variation turns your pecan praline blondies into a festive pumpkin blondie version—perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the praline topping.
These changes keep the dessert equally delicious but make it accessible to more guests.
Don’t miss our pumpkin spice latte cupcakes for another fall-inspired twist that pairs beautifully with these blondies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Your Blondies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for about a week, though the texture may firm up.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead for Holidays
Pecan praline blondies are a baker’s dream because they can be prepared ahead of time. For the best flavor, bake them a day or two ahead of your gathering to allow the tastes to blend more fully.
Best Way to Reheat
Warm blondies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving. This softens the praline topping and enhances the fresh-baked taste. Looking for inspiration? Try apple cider donuts as another make-ahead fall treat.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make pecan blondies without the praline topping?
Yes! You can bake the blondie base alone for a simpler treat. But the praline topping adds extra flavor and texture that makes them stand out.
How do I keep my blondies chewy and not cakey?
Don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when the center is just set. Using more brown sugar than white sugar also helps create a chewy texture.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts provide a similar crunch but a slightly more bitter flavor. If you love pecan pie, though, pecans are the best choice.
How do I cut blondies cleanly?
Cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to keep edges neat.
Can I make blondies in advance for a party?
Yes, pecan praline blondies are excellent make-ahead desserts. Store them in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 7–8 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent burning.
Part 9: Conclusion
Pecan praline blondies are a must-have dessert bar for fall and beyond. They blend the chewy sweetness of blondies with the crunchy, caramel-like richness of praline pecans. Easy to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing, these blondies are a fantastic addition to your baking list. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy them with your morning coffee, they’re bound to become a favorite.
Don’t miss our caramel apple pie for another fall dessert that’s just as indulgent and perfect for gatherings.
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Pecan Praline Blondies: A Fall Dessert Bar You’ll Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars
Description
Chewy, buttery pecan praline blondies are the perfect fall dessert bars. Topped with caramelized pecans, these easy blondies combine the cozy sweetness of brown sugar with the crunch of toasted nuts—ideal for holidays, gatherings, or coffee time.
Ingredients
For Blondie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Praline Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Blondie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until combined. Fold in flour and salt until no dry streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make Praline Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar. Stir in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Add toasted pecans, stirring until coated.
- Assemble: Pour praline topping evenly over blondie batter. Spread gently with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled blondies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
- Swap pecans with walnuts for a slightly more bitter, earthy variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
