Easter Blondies

The Easter season brings with it a burst of colors and flavors, and these Easter Blondies encapsulate that festive spirit in every bite. Chewy and rich, these bars are generously studded with pastel M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs, making them a visual and culinary delight. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but their vibrant appearance also adds a cheerful touch to any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging in some holiday baking, these blondies are sure to become a cherished favorite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups pastel M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir until well blended.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in 1 cup of the pastel M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of candies over the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 245 kcal | Servings: 16 bars

Easter Blondies: The Ultimate Festive Treat for Spring

Introduction

Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and, of course, delicious treats! Among the many festive desserts, Easter Blondies stand out as a simple yet irresistible delight. These chewy, buttery bars are packed with pastel-colored candies, making them the perfect addition to your Easter table. Whether you’re preparing treats for a family gathering, a spring picnic, or just indulging in some seasonal baking, these blondies offer the ideal balance of sweetness, texture, and holiday cheer.

The Origin of Blondies

Blondies are often considered the vanilla counterpart to brownies. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, blondies have a rich, caramel-like flavor derived from brown sugar and butter. Their origins trace back to the early 20th century when bakers sought a dessert similar to brownies but without the cocoa. Over the years, blondies have evolved, incorporating various mix-ins such as nuts, white chocolate, and candies, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Why Easter Blondies Are the Best Choice for Spring

Festive and Colorful: The pastel hues of Easter candies bring a lively and joyful appearance to these blondies, making them perfect for the season.
Easy to Make: Unlike complex layer cakes or intricate pastries, these bars come together quickly with minimal effort, making them ideal for busy bakers.
Chewy and Buttery: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding nuts, white chocolate chips, or different types of Easter candies.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re making a batch for an Easter brunch, school bake sale, or as a gift for loved ones, these blondies are easy to slice and serve.

Ingredients Breakdown and Their Benefits

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a soft consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile, giving the blondies a warm and comforting taste.
Flour, Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to provide structure and the perfect rise.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Pastel M&M’s or Mini Chocolate Eggs: Add bursts of chocolate and festive color to each bite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Easter Blondies

Prepare the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, blend melted butter with brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Incorporate Everything: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined. Fold in most of the pastel candies, saving some for the topping.
Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in the pan, sprinkle the remaining candies on top, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool before slicing into bars. Enjoy them as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips for the Best Easter Blondies

Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Blondies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven to ensure a chewy texture.
Customize Mix-Ins: Add nuts, white chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Make Them Ahead: These blondies stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for pre-Easter prep.

Fun Variations to Try

White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies: Add white chocolate chips and fresh raspberries for a fruity twist.
Carrot Cake Blondies: Incorporate shredded carrots, cinnamon, and a cream cheese glaze for an Easter classic with a blondie base.
Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle caramel over the blondies before baking and sprinkle with sea salt for an indulgent treat.
Nutty Easter Blondies: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture.

Pairing Ideas

Easter Blondies pair well with:

A warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
A tall glass of milk to enhance their rich, buttery flavor.
A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these blondies gluten-free? A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.

Q: How do I store leftover blondies? A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Easter Blondies are a must-try spring dessert that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Their combination of chewiness, buttery richness, and festive colors makes them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this easy and customizable recipe ensures delicious results every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful Easter treats!