Coffee Caramel Blondies

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the deep warmth of coffee with the buttery sweetness of caramel, then you are going to fall head over heels for Coffee Caramel Blondies. These rich, gooey treats bring together the bold, aromatic flavor of coffee with luscious ribbons of caramel, creating an irresistible combination that delights every bite. Whether you want a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or a show-stopping dessert, these blondies hit every note on the flavor scale and are surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Coffee Flavor: The subtle caffeine kick perfectly balances the blondies’ sweetness for a grown-up twist.
• Decadently Gooey Texture: Soft and chewy with gooey caramel pockets that melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday staples you probably already have, plus a touch of magic from coffee.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt it with your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or dairy-free options to suit your taste.
• Perfect Anytime Treat: Great as a snack, dessert, or even a delightful coffee pairing in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Coffee Caramel Blondies requires just the right mix of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in producing the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Every component works in harmony to give you that rich, irresistible bite.

• All-purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base to hold everything together while keeping the texture tender.
• Baking Powder: Adds a little lift for a light, fluffy interior without making the blondies cakey.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and a satisfying buttery flavor to the batter.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness for that classic blondie taste.
• Espresso Powder or Strong Coffee: Delivers the unmistakable coffee essence that makes the recipe uniquely special.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors, adding warmth and depth.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and ensure a chewy, moist texture.
• Caramel Sauce or Soft Caramel Bits: Infuse gooey ribbons of sweetness throughout the blondies.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the coffee and caramel flavors.

Variations for Coffee Caramel Blondies

The beauty of this Coffee Caramel Blondies recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to amp up the crunch, adjust for dietary needs, or bring in new flavors, these variations take it to the next level without extra hassle.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch paired with the chewy texture.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix in dark or white chocolate chips for melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free caramel for a vegan-friendly treat.
• Spiced Coffee Caramel Blondies: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for a warm, cozy spice profile.
• Extra Coffee Kick: Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso powder for a stronger, brighter coffee flavor.

How to Make Coffee Caramel Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Gather and measure all ingredients ahead of time for smooth preparation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder or instant coffee granules. This ensures even distribution of the coffee flavor and leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the blondies’ signature chewiness and caramel notes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, blending well after each addition. This creates a smooth, cohesive batter that binds all flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender yet chewy.

Step 6: Swirl in Caramel

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then drizzle half the caramel sauce evenly on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and caramel, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel through the batter for gooey ribbons.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft and fudgy when poked. Let the blondies cool completely before slicing to allow the caramel to settle.

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Caramel Blondies

• Use Quality Coffee: Freshly brewed espresso or high-quality instant coffee powder delivers the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: To keep that gooey center, remove blondies from the oven once the edges are firm but the middle is still soft.
• Swirling Technique: Swirl the caramel delicately to avoid mixing it fully—this creates beautiful caramel streaks.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps the batter emulsify more smoothly.
• Let It Cool Completely: Cooling solidifies the caramel and prevents the blondies from crumbling when cut.

How to Serve Coffee Caramel Blondies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top to enhance the caramel’s sweetness or dust lightly with cocoa powder for an elegant touch. A few fresh coffee beans pressed into the surface before baking also make a cute, thematic garnish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Coffee Caramel Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. They also make an incredible partner to a steaming cup of latte, cappuccino, or even a glass of cold brew.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these blondies as bite-sized squares at a brunch buffet or stack them between layers of whipped cream and chocolate in a parfait glass. You can also drizzle extra warm caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an impressive presentation at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your coffee caramel blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate to maintain the gooey texture longer.

Freezing

Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Coffee Caramel Blondies stay good for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked indulgence, reheat blondie squares in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven to revive the caramel’s gooey richness and soften the texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular coffee for espresso powder?

Yes, but espresso powder has a more concentrated flavor, so use less if you’re using brewed coffee; typically replace 1 tablespoon of espresso powder with 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee for the best results.

Are Coffee Caramel Blondies vegan-friendly?

The classic recipe contains eggs and butter, but you can make them vegan by using plant-based butter substitutes, flax eggs, and dairy-free caramel sauce.

How long do these blondies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I use caramel candies instead of caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Melt caramel candies gently with a splash of cream or milk and swirl into the batter or drop softened bits in the blondie mix for gooey caramel bursts.

What is the best coffee to use for this recipe?

The best coffee is a bold roast espresso powder or a strong brewed espresso, as these add the rich, robust coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.

Final Thoughts

Anyone who loves the cozy combination of coffee and caramel needs to try these Coffee Caramel Blondies. Their luscious, gooey texture paired with that warm coffee aroma makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just a treat-yourself moment, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress while enjoying every delicious mouthful.

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