Description
Coffee Caramel Blondies are rich, gooey treats that combine the bold, aromatic flavor of coffee with luscious ribbons of caramel for an irresistible dessert. Soft and chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness and a subtle caffeine kick, they are easy to make using simple everyday ingredients. Perfect as a cozy snack, decadent dessert, or a delightful coffee pairing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp espresso powder or 1½ tbsp instant strong coffee granules
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce or 1/2 cup soft caramel bits
Instructions
- 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.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder or instant coffee granules to ensure an even distribution of coffee flavor and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a mixer or 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.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, blending well after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso or high-quality instant coffee powder for the best coffee flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain a gooey center; remove once edges are set and middle is still soft.
- Swirl caramel delicately to avoid fully mixing and to create beautiful caramel streaks.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother batter emulsification.
- Allow blondies to cool completely to solidify caramel and prevent crumbling when cut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (2-inch square)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: coffee caramel blondies, coffee blondies, caramel blondies, gooey blondies, coffee dessert, caramel dessert, easy blondies
