Description
Maple Pecan Pear Blondies are a deliciously moist and tender dessert bar that combines the rich sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans and the subtle fruitiness of fresh pears. These blondies offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113 grams), melted
- Brown sugar: 1 cup (200 grams), packed
- Maple syrup: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 grams)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch
Add-ins
- Chopped pecans: 1/2 cup (60 grams), toasted
- Diced pears: 1 cup (about 2 medium pears)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking blondies evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease or line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and seasoning throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth. Then stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender. Fold in the diced pears and toasted chopped pecans carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the blondies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Diced pears should be firm but ripe for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
