If you are a coffee lover who also enjoys a decadent, chewy treat, this Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine rich, buttery blondies infused with the deep aroma of espresso, swirled generously with luscious caramel and studded with creamy white chocolate pieces. These blondies come together easily but deliver on a complex symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or an impressive dessert to share, these Coffee Caramel Blondies are irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to build flavor and texture. Each component is chosen to create the perfect balance of chewiness, sweetness, and that unmistakable coffee kick that makes these blondies truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled to add richness and moisture for a soft, chewy texture.
- Light brown sugar: Packed to provide caramel-like sweetness and help with the blondies’ tender crumb.
- Eggs: At room temperature for optimal mixing and structure.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee: Cooled to infuse a deep coffee flavor without bitterness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all other flavors in the blondies.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the blondies, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking powder: Just enough to give the blondies a slight lift and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional): For pockets of creamy sweetness that contrast the coffee notes.
- Thick caramel sauce: Swirled in and drizzled on top for gooey richness and a gorgeous finish.
How to Make Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking, so your blondies come out perfectly golden around the edges. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, which will make lifting the blondies out effortless and help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is key to achieving that tender, chewy bite we love. The combination of butter and brown sugar sets the foundation for rich caramel flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Espresso, and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs along with the brewed espresso (or strong coffee) and vanilla extract. Mix until these wet ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks silky. The espresso awakens the flavor profile, providing a subtle yet invigorating depth that elevates these blondies beyond ordinary.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies, so keep it gentle for the perfect tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate
If you’re using white chocolate chips or chunks, now is the time to fold them into the batter evenly. These little sweet puddles melt as the blondies bake, offering delightful pockets of creamy texture that pair beautifully with the coffee and caramel.
Step 6: Add Caramel Swirls
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the thick caramel sauce on top in various spots, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the caramel into the batter. These swirls create a gorgeous marbled effect and ensure every bite has luscious caramel goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This slight underbake guarantees moist, chewy blondies without drying out.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For clean, neat squares, chill them briefly in the refrigerator, then cut into 16 pieces. The end result should be tender blondies with a crisp edge, swirled caramel ribbons, and rich coffee undertones.
How to Serve Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe truly shine, consider a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top right before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can heighten all the flavors and add a gourmet touch. For an elegant finish, dust lightly with cocoa powder or finely ground coffee.
Side Dishes
These blondies are fantastic paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold. If you want to keep with the coffee theme, serve alongside a fresh cup of brewed coffee or a frothy cappuccino for the ultimate café-style experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your blondies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering. For a party, try stacking them in a tiered arrangement or placing them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats. You can even sandwich two blondies with caramel or coffee-flavored frosting in between for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Coffee Caramel Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and tender while preserving the rich coffee and caramel flavors.
Freezing
If you want to keep these blondies longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen coffee caramel blondies will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Warm leftover blondies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked gooeyness. For a crispier edge, briefly toast them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of brewed espresso with 1 teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a tablespoon of hot water. It will still provide that satisfying coffee flavor without changing the texture.
What if I don’t have white chocolate? Can I skip it?
Absolutely! The white chocolate chips add lovely sweetness and texture but the blondies will still be delicious without them. You could also try substituting with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor balance.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates they’re perfectly baked for a chewy, luscious center.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture and structure. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
What’s the best way to cut these blondies cleanly?
Let them cool completely, then chill for about 30 minutes to firm up the caramel swirls. Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry between cuts to get clean, neat squares.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and a little indulgent, I can’t recommend this Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe enough. It’s a wonderful way to bring together the bold flavor of coffee with creamy caramel and buttery blondie goodness in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite treat to bake and share!
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Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Coffee Caramel Blondies are a rich and chewy treat perfect for coffee lovers, featuring a buttery base enhanced with brewed espresso, swirls of thick caramel sauce, and optional white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture. These blondies bake to golden perfection with a moist, tender crumb and a delightful blend of coffee and caramel flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 ½ cups (300g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- ¾ cup (150g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional)
- ½ cup (120g) thick caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies once baked.
- Combine butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich, caramel-like base.
- Add eggs, espresso, and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, brewed espresso or strong coffee, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is uniform and glossy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tender blondies.
- Fold in white chocolate chips: If using, fold the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate into the batter to add textural contrast and sweetness.
- Assemble and swirl caramel: Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of thick caramel sauce over the top and use a knife or toothpick to create swirls, infusing the blondies with rich caramel ribbons.
- Bake: Bake the blondies for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden at the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a chewy yet cooked interior.
- Cool and slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts, chill the blondies slightly before slicing into 16 squares. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use brewed espresso or a very strong coffee for the best coffee flavor without adding too much liquid.
- Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to maintain tender blondies.
- Chilling the blondies before slicing helps achieve neater pieces.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a different pan size (e.g., 8×8 vs. 9×9 inch).
