Name: Maple Pecan Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 cups dark-brown sugar; 1 cup maple syrup; 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Ingredients

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups dark-brown sugar

1 cup maple syrup

3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped

1/2 cup caramel sauce

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Let cool, then chop.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, dark-brown sugar, and maple syrup until combined, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Whisk in the 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk until smooth. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing well.

Step 4: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, folding it into the wet mixture with a spatula. Scrape the sides to combine, forming a thick batter.

Step 5: Fold 1 1/4 cups of the toasted pecans into the batter, saving 1/4 cup for topping.

Step 6: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour batter evenly into the dish and sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.

Step 7: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let cool completely before cutting.

Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: Drizzle the caramel glaze over cooled blondies or serve it on the side for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try substituting half the pecans with walnuts or walnuts and pistachios.

Use pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor.

To make the blondies more indulgent, melt a few tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm spice note.

FAQs

Can I substitute olive oil with butter?

Yes, you can use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor, but it may alter the moistness slightly.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye near the end of the baking time.