Coffee Caramel Blondies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These blondies are a delightful cross between a rich coffee cake and decadent caramel bars. The coffee flavor from the espresso powder brings a sophisticated depth, while the caramel swirl adds a buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth. The balance of flavors, combined with the soft, gooey texture of the blondies, makes them absolutely irresistible. They’re easy to make, and their coffee-caramel combo is sure to wow your guests.

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Caramel Swirl:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Blondie Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Prepare the Caramel Swirl:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Once it has melted, immediately add the butter and stir until smooth.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is fully combined. Add the sea salt and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Blondies:

Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the blondie batter in a swirl pattern. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

5. Bake the Blondies:

Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the edges slightly crisp.

6. Cool and Serve:

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the caramel doesn’t drip too much when you cut into the blondies.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 blondies (depending on how large you cut them)

Notes

• Instant Espresso Powder: If you don’t have instant espresso powder, you can substitute it with finely ground coffee, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.
• Caramel Swirl Tips: Be sure to let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the batter, as this helps prevent it from sinking too much into the batter.
• Texture: These blondies are meant to be chewy and soft. Don’t overbake them, or they may turn out too dry.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in some melted chocolate along with the caramel for a richer, double-sweet treat.
• Coffee-Flavored Frosting: Top these blondies with a light coffee-flavored glaze for an added layer of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up and bring back that soft, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I make these blondies without the espresso powder?

Yes! If you don’t like coffee, you can simply omit the espresso powder. You’ll still have delicious, caramel-filled blondies with a rich, buttery flavor.

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel sauce can be made ahead of time. Just let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove before swirling it into the batter.

Can I freeze these blondies?

Yes, you can freeze these blondies. After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

These Coffee Caramel Blondies are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and slightly caffeinated, making them a hit for dessert lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. With their chewy texture, indulgent caramel swirl, and irresistible coffee flavor, these blondies will quickly become a favorite treat in your home! Perfect for a cozy night or when you want to impress guests with a delightful, homemade dessert.

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