The Mary Berry Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a rich and buttery flavor with a chewy texture. These blondies are perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or a treat to share with friends and family. With their golden color and luscious taste, they make an elegant addition to any dessert table. Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, buttery treats.
Mary Berry Blondies
Mary Berry’s Blondies are dense, chewy bars made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a rich and buttery flavor profile. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, blondies forego the cocoa powder, resulting in a lighter color and a distinct taste that highlights the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar. Often studded with chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, these blondies are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Buttery Richness: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Chewy Texture: Achieve the perfect balance between cakey and chewy for a satisfying bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible for all baking levels.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a delightful everyday treat.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Blondies
For the Blondies:
- Brown sugar: 200g (7 oz), packed, for sweetness and moisture.
- Butter: 115g (4 oz), melted, for richness.
- Eggs: 2 large, to bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Plain flour: 225g (8 oz), sifted, for structure.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the blondies rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: 150g (5 oz), semi-sweet or milk chocolate, for added indulgence.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts: 100g (3.5 oz), such as walnuts or pecans, for crunch.
- Dried fruits: 100g (3.5 oz), like cranberries or raisins, for a fruity twist.
- Toffee bits: 100g (3.5 oz), for extra sweetness and texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking tray: 23cm x 33cm (9in x 13in) tray, lined with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Cooling rack: Allow the blondies to cool evenly.
- Knife: For slicing the blondies once cooled.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Blondies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a 23cm x 33cm (9in x 13in) baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Blondie Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Blondies
- Pour batter into Tray: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the tray on a cooling rack before slicing.
Step 4. Serve the Blondies
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the blondies out of the tray using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Optional Garnish: Dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Blondies
- Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the rich, buttery flavor.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness to balance the sweetness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Blondies
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold the dry ingredients in just until combined to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Invest in good-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Chill the Batter: If you have time, chill the batter in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking the blondies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Blondies
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked blondies before slicing.
- Nutty Blondies: Add a mix of your favorite chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Blondies with Toffee Bits: Fold in toffee bits for a buttery, crunchy texture.
- Coconut Blondies: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Peanut Butter Blondies: Swirl in dollops of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Blondies
- Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Blondies freeze well. Wrap them individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Blondies
- Microwave: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
- Oven: Place the blondies in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes to enjoy them warm and slightly crispy.
- Room Temperature: Let the blondies sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften if they have been stored in the fridge.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Blondies Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Add More Nuts: Incorporate additional nuts for healthy fats and protein.
- Use Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Lower-Fat Options: Use reduced-fat butter or a butter substitute to decrease the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Value (per slice)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I freeze Mary Berry blondies?
Yes, Mary Berry blondies can be frozen. Once completely cool, wrap each blondie individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
How do I keep my blondies chewy?
To keep blondies chewy, avoid overbaking them. Bake until the edges are set and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow them to cool completely in the tray to set the chewy texture.
Can I use different types of sugar in blondies?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar. Brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor, but you can also use white sugar or a mix of both. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
What can I substitute for butter in blondies?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with coconut oil, margarine, or a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure the substitute is suitable for baking to maintain the texture and flavor of the blondies.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Blondies are a perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and sweet, chewy perfection. Their versatile nature allows you to customize them with your favorite add-ins, making them a beloved treat for any occasion.
Try this recipe to create a delicious and memorable dessert that everyone will love!
More By British Baking Recipes
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- Mary Berry Salted Caramel Traybake
- Mary Berry Peppermint Slice
- Nigella Salted Caramel Cake
- Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart
Mary Berry Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Blondies are dense, chewy bars made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a rich and buttery flavor profile. Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, blondies forego the cocoa powder, resulting in a lighter color and a distinct taste that highlights the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar. Often studded with chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, these blondies are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- Brown sugar: 200g (7 oz), packed, for sweetness and moisture.
- Butter: 115g (4 oz), melted, for richness.
- Eggs: 2 large, to bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Plain flour: 225g (8 oz), sifted, for structure.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the blondies rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: 150g (5 oz), semi-sweet or milk chocolate, for added indulgence.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts: 100g (3.5 oz), such as walnuts or pecans, for crunch.
- Dried fruits: 100g (3.5 oz), like cranberries or raisins, for a fruity twist.
- Toffee bits: 100g (3.5 oz), for extra sweetness and texture.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a 23cm x 33cm (9in x 13in) baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Blondie Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Blondies
- Pour batter into Tray: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the tray on a cooling rack before slicing.
4. Serve the Blondies
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the blondies out of the tray using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Optional Garnish: Dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
