Vegan Blondies Recipe

Imagine biting into a square of pure delight – a chewy, buttery (without the butter, of course!), and vanilla-kissed blondie that melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what happened when I first baked these vegan blondies. My family, a mix of vegans and non-vegans, devoured them within minutes! The warm, inviting aroma filled the kitchen, and the first bite confirmed what we all suspected – these were something special. Forget dry, crumbly vegan desserts, these blondies are moist, fudgy in the center, and boast those coveted chewy edges. Honestly, you wouldn’t believe they are entirely plant-based. They’ve become a regular treat in our home, perfect for afternoon tea, a quick dessert, or even a bake sale contribution that disappears in a flash. Ready to experience this deliciousness for yourself? Let’s get baking!

Blondies, often considered the vanilla counterpart to brownies, are a beloved treat for their buttery, brown sugar-forward flavor and delightfully chewy texture. Traditionally made with butter, eggs, and dairy, creating a vegan version might seem challenging. However, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve vegan blondies that are just as decadent and satisfying as their conventional counterparts – if not even better! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of baking the perfect vegan blondies, from ingredient selection to serving suggestions and troubleshooting tips. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with these irresistible plant-based delights.

Ingredients for Irresistible Vegan Blondies

The secret to exceptional vegan blondies lies in carefully chosen ingredients that mimic the roles of butter and eggs in traditional recipes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, and why each ingredient is crucial:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Vegan Butter, Melted: This is the heart of our blondies, providing that essential buttery richness and moisture. Opt for a high-quality vegan butter stick, not a spread in a tub, as sticks tend to have a higher fat content, which is key for texture and flavor. Look for brands specifically designed for baking. Melt the butter completely and allow it to cool slightly before using – this prevents it from cooking the sugar and ensures a chewy texture.
• 1 ½ cups Light Brown Sugar, Packed: Brown sugar is what gives blondies their signature butterscotch-like flavor and chewy texture. The molasses content in brown sugar contributes to moisture and depth of flavor. Pack the brown sugar firmly into your measuring cup to ensure you have the correct amount. Light brown sugar is preferred for a classic blondie flavor, but you can use dark brown sugar for a richer, more intense taste.
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create those desirable crispy edges. The combination of brown and granulated sugar provides a balanced sweetness and texture profile.
• ¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce: Applesauce acts as an egg replacer, providing moisture and binding to the blondies. It also adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the overall sweetness of the recipe. You can also use mashed ripe banana or pumpkin puree as alternatives.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is essential for that classic blondie flavor. Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best results. Don’t skimp on the vanilla – it really enhances the overall taste.
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the blondies. Measure your flour correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in dry blondies. For gluten-free blondies, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic gluten’s role.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the blondies rise slightly and become light and airy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip the salt – it makes a big difference.
• ½ cup Vegan Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts (Optional): These are optional additions to customize your blondies. Vegan chocolate chips add a classic touch, while chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Consider white chocolate chips for a truly decadent blondie experience.

Ingredient Notes for Success:

• Vegan Butter Quality: The quality of your vegan butter significantly impacts the final taste and texture. Choose a brand you trust and one that is specifically formulated for baking. Some vegan butters have a higher water content, which can affect the blondie texture.
• Sugar Variations: Experiment with different types of sugar. Muscovado sugar can add a deeper molasses flavor, while coconut sugar offers a slightly caramel-like note.
• Flour Alternatives: For a slightly denser and chewier blondie, you can substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
• Mix-in Ideas: Get creative with your mix-ins! Consider adding dried cranberries, toffee bits (ensure vegan), pretzels, or even a swirl of vegan caramel sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Vegan Blondies

Baking vegan blondies is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions for guaranteed success:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking. An oven thermometer is a helpful tool for accuracy.
• Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents the blondies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Greasing and flouring, even with parchment, can further ensure no sticking, especially on the corners.

Step 2: Melt Vegan Butter and Combine Sugars

• In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the vegan butter. If using a microwave, melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted. If using a saucepan, melt over low heat, stirring constantly.
• Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
• Whisk the melted butter and sugars together vigorously for 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. This process, known as creaming (even though we are using melted butter), helps dissolve the sugar and create a smooth base for the blondies. Don’t skip this step – it contributes to the chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract to the sugar and butter mixture.
• Whisk again until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth. The mixture will become slightly lighter in color.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, preventing clumps and ensuring consistent leavening.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins (Optional)

• If using vegan chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Blondies are meant to be slightly fudgy, so don’t overbake them. Overbaking will result in dry blondies.
• The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

• Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan completely on a wire rack before cutting. Cooling completely is crucial for achieving clean cuts and allowing the blondies to firm up.
• Once cooled, cut into squares. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts, especially if you added chocolate chips.
• Serve and enjoy!

Visual Cues for Doneness:

• Golden Brown Edges: The edges of the blondies should be a light golden brown color.
• Slightly Set Center: The center should be set and no longer jiggly, but still slightly soft to the touch.
• Toothpick Test: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached. If it comes out clean, the blondies are likely overbaked.

Nutrition Facts for Vegan Blondies (Estimated)

Please note that these are estimated nutrition facts and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This is based on a recipe yielding approximately 16 servings.

• Servings: Approximately 16 squares
• Calories per Serving (Estimated): 220-280 calories (depending on size and added ingredients)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (Estimate):

• Fat: 12-15g (primarily from vegan butter)
• Saturated Fat: 5-8g (varies with vegan butter type)
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100-150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Sugar: 20-25g (from added sugars and applesauce)
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Protein: 2-3g

Important Considerations:

• Vegan blondies, like all desserts, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• The calorie and sugar content can be adjusted slightly by using less sugar or sugar alternatives, but this may affect the texture and flavor.
• This recipe is free from dairy and eggs, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy or egg allergies.

Preparation Time for Vegan Blondies

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (including measuring ingredients and mixing batter)
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: At least 1 hour (preferably longer for best texture and clean cuts)
• Total Time (Approximate): 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours

Time Management Tips:

• Melt the vegan butter while you are measuring out the other ingredients to save time.
• Prepare your baking pan while the oven is preheating.
• While the blondies are baking, clean up your workspace to maximize efficiency.
• Allow ample cooling time – this is crucial for the best texture and for easy cutting. Resist the urge to cut them while they are still warm, as they will be too soft and may crumble.

How to Serve Vegan Blondies: Delicious Ideas & Pairings

Vegan blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Warm and Gooey:
  • Slightly Warmed: Reheat a blondie square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
  • With Vegan Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even salted caramel ice cream pair beautifully.
  • Drizzled with Vegan Caramel: Warm blondies drizzled with homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce are pure indulgence.
• Classic and Simple:
  • As is: Enjoy them straight out of the pan once cooled. They are delicious on their own!
  • With Coffee or Tea: Pair a blondie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
  • Packed in Lunchboxes: Blondies are a fantastic treat to pack in lunchboxes for kids and adults alike.
• Elevated and Dessert-Worthy:
  • Blondie Sundae: Create a blondie sundae with layers of warm blondie pieces, vegan ice cream, vegan whipped cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, and cherries.
  • Blondie Crumble Topping: Crumble blondies over vegan fruit crumble or cobbler for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  • Blondie Parfaits: Layer crumbled blondies with vegan yogurt or pudding, fresh fruit, and granola for a delicious and elegant parfait.
• For Special Occasions:
  • Dessert Platter: Include vegan blondies on a dessert platter alongside other vegan treats like brownies, cookies, and fruit.
  • Party Favors: Wrap individual blondies in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for adorable party favors.
  • Potlucks and Bake Sales: Vegan blondies are always a hit at potlucks and bake sales – they disappear quickly!

Serving Temperature:

• Blondies can be served at room temperature, slightly warm, or even chilled.
• For the gooiest texture, serve them slightly warm.
• For a firmer texture, serve them at room temperature or chilled.

Additional Tips for Baking the Best Vegan Blondies

Here are five essential tips to ensure your vegan blondies are a resounding success every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough and cakey blondies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay – they will disappear during baking.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients for precise measurements. Especially when measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients (Except Melted Butter): While the vegan butter is melted, ensure your other ingredients like applesauce are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
4. Don’t Overbake: Blondies are best when slightly fudgy in the center. Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly blondies. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes and use the toothpick test as a guide. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.
5. Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is key! Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from crumbling. Cooling also intensifies the flavors and improves the overall texture. If you are in a rush, you can chill them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vegan Blondies

Q1: Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

A: Yes, absolutely! To make these blondies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. Follow the recipe instructions as written. Gluten-free flour blends can sometimes absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly – keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to determine doneness.

Q2: Can I use oil instead of vegan butter?

A: While you can technically use oil, vegan butter is highly recommended for blondies to achieve that classic buttery flavor and chewy texture. Oil will result in a slightly different texture, potentially less chewy and more cake-like. If you must use oil, melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil can be used as a substitute. However, for the best blondie experience, stick with vegan butter sticks.

Q3: How do I store vegan blondies?

A: Vegan blondies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep them even fresher, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze blondies for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Q4: What can I add to vegan blondies to make them more exciting?

A: The possibilities are endless! Besides vegan chocolate chips and nuts, you can add:

• Vegan Butterscotch Chips: For an extra butterscotch boost.
• Dried Cranberries or Cherries: For a chewy and tart element.
• Toffee Bits (Vegan): For a crunchy and sweet addition.
• Pretzels: For a salty and crunchy contrast.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth.
• Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest can brighten up the flavor.
• Espresso Powder: For a mocha blondie twist.

Q5: Why are my blondies dry?

A: Dry blondies are usually a result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. Check for doneness using the toothpick test around 25 minutes and remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not clean. Overbaking is the most common culprit for dry blondies, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for a fudgier result. Also, ensure you are using enough vegan butter and applesauce as these ingredients contribute to moisture.

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