Save Peanut Butter Toffee Blondies are the kind of dessert that disappears from the pan before you have time to set the baking dish down. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bursts of toffee, and a touch of salt makes these bars outrageously good. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, golden flavor, they are always the treat everyone asks for at get-togethers or just cozy evenings at home.
I first baked these on a rainy Sunday when my kids begged for a new dessert After tasting that gooey center and crunchy top they insisted it become a birthday tradition
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure Use unbleached for best texture
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavens and keeps blondies soft Always check freshness for best lift
- Salt: Balances sweetness Use fine sea salt for gentle flavor
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture Choose high-quality butter for best taste
- Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and chew Look for soft moist sugar
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates crackly top Fine granulated gives the smoothest results
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that classic peanut butter flavor Opt for pure peanut butter with just peanuts and a touch of salt
- Eggs: Bind and provide tenderness Large eggs at room temperature blend smoothly
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor Pure vanilla gives superior taste
- Toffee bits: Add crunch and caramel flavor Choose real butter toffee bits for premium results
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Optional but add bursts of chocolate Use your favorite brand for maximum satisfaction
Instructions
- Prep the Pan:
- Line an eight by eight inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving a bit over the sides for lift out Make sure to smooth into corners for even edges
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl until even I tap the bowl to release hidden lumps
- Combine Sugars and Butter:
- Whisk melted butter brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until creamy and smooth Stir slowly to prevent splashing
- Add Peanut Butter:
- Blend in the peanut butter until fully integrated The batter should look glossy and thick
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
- Crack in eggs one by one mixing gently after each until just absorbed Pour in vanilla and stir gently I find over mixing at this stage makes the bars tough
- Fold in Dry Ingredients:
- Add flour mixture to wet mix Gently incorporate with a spatula until just moistened Streaks of flour are fine as they will mix in the next step
- Mix in Toffee and Chocolate:
- Add toffee bits and optional chocolate chips Fold until evenly distributed but avoid over mixing which can toughen the blondies
- Spread and Bake:
- Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula Make sure batter reaches all corners for even baking
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place pan in preheated oven Bake for twenty three to twenty seven minutes The edges should look set and the top golden A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs not wet batter
- Cool and Slice:
- Let blondies cool completely in the pan This step ensures clean cuts and keeps bars chewy Lift by the parchment and cut into sixteen squares using a sharp knife
Save My favorite ingredient has to be the real butter toffee bits There is something magical that happens when the caramelized pieces melt into the rich peanut buttery dough I still remember my youngest sneaking warm corner pieces right out of the pan and declaring these better than any birthday cake
Storage Tips
These blondies keep their perfect texture for about four days when kept covered at room temperature If you want them chewier chill in an airtight container in the fridge and let sit at room temperature before serving For long-term storage wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to skip peanut butter try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty spin If you cannot find toffee bits chop up a Heath or Skor bar as a substitute Use milk or dark chocolate to personalize the flavor profile
Serving Suggestions
Blondies make an irresistible dessert on their own Try serving warm slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream For extra flair drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking
About This Classic
Blondies first appeared in American kitchens in the early twentieth century as a vanilla-rich cousin to brownies The peanut butter version soared in popularity during the peanut boom of the 1950s The toffee twist takes it over the top blending English candy with American nostalgia
Seasonal Adaptations
Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter each fall Fold in white chocolate chips in spring for a softer profile Top with mini marshmallows after baking for a summer campfire vibe
Success Stories
Fellow peanut butter fans are always shocked at how easy these are to whip up My neighbor who claimed not to like blondies ate three in one go The chewy bite with those hidden crunchy pockets wins everyone over at bake sales without fail
Freezer Meal Conversion
Want fresh baked blondies in a flash Prepare the batter and freeze it unbaked in the parchment lined pan When ready to bake just transfer the frozen slab to a preheated oven and add a couple minutes to the baking time Fresh cookies on demand
Save Share these blondies with friends and watch their faces light up Each batch brings both sweet nostalgia and a new reason to celebrate
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter for another spread?
Yes, sunflower seed or almond butter work well for a nut-free or different nutty flavor, adjusting ingredients if needed.
- → Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to control flavor, but if using salted, reduce added salt in the dry ingredients.
- → Can these blondies be made ahead?
Absolutely. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.
- → Are chocolate chips necessary?
No; they are optional for extra richness but can be omitted or substituted with nuts or dried fruit for variety.
- → How do I know when blondies are done baking?
Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs; avoid overbaking for best texture.
- → Can I add extra mix-ins?
Yes, try chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.