These Easter Blondie Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful chocolate candies. They are perfect for celebrating the holiday with a sweet treat everyone will love!
Making these is so easy; just mix everything in one bowl and pop them in the oven. I can’t resist sneaking a piece before they cool—can you? 😄
I love serving these at family gatherings. They always bring smiles and make for a fun dessert that kids and adults can enjoy together. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe a bit. If you’re dairy-free, melted coconut oil works well too!
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a nice caramel flavor. You can use white sugar instead, but you might lose a bit of that rich taste. Try using coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Chocolate Candies: Easter-themed candies make these blondies festive! If you can’t find them, feel free to use regular chocolate chips or chunks. They can also add a delicious twist to your treat with any candy you love.
Nuts: Nuts add a nice crunch and richness. If there are nut allergies, you can skip them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. I usually skip nuts, so that the focus is on the chewy blondie texture.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Blondie Texture?
Getting the right texture in blondies comes down to mixing and baking methods. Here are some key tips:
- Combine butter and sugar until it’s smooth; this helps to create a creamy base.
- When adding eggs, mix just until combined! Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
- Gradually add dry ingredients without beating vigorously. A little lumpiness is perfectly fine!
- Don’t forget to watch your baking time. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, rather than completely clean, for soft blondies.
How to Make Easter Blondie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Easter-themed chocolate candies (e.g., chocolate eggs or M&M’s)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, let your blondies cool in the pan for an additional 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will help your blondies come out easily later!
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. You should get a nice, glossy mixture!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will bring everything together beautifully!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will give your blondies that chewy texture we love!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir gently until you just see no more flour—don’t overmix, or your blondies will end up tough!
6. Add the Fun Stuff!
Now, fold in those festive Easter-themed chocolate candies and any chopped nuts you’d like to include. Make sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the batter for delicious surprises in every bite!
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. To make it extra special, scatter some extra chocolate candies on top. More candy means more fun!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The edges should be golden, and you can check the center by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
9. Cool Down:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit!
10. Slice and Serve:
Now, gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy your yummy Easter blondies that are packed with chocolatey goodness!
Enjoy this adorable and tasty treat with loved ones for a delightful Easter celebration!
Can I Substitute the Butter for a Different Fat?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or a blend of half butter and half vegetable oil as substitutes. If you use coconut oil, make sure it’s in a liquid state before mixing with the sugars, and be aware that the flavor will change slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead but to mimic the flavor, mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Alternatively, light or dark brown sugar can be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio as they work similarly in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Different Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! You can customize your blondies by adding other mix-ins like butterscotch chips, toffee bits, or dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries. Just make sure to keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1.5 to 2 cups for the best texture!