Description
These Salted Dark Chocolate Pistachio Blondies are easy-to-make, chewy blondie bars loaded with rich dark chocolate chunks and crunchy pistachios. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a delectable sweet-and-salty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
For the Topping
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- Coarse or flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which creates the perfect base for your blondie batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until well combined and fluffy to help bind the ingredients together.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could lead to dense blondies.
- Fold in chocolate and pistachios: Stir in the chopped dark chocolate and pistachios using a sturdy spoon until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky at this point.
- Spread batter in pan: Evenly spread the thick batter into the prepared baking dish, using the bottom of a glass or an offset spatula to smooth the surface for even baking.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the additional chopped dark chocolate, chopped pistachios, and a generous pinch of coarse or flaked sea salt on top to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes if using an 8×8 inch pan, or 20-25 minutes for a 9×9 inch pan. Bake until the blondies start turning golden brown on top. Avoid overbaking to maintain gooey texture; bake longer for a more cake-like consistency.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and transfer the baking dish to a wire rack. Allow the blondies to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting into 12 to 16 bars, which helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days.
Notes
- For chewier blondies, bake closer to the minimum times and avoid overbaking.
- Use white whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist; regular all-purpose flour can be substituted.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps remove bars without sticking.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt on top to your taste preference for sweetness and saltiness.
- Store blondies at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American