Are you craving a delicious, chewy blondie but short on time and baking expertise? Then this recipe is your golden ticket to gooey, buttery bliss! Using a simple cake mix as a base, we've created the easiest blondie recipe you'll ever try. It's so quick and simple, even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. Perfect for a weeknight treat, potluck contribution, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, these blondies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal of your delicious blondies later.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Make sure the butter is completely melted to ensure a smooth batter.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
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Mix in Extras: Stir in your chocolate chips, nuts (if using), and brown sugar (if using). The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – feel free to experiment with different add-ins!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking will result in dry blondies.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Tips for Perfect Blondies:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the cake mix, resulting in tough blondies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the blondies to cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you cut them. Patience is key!
Variations:
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Add a swirl of caramel sauce to the batter before baking. Sprinkle with sea salt after baking for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Peanut Butter Blondies: Stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with the wet ingredients for a nutty twist.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Blondies: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans or walnuts.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without optional ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
This easy blondie recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious dessert. It’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you're craving a sweet treat without the fuss of a complicated recipe. Enjoy!