Save Peanut Butter Toffee Blondies bring together the rich flavor of creamy peanut butter and crunchy toffee in one chewy buttery bar. Whenever someone needs cheering up or it is time for a bake sale these always disappear first from the plate. If you love those decadent corners on a brownie tray you are in for a treat with every square.
When I first whipped these up with my kids we could not resist snacking on the crispy edges before they were cool. Now they are the go-to recipe for every potluck and lazy Sunday afternoon.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: provides structure and keeps the blondies dense but chewy look for unbleached for best flavor
- Baking powder: helps the bars rise and gives that soft bite always check it is fresh
- Baking soda: adds a touch of tenderness to balance the richness avoid if your baking powder is double acting as it is not necessary
- Salt: enhances all of the sweet peanut flavor use a fine sea salt for even distribution
- Unsalted butter: brings that classic buttery flavor and ensures the bars are not too salty choose high quality for melt-in-your-mouth results
- Light brown sugar: makes the blondies caramel-like and moist be sure to pack it tight for accurate measuring
- Granulated sugar: balances sweetness and helps the tops get a lovely crackly finish
- Creamy peanut butter: infuses every bite with nutty richness opt for a smooth variety that is not too oily popular brands or natural will both work just avoid the bottom gritty bits
- Large eggs: bind the mix and give the perfect chewy texture always let them warm to room temperature so they blend in easily
- Vanilla extract: gives warm depth to the batter pure vanilla really makes a difference here
- Toffee bits: add little pockets of crunchy caramel throughout buy pre-chopped or chop up your favorite toffee bar
- Semisweet chocolate chips: optional but blend sweetness with a hint of bittersweet look for glossy chips that are not chalky or powdery
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your baking pan with parchment ensuring the paper hangs over two sides for easy lifting after baking Press out wrinkles so the batter spreads evenly
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda and salt This prevents clumps and makes sure each bite is even
- Combine the Sugars and Butter:
- In a large bowl whisk the melted cooled butter with both sugars until the mixture looks glossy and smooth This step helps give that shiny crust on top
- Blend in the Peanut Butter:
- Add the creamy peanut butter into the sugar-butter base Stir until it is totally smooth and everything looks thick and peanutty
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat the eggs in one at a time until each is fully combined followed by the vanilla This creates a silky batter that holds together when sliced
- Fold in the Dry Mix:
- Add the flour mixture in three parts folding gently so you do not overmix Stop as soon as the streaks of flour disappear for ultra tender blondies
- Add the Toffee and Chocolate:
- Sprinkle in your toffee bits and chocolate chips if you like the extra chocolate Gently fold until they are spread throughout with no clumps
- Spread and Smooth:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan Use a spatula to nudge it into corners and smooth the top for even baking
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven for twenty three to twenty seven minutes The top should look golden and a toothpick poked in the center will have a few moist crumbs but no wet batter
- Cool and Slice:
- Cool the blondies fully in the pan before using the parchment overhang to lift them out This makes cutting into squares easy and keeps the bars neat
Save Peanut butter is hands down my favorite part of this recipe I still remember my daughter’s big grin when she licked the spoon The scent of these blondies cooling on the counter is an instant boost to anyone’s mood
Storage Tips
Store cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay soft for up to four days As the days go on the flavors get even deeper with the toffee melting into the batter For longer storage freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a zip bag They thaw quickly and taste just as fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a nut free option try using sunflower seed butter and double check your toffee bits are also nut free Instead of toffee bits try butterscotch chips chopped dried fruit or more chocolate chips For a gluten free version swap the flour for a one to one gluten free baking mix these bake up a little softer but still chewy
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars straight up with coffee or tea for an afternoon pick me up For a truly decadent dessert add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with warm chocolate sauce You can also cut them into smaller squares and serve as part of a dessert sampler at parties
Cultural Context
Blondies are sometimes called the brown sugar cousin to brownies and have their roots in traditional American baking The combination of peanut butter and toffee is a decadent remix on the classic and brings big flavor to a simple treat I love how easily they come together with ingredients found in most American pantries
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap toffee for chopped cinnamon-spiced pecans during the fall Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes before baking for a holiday twist In the summer serve the bars chilled with cold milk for the ultimate cool down
Success Stories
A friend brought these to a picnic and they were gone in minutes The blend of creamy and crunchy was the talk of the table My neighbor now requests them for every neighborhood block party after I shared the recipe last fall
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cool completely then wrap each bar in plastic wrap and stack in an airtight container or bag They will keep for up to two months in the freezer for instant homemade dessert Just thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat
Save Even after making these dozens of times I still get excited waiting for the kitchen to fill up with their buttery nutty smell There is no wrong time for a blondie pan to come out of the oven
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add texture and enhance the nutty flavor of the blondies.
- → Are chocolate chips necessary?
Chocolate chips are optional; omitting them keeps the focus on the peanut butter and toffee flavors.
- → How do I make these nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter and ensure your toffee is nut-free to make a suitable alternative.
- → What is the ideal baking time?
Bake for 23 to 27 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick yields moist crumbs.
- → Can I freeze the blondies?
Yes, store cooled squares in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
- → How do I serve them most decadently?
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.