Loaded Butterscotch Blondies + Salted Chocolate Glaze
There are not many weekends when I have free time. So when Shaun had a live fantasy baseball draft on Saturday, which took up most of the day, I got my bake on. I usually don't bake unless it's with a purpose. In fact, I hate having baked goods around the house since Shaun is not a dessert fan so guess who ends up eating most of it?! I swear, I have the too-tight jeans to prove it.
But I was looking for a calming activity. Whenever I feel stressed, I find baking to be super therapeutic. With a photo like that, can you blame me?
So with nary a party or gathering to speak of, I got a hankering to get a little creative. The end result? Blondies filled with butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and walnuts. A glaze worthy of my permanent recipe collection. And the tiny hit of sea salt on top? There aren't words. This tiny touch ties the entire dessert together in a sweet, salty and savory little package of spectacular deliciousness. Seriously. Just look at those sweet little flakes of salt! Ahhh I just want to devour one right now. I probably will. Please don't judge me.
Loaded Butterscotch Blondies + Salted Chocolate Glaze
*Adapted from America's Test Kitchen
For the blondies:
1 1/2 C all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C brown sugar
12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 C walnuts, chopped
1/3 C butterscotch chips
1/3 C white chocolate chips
cooking spray
For the glaze:
1 C confectioners' sugar
1/2 C semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter
2+ tbsp boiling water
kosher or sea salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9" baking dish with foil, one sheet lengthwise and one sheet the opposite way, making sure to leave some overhang. Coat with cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine.
Fold in the flour mixture. I used a rubber spatula. Add the butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and chopped nuts and fold until just combined.
Pour into the baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
Bake for about 22-25 minutes until the top is slightly firm. Let the blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, grasp the foil to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wooden cutting board. Cut into squares and drizzle with chocolate glaze.
To make the glaze, melt the chocolate (I used the microwave, at 15 second intervals. It cooks quickly so be sure not to burn it). Melt the butter and whisk together with the sugar and hot water. If the mixture is too thick, add another splash of water to thin out into drizzleable consistency. Get your drizzle on over the blondies. Sprinkle just a touch of sea salt or kosher salt over the top. Devour multiple bars immediately.
Isn't it pretty? It's calling your name.
About half the tray called mine. Those jeans aren't fitting anytime soon.
So there you have it. The tale of how I spent my solo Saturday afternoon. Oh this and watching Bethenny Ever After. Yep, it happened. 3 episodes worth. So what do you think? What is your best therapy? How do you unwind?
13 Comments | March 28, 2011 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Desserts, baking, blondies | in Recipes Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (13)
It's approx 8 am and i am craving these-thankyou. I loooooove Bethenny-I DVR it though bc I can't do commercials-I want the instant satisfaction!
Yummmmmm. I am totally going to make these! As a non-brownie gal, I love finding blondie recipes!
i think i have a fetish for eating uncooked mixtures.. anywho this looks absolutely delicious!
These look amazing! I used to find baking so totally relaxing, until I realized that I was eating the entire batch of baked goods by myself (so bad with my sugar issues)! Luckily, cooking dinner is my one non-stressor every day, and I love that it's my one time where I have nothing else I "should" be doing!
It absolutely is calling my name!!!! I love butterscotch and chocolate! Who cares about the jeans - eat those in your underpants! LOL
Get outa those jeans and put on your stretchy pants! I know I would if I had some of these. Mmmmm
These look so good! I love anything with salted caramel. I find baking really relaxing, especially any kind of yeast dough - I love to knead!
these look amazingg!! ill be making these for my next party i have to bake for!
oooh i can't wait to try these. so pretty :)
GAWD those chocolate drizzles are perfection!!!
How do I unwind? Lately it's been cooking and blogging. I'm also getting into reading again!
Those look amazing! yum!
And i completely agree about baking - destressing :) There is just something about making a dessert that is both delicious and pretty that calms the soul!
I also find baking to be an amazing therapy! These look delicious!
oh my gosh i'm dyingggg!!!! this is so up my alley
oh and btw i thought i had been commenting on so many of your posts but apparently never would type in that code thing they ask you after you hit create post. FAIL!