Name: Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Tablespoons Butter (1 1/2 sticks); 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Sugar; 5 ounces Caramel (about 2/3 cup plus more for topping after baking, if desired); Sea Salt Flakes (for sprinkling on top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances rich sweetness and a touch of salty magic, this Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe will become your new go-to treat. These blondies bring together a beautifully gooey caramel center, buttery brown sugar dough, and a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates every bite. Imagine warm, tender squares with a shiny cracked top and luscious caramel ribbons swirling through – every piece is a little slice of comfort and indulgence all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square baked dessert in a metal pan with a golden-brown top layer showing a slightly cracked and textured surface, sprinkled with coarse salt flakes. The pan sits on a white cloth over a white marbled surface. Above the pan, to the left, is a small wooden bowl filled with white coarse salt and a wooden spoon resting inside. To the right, there is an open jar of caramel sauce with a spoon covered in caramel balanced on the jar's edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a key role: butter for that rich base, sugars for sweetness and moisture, and a hint of salt to bring it all to life.

12 Tablespoons Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
1 cup Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, giving the blondies their signature warmth.
1/2 cup Sugar: Balances the richness with a bright sweetness and helps create a shiny top.
2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the blondies structure without making them cakey.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Infuses the batter with a lovely aroma and amplifies the buttery sweetness.
1 1/2 cups Flour: Provides the body needed for tender but firm blondies.
1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift for a light texture without over-rising.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
5 ounces Caramel: The star ingredient that creates those irresistible swirls and gooey pockets inside each blondie.
Sea Salt Flakes: The finishing touch that adds crunch and a burst of savory flavor with every bite.

How to Make Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees and melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning, and once fully melted, let it cook for two more minutes. This step brings out a subtle nuttiness in the butter. Then, remove from heat and mix in the brown sugar and sugar until the whole mixture becomes glossy and beautifully combined – a sweet, buttery base that forms the heart of our blondies.

Step 2: Cool and Add Eggs and Vanilla

Patience now! Let your butter and sugar mixture cool, about 15 minutes at room temperature or a quicker 10 minutes in the fridge. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added. Then stir in the vanilla, followed by the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The batter will start to look smooth and slightly shiny.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet batter. This step is crucial for that perfect balance between tenderness and structure. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies chewy and moist rather than cakey.

Step 4: Prepare Pan and Pour Batter

Line an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your blondies lift out easily after baking. Pour the batter in and smooth out the top with a spatula, creating an even surface ready to welcome the caramel swirls.

Step 5: Add Caramel Swirls

Drizzle that luscious caramel all over the top of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl it through for a beautiful marbled effect. This is what makes this Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe so irresistibly gooey and visually stunning.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20 to 24 minutes. You’re looking for a shiny top with slight cracks—that tells you these blondies are perfectly baked with a fudgy center. Let them cool fully before cutting to keep those gooey edges intact. For the finishing touch, drizzle more caramel over the bars and sprinkle sea salt flakes for that classic salty-sweet combo.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe

A square piece of golden brown dessert bar is placed at the center of a white plate with subtle textures and thin circular lines. The top of the bar has a slightly crumbly texture with some darker baked spots and is drizzled with shiny caramel sauce. There is a small spoon with a scoop of thick caramel sauce resting on the plate beside the bar, with some caramel spilling onto the white plate. The plate is set on a soft light beige fabric, and the overall setting is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the simplest ways to add a wow factor when serving these blondies is with a sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes or a drizzle of warmed caramel sauce. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds an elegant visual contrast and a subtle sweetness that complements the caramel beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of fresh berries or a cup of rich coffee makes a lovely balance to the buttery sweetness and saltiness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Salted Caramel Blondies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a dessert platter alongside coffee or tea for a casual party. For a fancier touch, try sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two blondie squares to make mini caramel ice cream sandwiches – a sure crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their soft texture and gooey caramel pockets without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm frozen or leftover blondies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that melty caramel goodness. Avoid overheating to keep the edges from getting tough.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel for this Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works wonderfully here and saves time. Just make sure it’s soft and easy to swirl through the batter for that perfect gooey texture.

What type of salt is best to sprinkle on top?

Sea salt flakes are ideal because of their larger crystals and crunch, which contrast beautifully with the sweet, soft blondies. However, a finely ground kosher salt can work if you prefer a subtler saltiness.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, and you might want to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Look for a shiny top with slight cracks on the surface. The edges should feel set, but the center can still be a little soft – it will firm up as it cools.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and chocolate chips pair beautifully with the caramel for an extra indulgent treat. Just fold about 1/2 cup into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Blondies Recipe has quickly become a beloved dessert in my kitchen, and it’s easy to see why. With its buttery base, luscious caramel swirls, and that perfect hint of salt, it hits all the right notes. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. So go ahead and treat yourself – these blondies are waiting to become your new favorite sweet indulgence!