These Chewy Springtime Blondie Bars are the ultimate treat to welcome the warmer weather! With a rich buttery base and a chewy, golden texture, these bars are packed with vibrant pastel candies, making them both delicious and beautiful. They’re the perfect mix between a soft cookie and a gooey brownie, with just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for an Easter celebration, a spring picnic, or just as a fun weekend treat, these blondies are guaranteed to be a hit! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make just mix, press, bake, and enjoy. Add a touch of joy to your dessert table with these colorful, festive bars!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups pastel M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the pastel M&M’s, reserving ¼ cup to sprinkle on top.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per serving | Servings: 16 bars
What Are Blondies?
Blondies are often referred to as the “vanilla counterpart” to brownies. While brownies are made with cocoa or melted chocolate, blondies are typically based on brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, giving them a rich, caramel-like flavor. They have a dense, chewy texture similar to brownies but without the deep chocolatey notes. Because of their mild and buttery base, blondies are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or candies.
The Springtime Blondie Bars featured in this recipe are a fun seasonal twist on the classic blondie. By incorporating pastel M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs, they capture the essence of spring while maintaining the irresistible chewiness that makes blondies so beloved.
Why You’ll Love These Blondie Bars
If you’re looking for a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert, these Spring Blondie Bars check all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
1. Easy to Make
Unlike cookies that require scooping individual dough portions or cakes that demand precise mixing and layering, blondies are incredibly easy to prepare. You simply mix the ingredients in one bowl, press the batter into a baking dish, and bake. There’s minimal effort involved, yet the results are outstanding.
2. Perfect Texture
One of the best things about blondies is their texture. These bars are thick, chewy, and slightly gooey in the center while maintaining a slight crisp on the edges. The brown sugar and butter create a caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the added candies.
3. Festive and Fun
Pastel-colored M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs make these blondies visually stunning. They’re perfect for Easter, spring parties, or as a colorful addition to dessert tables. If you want a treat that stands out and brings a smile to everyone’s face, these blondies are the way to go.
4. Highly Customizable
While this recipe uses pastel M&M’s for a spring theme, you can easily switch things up based on your preference or the occasion. Add-ins like white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, crushed Oreos, or chopped nuts can elevate the flavor and texture even more.
5. Great for Any Occasion
These blondies aren’t just for Easter! You can make them for birthdays, picnics, bake sales, or as an everyday treat. Their chewy, buttery goodness makes them a go-to recipe for any time of the year.
Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about blondies is that they are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some fun ways to customize your blondie bars:
- Seasonal Candies – Swap pastel M&M’s for red and green ones during Christmas or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
- Chocolate Mix-Ins – Add semi-sweet, dark, white, or butterscotch chips for a more indulgent flavor.
- Nutty Twist – Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy contrast.
- Swirls and Layers – Add a swirl of Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel for an extra layer of richness.
- Toppings – Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
No matter how you customize them, these blondies will always come out soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
Baking Tips for the Best Blondies
To achieve perfect blondies every time, keep these baking tips in mind:
- Use Melted Butter – Unlike cookies that require creaming butter and sugar for a fluffy texture, blondies rely on melted butter to create a dense, chewy consistency.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the batter can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper – This prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the blondies out of the pan for clean, even cuts.
- Check for Doneness – Bake until the edges are golden brown, and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dry blondies.
- Let Them Cool Completely – Blondies continue to set as they cool. Cutting them too soon may cause them to crumble. For clean, sharp slices, wait until they’ve completely cooled.
How to Store and Freeze Blondies
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because these blondies disappear fast!), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature – Store blondies in an airtight container for up to one week. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their chewiness.
- Freezing – To freeze, cut the blondies into squares and separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
These Chewy Springtime Blondie Bars pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and desserts. Try serving them with:
- A tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
- A cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent blondie sundae.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Conclusion:
Blondies are a timeless, irresistible dessert, and these Chewy Springtime Blondie Bars take them to a whole new level. With their soft, chewy texture and festive pastel candies, they bring a fun, colorful twist to an already beloved treat. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, a weekend baking project, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these blondies are guaranteed to be a hit.