Raspberry Blondies

I’m SO excited to share these AMAZING raspberry blondies with you all – seriously, they’re so delicious. I can’t stop eating them! They’re moist, fluffy, tart, and perfectly sweet. Totally vegan, gluten free and soy free – you have to try them.

Tag me in your pictures or hashtag #ginabnutrition because I LOVE to see your creations!

What Are Blondies?

Blondies are a dessert similar to brownies but without cocoa or chocolate. They are often referred to as “blonde brownies” because of their light color. Blondies have a rich, buttery, and vanilla-flavored base that is typically made with ingredients like flour, butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. They can also include various mix-ins such as nuts, butterscotch or white chocolate chips, toffee bits, and dried fruits.

Blondies are known for their dense and chewy texture, similar to brownies, but they have a distinct flavor profile due to the absence of chocolate (especially these raspberry blondies!). The base batter provides a sweet and buttery taste, while the mix-ins contribute additional flavors and textures. The term “blondies” is a playful nod to their lighter color compared to traditional chocolate brownies.

Blondies can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes – you can add all sorts in! They’re typically baked in a square or rectangular pan, then sliced into bars or squares for serving.

What Are Some Creative ‘Mix-In’ Ideas for Blondies?

Don’t fancy raspberry blondies? Why not try one of the following suggestions instead…

1. Dried Fruits: Add a burst of sweetness and chewiness with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, cherries, or figs.
   
2. Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of oranges, lemons, or limes for a bright and zesty flavor that complements the richness of the blondies.
   
3. Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give your blondies a warm and aromatic twist.
   
4. Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce or swirl it into the batter for a gooey and indulgent caramel flavor.
   
5. Coffee or Espresso: Add instant coffee granules or espresso powder for a subtle coffee undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
   
6. Toffee Bits: Introduce a delightful crunch and buttery flavor with toffee bits, creating a perfect contrast to the chewy blondie base.
   
7. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes contribute a tropical flair and add both flavor and texture to the blondies.
   
8. Candied Ginger: The sweet and spicy kick of candied ginger pieces can provide a unique and intriguing flavor combination.
   
9. Pumpkin or Sweet Potato: Incorporate cooked and mashed pumpkin or sweet potato for a seasonal twist and added moistness.
   
10. Nuts: Beyond the usual nuts, try macadamia nuts, pistachios, or pecans for a distinct nutty flavor and crunch.
    
11. White Chocolate Chips: Replace traditional chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet, and visually appealing addition.
    
12. Chopped Pretzels: Combine sweet and salty by adding chopped pretzels, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
    
13. Maple Candies: Incorporate chopped maple candies for a burst of maple flavor and a unique candy-like texture.
    
14. Lavender: Use culinary lavender for a fragrant and floral note that pairs well with the buttery blondie base.
    
15. Matcha Powder: Introduce matcha green tea powder for a vibrant color and a slightly earthy, tea-like flavor.
    
16. Rum-Soaked Raisins: Soak raisins in rum and fold them into the batter for a grown-up twist on traditional raisin flavors.
    
17. Biscoff Cookies: Crushed Biscoff (speculoos) cookies add a spiced cookie flavor and a pleasant crunch.
    
18. Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: If you want a chocolate element without cocoa, opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.

How Do You Achieve the Perfect Chewy Texture in Blondies?

To create the perfect raspberry blondies, here are a few things to consider…

1. Ingredient Ratios:
   
   • Use a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. Brown sugar contains more moisture due to its molasses content, contributing to a chewier texture.
     
   • Consider using a combination of butter and a nut butter (like cashew butter) for added moisture and richness.
     
   • Opt for ingredients like ground almonds or ground oats, which can provide a dense and chewy texture.
     
2. Mixing Techniques:
   
   • Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
     
   • Incorporate the ingredients gently to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in a cakey texture rather than chewy.
     
3. Baking Time and Temperature:
   
   • Bake at a slightly lower temperature (around 325-350°F or 160-175°C) to allow the blondies to cook through without drying out or becoming too firm.
     
   • Bake for a shorter time than you would for cake-like brownies, so the center remains moist and chewy. Keep a close eye on the baking process to prevent overbaking.
     
4. Underbaking Slightly:
   
   • Blondies continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake them and allow them to firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
     
5. Pan Size and Type:
   
   • Use an appropriately sized pan. A smaller pan will yield thicker blondies with a chewier interior.
     
   • Opt for a metal or glass baking pan, as they conduct heat more evenly and can contribute to a better texture.
     
6. Moisture-Rich Mix-Ins:
   
   • Incorporate moist mix-ins like chopped fruits, caramel swirls, or toffee bits to add pockets of moisture and gooeyness to the blondies.
     
7. Resting Time:
   
   • Allow the blondies to cool and set for a bit before cutting into them. This helps the texture stabilize and develop its chewiness.
     
8. Storage:
   
   • Store your raspberry blondies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If they do become dry, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

How To Make My Raspberry Blondies

Here’s all the ingredients you’ll need (and why you’ll need them) to make my Raspberry Blondies recipe…

1. Oat Flour: Oat flour serves as the main dry ingredient in the recipe. It provides structure and texture to the blondies while adding a mild oat flavor. It’s also gluten-free, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
   
2. Ground Almonds: Ground almonds add richness and a nutty flavor to the blondies. They also contribute to the texture, making the final product moist and slightly crumbly.
   
3. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the blondies by balancing the sweetness and highlighting other flavors.
   
4. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the blondies rise and become fluffy. It creates small air pockets in the batter, resulting in a softer and lighter texture.
   
5. Cashew Butter: Cashew butter adds creaminess, moisture, and a nutty flavor to the blondies. It also acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and contributing to the chewy texture.
   
6. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil provides richness and contributes to the moistness of the blondies. Using refined coconut oil helps avoid an overpowering coconut flavor while still providing the desired texture.
   
7. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener, adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. It also helps keep the blondies moist and contributes to their chewiness.
   
8. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a warm and aromatic undertone. It complements the other flavors in the recipe and provides a well-rounded taste.
   
9. Non-Dairy Milk: Non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) helps to adjust the consistency of the batter and provides moisture. It also ensures that the recipe remains vegan while contributing to the overall flavor.
   
10. Frozen Raspberries: Frozen raspberries are the star ingredient, adding bursts of fruity flavor and vibrant color to the blondies. As they bake, they release their juices into the batter, creating pockets of sweetness and a beautiful marbled appearance.

 

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