Vegan Blondies

Welcome to THIS sweet and scrumptious post, where we're about to embark on a delightful baking journey exploring the world of Vegan Blondies! If you've been searching for a treat that's soft, chewy, and filled with heavenly flavors, you've come to the right place. Get ready to indulge in the perfect fusion of cinnamon, bourbon, chocolate, walnuts and coconut as we unveil the secrets to creating these heavenly golden squares. So, tie your apron and preheat the oven, because these Vegan Blondies are about to become your new favorite dessert!

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Ingredients for Vegan Blondies

Incorporating these ingredients into the vegan blondies recipe ensures a well-balanced, flavorful, and indulgent dessert that's perfect for anyone, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or not.

For the Blondie Batter

• Vegan Butter (¾ cup): Vegan butter provides the necessary fat and moisture to create the soft, tender texture of the blondies. The vegan butter also helps to bind the other ingredients together, ensuring a rich and buttery flavor that complements the other flavors in the blondies.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Light brown sugar adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor to the blondies. Its moist texture helps to keep the blondies tender and prevents them from becoming too dry. It also contributes to the beautiful golden color of the finished treats.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract is a classic flavor enhancer in baking, and it brings a warm and aromatic note to the blondies.
• Bourbon (1 tablespoon): Bourbon is an interesting addition that infuses the blondies with a unique twist. Its rich, slightly smoky flavor adds depth to the overall taste profile, making the blondies stand out as something special.
• Baking Powder (¾ teaspoon) and Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Both baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the blondies rise and become light and airy. They create the desired texture, ensuring the blondies are not too dense or flat.
• Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Sea salt is essential as it balances and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. In this recipe, it helps to offset the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate, creating a well-rounded taste.
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Cinnamon brings a warm and comforting aroma to the blondies, elevating their flavor profile. Its subtle spice notes complement the sweetness and add a hint of complexity to each bite.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): All-purpose flour is the primary dry ingredient that forms the structure of the blondies. It creates the perfect balance between cakey and chewy, resulting in a satisfying texture.

The Mix-Ins

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Nondairy chocolate chips provide bursts of rich, chocolatey goodness throughout the blondies. They add sweetness and indulgence, making each bite incredible.
• Walnuts, Chopped (½ cup): Chopped walnuts introduce a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the blondies. They also add a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing the overall nutritional value.
• Sweetened Coconut (½ cup): Sweetened coconut brings a tropical flair to the blondies, contributing both texture and sweetness. Its presence complements the other flavors and makes the blondies even more irresistible.

Steps to Make Vegan Blondies (with pictures!)

1. Begin by creaming together the butter and light brown sugar. Creaming together the butter and sugar is an essential step in baking, especially in recipes like blondies. This process involves beating the vegan butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. The importance of creaming lies in its impact on the final texture and structure of the baked goods.
2. Finish preparing the batter. Beat in the vanilla, bourbon, leaveners, salt and cinnamon and continue mixing until all of the ingredients are well-distributed. Add the flour to the bowl and beat until just-combined.
3. Add the Mix-Ins! Add the nondairy chocolate chips, chopped walnuts and sweetened coconut flakes to the bowl and gently fold in with a wooden spoon.
4. Bake. Press the prepared batter into an 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Set in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes before placing the pan on center rack of oven preheated to 350 F (175 C) and baking for 25 minutes. Allow blondies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Tips for Making Vegan Blondies

When making vegan blondies, here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful and delicious batch:

1. Choose the Right Vegan Butter: Opt for a high-quality, plant-based vegan butter with a similar fat content to dairy butter. Look for brands that are specifically formulated for baking to achieve the best results.
2. Use Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the blondies. It's preferred over white sugar to enhance the overall taste and texture.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: Take your time to cream the vegan butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a soft, tender crumb in the finished blondies.
4. Don't Over-mix the Batter: Once you start adding the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, be gentle and avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can result in tough blondies. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
5. Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. Vegan blondies can dry out quickly if left in the oven for too long. They are done when the edges are slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let Them Cool: Allow the blondies to cool in the baking pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the blondies set and makes slicing easier.
7. Experiment with Mix-ins: Aside from chocolate chips, walnuts, and coconut, feel free to get creative with other mix-ins like dried fruits, vegan toffee bits, or vegan marshmallows for additional flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a blondie and a brownie?

The main difference between a blondie and a brownie lies in their key ingredients and flavor profile:

1. Color and Ingredients

• Brownie: A traditional brownie is made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, which gives it a rich, dark brown color. The cocoa or chocolate is also combined with traditional baking ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts to create a dense and fudgy texture.
• Blondie: On the other hand, a blondie gets its name from its golden or blonde color. The primary ingredients in a blondie are typically light brown sugar, butter (or vegan butter for vegan blondies), and vanilla extract. It lacks cocoa or melted chocolate, which results in a lighter appearance.

2. Flavor

• Brownie: Brownies have a deep, intense chocolate flavor due to the cocoa or chocolate used in the recipe. They are often quite sweet, rich, and have a dense, almost fudgy texture.
• Blondie: Blondies have a more subtle and mellow flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla, derived from the light brown sugar and vanilla extract. They are still sweet but offer a lighter taste compared to brownies.

3. Texture

• Brownie: Brownies typically have a dense and moist texture, bordering on fudgy or cake-like, depending on the recipe.
• Blondie: Blondies have a softer and more chewy texture. They are generally less dense than brownies and offer a tender crumb with a slight chewiness.

4. Mix-Ins

• Brownie: Common mix-ins for brownies include chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirls of caramel or peanut butter.
• Blondie: Classic blondies often include mix-ins like white or dark chocolate chips, nuts (e.g., walnuts), butterscotch chips, or coconut. They offer a variety of options to customize the flavor and texture.

In summary, the key distinction between a blondie and a brownie lies in the presence of cocoa or chocolate. Brownies have a rich chocolate flavor and dark appearance, while blondies are lighter in color and offer a more subtle caramel-vanilla taste. Both desserts are delicious in their own right and offer a delightful treat for different taste preferences.

FAQ's Continued

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter in vegan blondies?

Yes, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for vegan butter in vegan blondies. Make sure to use refined coconut oil to avoid a strong coconut flavor. The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

How can I make gluten-free vegan blondies?

To make gluten-free vegan blondies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help with texture. You can also use almond flour or oat flour as a gluten-free alternative.

Can I make vegan blondies ahead of time for an event?

Yes, you can make vegan blondies ahead of time. Bake and cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve. If you need to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them and thawing them on the day of the event.

Why are my blondies still gooey?

If your blondies are still gooey even after following a recipe, there could be several reasons for this outcome. Here are some common factors that might contribute to gooey blondies:

1. Under-baking: Blondies, like brownies, can be tricky to determine when they are fully baked because they should be slightly moist and chewy in the center. However, if they are significantly under-baked, they will remain gooey. Make sure to follow the recommended baking time in the recipe and use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies, and if it comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it (not wet batter), they are ready to be taken out of the oven.
2. Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, and if your oven runs cooler than the indicated temperature, it might take longer for the blondies to bake properly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the accuracy of your oven's temperature and adjust the baking time accordingly.
3. Ingredient Proportions: Double-check that you measured the ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much fat or liquid relative to the amount of flour can result in gooey blondies.
4. Pan Size: Using a different pan size than the one specified in the recipe can affect the baking time and overall thickness of the blondies. If the pan is larger, the batter will spread out more thinly, causing it to bake faster, while a smaller pan can lead to underbaked centers.
5. Cooling Time: After removing the blondies from the oven, allow them to cool in the baking pan for about 15 minutes. This helps them set and firm up. Cutting into the blondies too soon can result in a gooey texture.

How to Serve Vegan Blondies

Serving vegan blondies should be fun and there are several ways you can enjoy and present them:

1. On Their Own: Vegan blondies are delicious on their own and make a satisfying sweet treat. Simply cut them into squares or bars and serve them as a delightful dessert or snack.
2. Warm with Vegan Ice Cream: Warm up the blondies slightly and serve them with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The contrast of warm and gooey blondies with cold and creamy ice cream is heavenly.
3. Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce: Elevate the flavor of the blondies by drizzling them with vegan caramel sauce. By and large, the sweet and buttery caramel complements the vanilla and almond flavors in the blondies perfectly.
4. Topped with Vegan Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of vegan whipped cream on each blondie for a light and airy topping. It adds a touch of indulgence and looks great.
5. Paired with Coffee or Tea: Serve vegan blondies alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. The combination of sweet and chewy blondies with a warm beverage makes for a comforting treat.
6. Plated with Fresh Fruits: For a refreshing touch, serve vegan blondies on a plate with a side of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas. The fruity flavors complement the blondies nicely.
7. Mini Blondie Bites: Cut the blondies into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them as finger foods at events or potlucks.
8. Gift or Party Favors: Package the blondies in cute boxes or bags tied with ribbons and offer them as gifts or party favors. They make lovely homemade presents for friends and family.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when serving vegan blondies, and have fun exploring different serving ideas to create a memorable and enjoyable dessert experience.

How to Store Vegan Blondies

To ensure that your vegan blondies stay fresh and maintain their deliciousness, proper storage is essential. Here's how to store vegan blondies:

1. Room Temperature:
   • If you plan to consume the blondies within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature. Place the cooled blondies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
2. Refrigeration:
   • If you need to store the blondies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them well with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated blondies can stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Freezing:
   • For extended storage, you can freeze vegan blondies. First, make sure they are fully cooled. Then, wrap each blondie individually with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, you can layer the blondies with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Frozen blondies can last for up to a month.

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