If you love rich, chewy dessert bars with layers of sweetness, these Fudgy Milk Caramel Blondies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Combining the golden butteriness of classic blondies with the deep flavor of milk caramel (also known as dulce de leche), these bars deliver an ultra-fudgy texture and a bold, indulgent taste in every bite.
Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare and impossible to forget. With a crisp edge, gooey center, and creamy caramel swirl, these blondies strike the ideal balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
This recipe yields 16 blondie squares.
For the Blondie Base
- One cup unsalted butter, melted
- One and one quarter cups packed brown sugar
- Two large eggs
- Two teaspoons vanilla extract
- Two cups all-purpose flour
- One teaspoon baking powder
- Half teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer
- One cup milk caramel or dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Half teaspoon sea salt for a salted caramel version
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 25 to 28 minutes
- Cool time: 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Blondie Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Caramel
- Spread about two-thirds of the blondie batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon dollops of milk caramel evenly over the surface, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter.
- Top with the remaining blondie batter, spreading it gently over the swirled layer.
- Optionally, add a light sprinkle of sea salt over the top for a salted caramel finish.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 15 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
- Pair with coffee or espresso for a rich, indulgent afternoon treat.
- Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for lunchboxes or gifts.
- For a party platter, cut into bite-size pieces and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Blondie (1 of 16) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 32 grams |
| Sugars | 21 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 130 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Brown sugar enhances moisture and adds a deep molasses flavor.
- Milk caramel offers natural sweetness and richness with fewer additives than processed candies.
- Flour and eggs create structure while contributing protein and texture.
- Optional sea salt helps balance the sweetness for a more complex flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Do not overbake. Slight underbaking gives these blondies their signature fudgy texture.
- Let them cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Use room-temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter.
- Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed for a gluten-free version.
Flavor Variations
- Add half a cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Swirl in peanut butter along with the caramel for a nutty twist.
- Mix in white chocolate chips to complement the caramel richness.
- Use chocolate caramel instead of milk caramel for a mocha-like flavor.
These Fudgy Milk Caramel Blondies are everything a great dessert bar should be — rich, soft, sweet, and layered with irresistible flavor. They are easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for guests. Once you bake them, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.