Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies: The Ultimate Indulgent Treat
There are desserts, and then there are showstoppers. Today, I’m sharing with you a recipe that firmly belongs in the latter category: Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies. Imagine a gooey, buttery blondie infused with swirls of homemade salted caramel sauce and generously layered with rich Nutella. Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and salty, chewy and creamy — basically, dessert heaven.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable yet luxurious. These blondies are perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or simply treating yourself after a long day. They also make fantastic edible gifts during the holidays or special occasions!
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know to create these irresistible treats, from kitchen equipment to serving suggestions, storage tips, and even a few creative twists to make this recipe your own.
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies
This recipe is made for anyone who appreciates indulgent desserts but doesn’t want to fuss with overly complicated techniques. If you love Nutella (who doesn’t?) and can’t resist the allure of salted caramel, this is your dream bake.
The blondie base is wonderfully chewy and sweet, acting as the perfect canvas for the buttery caramel and rich hazelnut chocolate spread. Plus, the homemade salted caramel sauce is surprisingly easy to make, elevating these blondies from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is a recipe you’ll want to bookmark and return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons light/reduced fat butter
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3 tablespoons cooking cream (Philadelphia reduced fat works beautifully)
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¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Blondies:
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½ cup light/reduced fat butter, softened
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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12 teaspoons Nutella
Kitchen Equipment Checklist
To make your baking process smooth and efficient, have these tools ready:
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Small nonstick saucepan
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Wooden spoon
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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7×10-inch baking pan
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Baking/parchment paper
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Metal spoon or spatula
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Wire cooling rack
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Toothpick (for doneness testing)
Having everything prepped will streamline your baking and ensure you can enjoy the process just as much as the final product!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 7×10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside — you’ll need it soon!
2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a small nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat, add the brown sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until it begins to melt.
Reduce the heat, and add the butter one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and melted.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in the cream and sea salt. Stir until the caramel is glossy and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Blondie Batter
Cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in your cooled caramel sauce, swirling it through the batter but not fully mixing — you want those beautiful caramel ribbons.
4. Assemble the Blondies
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
Drop teaspoonfuls of Nutella across the batter in a single layer. Using the back of a metal spoon or your fingertips, lightly spread the Nutella to ensure even coverage.
Top with the remaining batter, spreading it out to fully cover the Nutella layer.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For that irresistible oozy Nutella effect, slice while they’re still warm!
Storage Tips
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (doubtful!), here’s how to store them:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
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Freezer: Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven or microwave to revive that gooey texture.
Recipe Variations & Tips
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in white or dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
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Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or pecans over the Nutella layer for a delightful crunch.
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Salted Caramel Shortcut: If you’re pressed for time, use store-bought salted caramel sauce.
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Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend.
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Extra Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking for a bold, salty finish.
Pro Tip:
For the ultimate Nutella experience, warm your blondies for about 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. The Nutella will melt slightly, giving you that irresistible molten center.
Food & Drink Pairings
These blondies are rich and decadent, so they pair beautifully with:
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert that rivals any restaurant.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fresh, tart contrast.
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Dessert Wine: A glass of port or a sweet Moscato complements the caramel and Nutella notes wonderfully.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These blondies keep well for a few days, making them perfect for preparing in advance of a gathering.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (9×13-inch). Add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: How do I know when the blondies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached — just avoid any raw batter.
Q: Can I freeze the salted caramel sauce?
Yes! You can freeze the caramel sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm it gently before using.
Q: What if I don’t have cooking cream?
You can substitute with heavy cream or even full-fat milk in a pinch. Just note that full-fat milk will yield a slightly thinner sauce.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies, a dessert that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. With their gooey centers, golden caramel swirls, and rich Nutella pockets, these blondies are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
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