Heavenly Cashew Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet and salty cravings collide in these irresistible cashew caramel pretzel blondies that promise a flavor explosion.

Layers of buttery richness mingle with crunchy pretzels and smooth caramel swirls.

Nutty cashews add unexpected depth to each decadent bite.

Chewy edges give way to a soft, indulgent center that melts in your mouth.

We crafted this recipe to satisfy those moments when you want something extraordinary.

Prepare for a dessert that breaks all the traditional blondie rules and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why Cashew Caramel Blondies Steal the Show

• Craft Sweet and Salty Magic: Blend crunchy pretzels with smooth caramel and nutty cashews for a delightful taste adventure that dances between sweet and savory.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Follow straightforward steps that even novice bakers can conquer, transforming basic ingredients into a showstopping dessert with minimal kitchen skills.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Create a crowd-winning treat ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations where guests will crave every delectable bite of this irresistible blondie.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal twists like extra chocolate chips or different nuts to make the recipe uniquely yours, encouraging culinary creativity.

What Goes in Cashew Caramel Pretzel Blondies

• Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that provides moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the caramel flavor and create a soft, chewy consistency.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the blondies together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the blondies their classic texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the blondies.

• Cashews, Pretzels: Provide a delightful crunch and contrast to the soft blondie base, adding interesting texture and nutty-salty notes.
• Caramel Chips, Caramel Sauce: Create a rich, indulgent sweetness and signature caramel flavor throughout the dessert.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Adds extra richness and smoothness when drizzled on top.

Baking These Blondies Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra paper hang over the sides so you can easily lift out the blondies later.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

Step 3: Mix in Liquid Ingredients

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Blend thoroughly until everything looks smooth and completely combined.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently stir flour and salt into the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Crunchy Additions

Chop cashews into rough pieces and break pretzels into uneven chunks. This will create interesting texture throughout the blondies.

Step 6: Incorporate Crunchy Elements

• Chopped cashews
• Broken pretzel pieces

Distribute evenly so every bite has some crunch.

Step 7: Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 8: Add Caramel Swirl

Drizzle caramel sauce across the batter in a playful zigzag pattern for a beautiful design.

Step 9: Sprinkle Toppings

• Chopped cashews
• Pretzel pieces
• Caramel chips

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper handles to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut into square pieces.

Step 13: Final Indulgent Touch

Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce and heavy cream over the top for an extra decadent finish.

Tips for Buttery, Crunchy Blondie Perfection

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour into the batter just until combined to keep blondies tender and soft, avoiding tough, dense results.
• Control Caramel Swirl: Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to create even, artful caramel drizzles across the batter for professional-looking presentation.
• Texture Balance: Break pretzels and chop cashews into varied sizes to ensure each bite offers a delightful mix of crunch and smoothness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and other cold ingredients to room temperature before mixing to help create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Watch blondies closely during baking and remove when edges are golden and center has slight moisture to prevent dry, overbaked texture.

Blondie Combos You’ll Want to Try

• Nutty Paradise: Replace cashews with mixed nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts for a complex nutty flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap caramel chips with dark chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the batter for intense chocolate richness.
• Sea Salt Crunch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking and use salted pretzels to enhance the sweet-savory balance.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate chopped pistachios, use honey instead of caramel, and add orange zest for a unique Mediterranean-inspired version.

What Goes Well With Caramel Blondies

• Pair Creamy Caramel Latte: Complement the sweet and nutty blondies with a smooth caramel latte that echoes the dessert's rich caramel undertones and adds a warm, comforting beverage experience.
• Enhance with Salted Butterscotch Milkshake: Balance the blondies' sweet and salty profile with a creamy butterscotch milkshake that amplifies the dessert's indulgent flavors and provides a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Elevate with Bourbon Vanilla Espresso: Match the complex layers of the blondies with a bold bourbon vanilla espresso that brings depth, highlighting the caramel and nutty notes while cutting through the sweetness.

Store Your Blondies Without Losing Texture

• Store blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Place blondies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Separate blondie layers with parchment paper or wax paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their shape. This method works well for both refrigerator and room temperature storage.

Blondie FAQs Answered

• Can I substitute the cashews?

Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds or pecans, but cashews provide a unique creamy texture that works perfectly with the caramel.

• How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.

• Are these blondies very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness from brown sugar and caramel, with salty pretzel pieces providing a nice contrast that prevents them from being overly sugary.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these blondies?

Just a standard mixer, 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and basic baking tools are required. No specialized equipment needed.

Cashew Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cashew caramel pretzel blondies deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and salty in one irresistible dessert. Crunchy pretzels, creamy caramel, and rich cashews combine to create a blondie experience that will have everyone craving another bite.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Nuts and Pretzels:

• 1 cup roasted cashews
• 1 cup pretzel pieces

Caramel and Sweet Elements:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup caramel chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Cream butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, pale mixture.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until completely integrated and uniform in texture.
4. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
5. Roughly chop cashews and break pretzels into smaller, uneven pieces to add varied texture to the blondies.
6. Fold half of the chopped cashews and pretzel pieces directly into the batter, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Drizzle caramel sauce across the surface of the batter in a zigzag pattern, creating a decorative swirl.
9. Sprinkle remaining cashews, pretzel pieces, and caramel chips across the top of the batter.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
12. Use parchment paper handles to lift the blondies out, then cut into square pieces.
13. Optional: Drizzle additional caramel sauce and heavy cream over the top before serving for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Toast cashews and pretzels lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, roasted flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture throughout the batter.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pretzels.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the amount of caramel chips and replacing some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a lighter dessert option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg