Easter Blondie Bars

Spring is in the air, and these Easter Blondie Bars are the perfect way to welcome the season! With a chewy, buttery texture and pops of festive pastel candy, they bring color and sweetness to any Easter celebration. They’re easy to make in one pan and require minimal effort just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, filling up a dessert tray, or simply craving something sweet, these blondies are a guaranteed hit. Customize them with your favorite candy mix-ins, and don’t forget to share with family and friends. A bite of these golden, chocolate-filled bars will bring instant joy!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups pastel M&M’s or chocolate Easter eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
4. Fold in ¾ cup of M&M’s or chocolate eggs.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of candy on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per bar | Servings: 16 bars

A Brief History of Blondies

Blondies have been around for over a century and are considered the “vanilla cousin” of brownies. While brownies are made with cocoa or melted chocolate, blondies get their distinctive flavor from brown sugar and butter. Early recipes for blondies appeared in American cookbooks as far back as the 19th century, originally described as “molasses bars” or “butterscotch bars.” Over time, they evolved into the chewy, caramel-like dessert we know today.

Unlike brownies, which have an intense chocolate flavor, blondies offer a milder, buttery sweetness, making them the perfect base for mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, and, in this case, festive pastel candies. Easter Blondie Bars are a fun twist on the classic recipe, incorporating spring-themed chocolates to match the holiday spirit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easter Blondie Bars are a must-have treat for several reasons:

1. Easy to Make – This is a simple one-bowl, no-fuss recipe that comes together in minutes. No need to scoop individual cookies just spread the dough in a pan, bake, and slice.
2. Chewy and Buttery Texture – The combination of melted butter and brown sugar creates a soft, chewy consistency that melts in your mouth.
3. Perfect for Easter – The pastel-colored M&M’s or chocolate eggs make these bars a fun and festive addition to any Easter gathering.
4. Customizable – While this recipe uses M&M’s or chocolate eggs, you can easily switch up the add-ins to suit your preferences. Nuts, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter cups would be delicious additions.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – These blondies store well and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for holiday prep.

Variations and Customization Ideas

While the traditional Easter Blondie Bars recipe is already delicious, you can customize it in many ways to make it your own. Here are some fun ideas to experiment with:

• Chocolate Lovers’ Blondies – Add white chocolate chips or swirl in melted dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
• Nutty Blondies – Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fruity Twist – Dried cranberries or shredded coconut can add a fun, tropical element to your blondies.
• Peanut Butter Lovers – Swirl in peanut butter or add chopped peanut butter cups for a salty-sweet combination.
• Double M&M’s – Use a mix of pastel M&M’s and mini white chocolate chips for even more color and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

Baking Tips for Perfect Blondies

Baking blondies might seem simple, but a few tips can ensure they turn out perfectly chewy and flavorful every time.

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Since blondies rely on just a few key ingredients, using real butter, pure vanilla extract, and high-quality chocolate candies makes a big difference in flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can lead to a dense, tough texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep your blondies soft and chewy.

3. Bake Until Just Set

Blondies should be removed from the oven when they are light golden brown on the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly blondies.

4. Let Them Cool Before Cutting

It may be tempting to dig in right away, but letting your blondies cool completely ensures clean cuts and prevents them from crumbling.

5. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal

Lining the baking pan with parchment paper allows you to lift the blondies out easily and cut them into neat squares without sticking.

How to Store and Freeze Blondies

Storing at Room Temperature

Easter Blondie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can add a small piece of bread to the container the blondies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.

Refrigeration

While not necessary, if you prefer to store blondies in the fridge, they can last for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Blondies

Blondies freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert. To freeze:

1. Cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
2. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Easter Blondie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these serving ideas:

• Warm with Ice Cream – Heat a blondie in the microwave for a few seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzled with Chocolate – Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the blondies for an extra festive touch.
• Paired with Coffee or Tea – These blondies are perfect for an afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
• Served with Whipped Cream and Berries – Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a springtime dessert with a fruity twist.

Conclusion:

Easter Blondie Bars are the ultimate springtime treat easy to make, incredibly delicious, and full of festive charm. Their chewy texture, rich buttery flavor, and pops of colorful chocolate make them a standout dessert for any Easter celebration. Plus, they are highly customizable, allowing you to get creative with different mix-ins and flavors.

Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, an Easter party, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, they are sure to be a hit. With their simple preparation and make-ahead convenience, Easter Blondie Bars will quickly become a go-to dessert in your holiday baking rotation.