Name: Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Nutella; 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

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These indulgent Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies combine the rich, butterscotch-like flavor of blondies with a gooey Nutella center and a drizzle of salted caramel on top. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these blondies are a decadent treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You'll fall in love with these blondies from the first bite. The contrast between the chewy blondie base, creamy Nutella middle, and salty-sweet caramel topping creates an irresistible flavor combination. They're perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Despite their gourmet appearance, these blondies are surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of these blondies, giving them structure while still allowing for that perfect chewy texture that makes blondies so irresistible.

Baking powder helps give a slight rise to the blondies, ensuring they're not too dense while still maintaining that classic fudgy texture.

Salt is essential in sweet baked goods as it enhances all the other flavors. In this recipe, it balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and Nutella.

Unsalted butter, melted and mixed with brown sugar, creates that distinctive butterscotch-like flavor that defines a good blondie. The melted state ensures a denser, more fudgy texture than creaming would provide.

Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the moist, chewy texture of the blondies. It's what gives blondies their characteristic flavor that distinguishes them from traditional brownies.

Eggs bind everything together while adding richness and helping to create that perfect chewy texture. They also contribute to the rise of the blondies.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the recipe and adds a warm, aromatic note that complements both the blondie base and the Nutella filling.

Nutella creates a decadent gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the chewy blondie. Its chocolate-hazelnut flavor pairs perfectly with the butterscotch notes of the blondie base.

Salted caramel sauce adds another layer of indulgence while introducing a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that elevates these blondies from delicious to extraordinary.

Sea salt finishes the blondies with a slight crunch and bursts of saltiness that cut through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that keeps you coming back for more.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and whisk until well incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
Gently spoon Nutella in dollops over the batter and use a knife or spoon to swirl it into the batter slightly.
Pour the remaining batter over the Nutella and smooth it out to cover.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt.
Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 9 generous servings, each containing approximately 305 calories. The total preparation time is about 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of active preparation and 30 minutes of baking time. Allow additional time for cooling before cutting and serving.

Variations

White Chocolate Nutella Blondies: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.

Hazelnut Crunch: Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped hazelnuts over the top before baking for added texture and to emphasize the hazelnut notes in the Nutella.

Chocolate Chip Nutella Blondies: Fold ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for even more chocolate goodness.

Peanut Butter and Nutella Blondies: Replace half the Nutella with creamy peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combination.

Espresso Nutella Blondies: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor of the Nutella.

Coconut Nutella Blondies: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: Store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer shelf life, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to a week. The cold temperature will make them more firm and fudgy.

Freezer Storage: These blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm blondie, microwave an individual piece for 15-20 seconds. For a more decadent treat, place a blondie in a small oven-safe dish and heat at 300°F for about 5 minutes, then top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

FAQs

How do I know when my blondies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Remember that blondies will continue to set as they cool, so it's better to slightly underbake than overbake them.

Can I use homemade Nutella for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade Nutella can be substituted for store-bought. Just ensure it has a similar consistency for the best results. Homemade versions often have a more pronounced hazelnut flavor, which can make these blondies even more special.

My blondies turned out cakey rather than fudgy. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the batter is overmixed or there's too much flour. Be sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, mix the batter only until ingredients are just combined.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These blondies actually taste even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld. Make them a day ahead, but wait to cut them until a few hours before serving for the freshest presentation.

Is it possible to make these blondies without Nutella?

While Nutella is key to this specific recipe, you could substitute other spreads like cookie butter, chocolate spread, or a combination of melted chocolate and hazelnut butter. Each will create a different but equally delicious variation.

How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?

To make homemade salted caramel sauce, combine 1 cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a saucepan over medium heat until amber colored. Remove from heat, carefully add ¾ cup heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously), then stir in 3 tablespoons butter and ½-1 teaspoon sea salt to taste.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use a 9x13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness with the toothpick test.

My blondies sank in the middle. How can I prevent this?

Sinking typically occurs when blondies are underbaked or when the oven temperature is too high. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated, and bake the blondies until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

The salted caramel hardened on top of my blondies. What did I do wrong?

If your caramel sauce hardens, it might have been cooked to too high a temperature. For a softer drizzle, make sure your caramel isn't too cool when you apply it, and consider adding an extra tablespoon of cream to your caramel recipe for a more fluid consistency.

Conclusion

These Nutella Stuffed Salted Caramel Blondies represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors – chewy butterscotch blondies, creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling, and the sweet-salty finish of caramel and sea salt. They're impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers spectacular results with minimal effort. The combination of familiar comfort food elements with gourmet touches makes these blondies a standout dessert that friends and family will request again and again. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a truly memorable treat that showcases the irresistible combination of Nutella and salted caramel.