Deviled Blondies Recipe

Deviled Blondies Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

These Halloween-themed Blondies feature a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, inspired by a recent video recipe for Gochujang Caramel Cookies. Theyre so good, you might even consider calling them Open Wound Blondies for an extra terrifying touch. Dont worry whether you choose to add chocolate chips or not, these blondies are going to be delicious, thanks to the rich macadamia nuts. I promise you, once you try them, youll agree theyre scary good!

Ingredients

Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon soft butter
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 rounded tablespoon Gochujang chili paste (or your preferred chili paste)

Blondies:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 sticks salted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1/2 cup macadamia nuts

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and Gochujang chili paste for the topping. Mix until smooth and set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: For the blondie batter, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and thick.

Step 5: Gradually add the melted butter and continue beating until the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Carefully fold in the macadamia nuts and the flour mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined dont overmix.

Step 7: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 8: Drop the chili topping mixture in 12 evenly spaced dollops across the surface of the batter.

Step 9: Using the tip of a knife, create a flame-like pattern with each dollop by running the knife in several different directions. Be sure to push some of the chili paste into the batter, so the red and blonde streaks are well-distributed.

Step 10: Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to level the batter and ensure even cooking.

Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 12: Let the blondies cool completely on a wire rack before removing them from the pan.

Step 13: Once cooled, cut the blondies into 9 equal pieces. For the best texture and flavor, serve them chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 blondie):

  • Calories: 471
  • Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 15g (75% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 99mg (33% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 485mg (21% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g (18% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 64mg (5% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 96mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Deviled Blondies

Chef Johns Deviled Blondies combine the warmth of a traditional American blondie with a fiery and sweet chili twist, making them a perfect treat for those who enjoy adventurous flavors. These blondies are not your ordinary dessert, as they incorporate the spicy heat of Gochujang chili paste, creating a unique fusion of sweetness and heat. The addition of macadamia nuts gives them an extra rich, buttery texture, making them a delightful and surprising indulgence for anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

History and Origin of Blondies

Blondies, also known as "blonde brownies," are an American classic that emerged in the 20th century. They are essentially a variation of traditional brownies, but instead of cocoa powder, blondies use brown sugar as the base, resulting in a lighter, more caramel-flavored treat. While their exact origin is unclear, its believed that blondies were invented as an alternative to brownies for those who prefer vanilla-based sweets over chocolate. Their popularity soared in the 1970s as the American dessert scene began experimenting with diverse flavors and textures.

Regional Characteristics of Deviled Blondies

While blondies are typically a staple in American dessert recipes, the "deviled" twist with chili paste brings an international flair, particularly inspired by Korean cuisine. The inclusion of Gochujang, a fermented chili paste, is a bold and unexpected addition. It adds not only heat but also umami, creating a perfect balance with the sweet, buttery base. In some regions of the U.S., such as the West Coast, Asian-influenced desserts are becoming increasingly popular, and this recipe reflects the fusion of American comfort food with Asian flavors.

What Makes Deviled Blondies Different from Similar Desserts

Deviled blondies stand out because of their unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Unlike traditional blondies, which are typically made with just vanilla and brown sugar, the addition of Gochujang chili paste creates a flavor profile that is both sweet, tangy, and spicy. This is a departure from other popular American desserts such as regular blondies or brownies, which focus primarily on rich, sugary flavors and sometimes chocolate. The macadamia nuts also elevate the texture, giving the blondies a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the softness of the batter and the bold chili topping.

Where Are Deviled Blondies Usually Served?

Deviled blondies are often served at special occasions, particularly during Halloween or themed events. The blend of sweet and spicy makes them an excellent choice for those looking to add a little extra flair to their dessert table. Theyre also a popular treat for gatherings and parties, especially when guests are looking for something unexpected. Whether at a Halloween party or a family gathering, these blondies are sure to spark conversation and delight the taste buds of those willing to try something different. Their fiery topping also makes them an eye-catching treat, ideal for holiday festivities.

Interesting Facts About Deviled Blondies

  • The name "Deviled Blondies" is a playful reference to the fiery chili topping, inspired by the "deviled" flavor profile of spicy foods.
  • Gochujang, the chili paste used in this recipe, is a staple in Korean cuisine and is known for its unique combination of spicy, sweet, and fermented flavors.
  • Blondies were initially created as a vanilla-flavored alternative to brownies, and they gained popularity due to their versatility in adding different flavors, nuts, or even chocolate.
  • Although not a traditional Halloween dessert, the striking red and blond streaks in the Deviled Blondies make them a perfect treat for spooky season, thanks to their fiery appearance.

With their delicious combination of sweet and spicy, Deviled Blondies offer a fresh twist on a traditional dessert. Whether youre craving something new or just want to impress your guests with a creative Halloween treat, these blondies are sure to deliver on both flavor and excitement.

FAQ about Deviled Blondies Recipe

Store Deviled Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

Yes, you can substitute the Gochujang chili paste with other chili pastes or sauces, such as Sriracha, harissa, or sambal oelek, depending on your spice preference.

Yes, you can prepare these blondies in advance. After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

If you don't have macadamia nuts, you can substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution in the batter.

Yes, if you prefer, you can add chocolate chips to the batter. The original recipe skips them in favor of macadamia nuts, but they can be a delicious addition if you want a sweeter flavor.

You can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter to balance the flavors.

Serving the blondies chilled enhances their texture and helps the flavors meld together. The cooling process allows the topping to firm up slightly, providing a more satisfying bite.

While this recipe calls for a 9x9 cake pan, you can use other sizes, but keep in mind that baking time may vary. A smaller pan will result in thicker blondies and may require a longer baking time, while a larger pan may produce thinner blondies and reduce the baking time.

Comments

Carolyn Miller

04/15/2025 09:52:42 PM

Can’t stop eating it 🤤

UpbeatSage9993

02/11/2025 04:20:52 AM

I’ve made the NYT Eric Kim cookie version of this a few times and they’re always too flat. These blondies were easier to make and so so so tasty. The macadamia nuts are an incredible touch. Thank you, Chef John!

ShinyFarro2869

10/28/2024 12:57:53 AM

Absolutely delicious and quite easy. I went ahead and browned the butter because why not.