Indulge in Vegan Blondies with White Chocolate Chips – irresistibly chewy, fudgy, and buttery! These plant-based blondie bars are bursting with rich butterscotch-vanilla flavor and studded with mini white chocolate chips. Plus, you won’t need a mixer to whip up this wickedly easy treat.
Although it’s often said that blondes have more fun, I have to disagree when it comes to desserts. As a passionate chocoholic, I find treats like French silk pie or molten lava cake much more thrilling than shortbread or sugar cookies.
However, everything changed when I discovered these delectable Vegan Blondies with White Chocolate Chips. The combination of their rich, buttery taste and fudgy texture has completely won me over. Now, I can’t seem to get enough of them!
Blondies are the perfect treat for when you want something dense and satisfying to sink your teeth into. The best part? This recipe is super simple to make and doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques. You can whip up the batter in less than 10 minutes and have these bad boys in the oven in no time. And because they use plant-based ingredients, they’re allergen-friendly and cruelty-free. Trust me, these vegan blondies really do have more fun!
Jump to:
- What are Blondies?
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Special Equipment to Make These Vegan Blondies
- Gluten-Free Vegan Blondies
- How to Make Vegan Blondies – Step by Step
- Tips and Variations
- Common Questions about Vegan Blondies
- Want to save these vegan blondies for later? Here’s how!
- Vegan Blondies with White Chocolate Chips
What are Blondies?
While blondies are often referred to as “vanilla brownies,” they’re actually so much more than that. Made with a luxurious combination of vegan butter and brown sugar, blondies have a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. And while they may not have the same level of fame as their chocolatey cousin, they’re just as indulgent and satisfying.
The origins of blondies are somewhat murky, but they’re believed to have been invented sometime in the mid-20th century. Some sources suggest that they were created as a way to use up leftover brown sugar and butter that wasn’t being used for chocolate brownies. Others believe that they were simply a variation on the classic brownie recipe. But regardless of their history, one thing is clear: blondies have become a beloved dessert in their own right.
Blondies are often served in bar or square form, and can be topped with a variety of delicious ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce. And while they’re traditionally made with butter and brown sugar, vegan versions like these vegan blondies with white chocolate chips are just as decadent and mouth-watering. Whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic or a lover of all things vanilla, there’s no denying that blondies are the ultimate treat.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure for the blondies. Be sure to scoop and level your flour, as adding too much will result in a cakey blondie. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking powder: Baking powder serves as our leavening agent and helps the blondies rise.
- Salt: Sprinkling some coarse sea salt on top of the blondies after baking gives them that perfect sweet and salty crunch.
- Vegan butter: Butter has a rich flavor that gives blondies their distinctive taste. It also provides moisture and helps bind our batter. For this recipe, I used Earth Balance salted butter sticks. Use your favorite brand. If you don’t have vegan butter on hand, you can substitute it with another type of fat, like neutral-tasting oil. Examples include vegetable, canola, and coconut. You can also try using a nut butter, like peanut butter, but it will change the flavor profile.
- Light brown sugar: Brown sugar is our sweetener and gives the blondies their unique butterscotch flavor. We will be using a mixture of light and dark brown sugar in this recipe. I do not recommend substituting with any type of white sugar, as it drastically changes the texture and flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar makes the blondies richer and chewier, due to its high molasses content.
A note about sugar:
Unfortunately, most sugars in the United States are processed using animal-derived bone char. If you want to guarantee the sugar you are baking with is vegan-friendly, make sure it is raw cane sugar, certified-organic cane sugar, or sugar made exclusively from beets.
- Non-dairy milk: I recommend using a full-fat non-dairy milk, like oat or soy. Non-dairy milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe, and I do not recommend attempting to substitute it. I’ve tested this recipe with aquafaba, but it turned into a soupy mess.
- Vanilla extract: These blondies have BIG vanilla flavor, so use a good quality vanilla extract rather than the imitation stuff.
- Dairy-free white chocolate chips: I truly believe white chocolate chips are the ultimate mix-in for blondies. They have a sweet, vanilla flavor that compliments the caramel flavor of blondies. White chocolate chips also have a creamy texture that adds a nice mouthfeel and texture to the blondies. My favorite vegan-friendly white chocolate chips are Enjoy Life White Baking Mini Chips. If you’re looking for other mix-in options, try adding chopped nuts, vegan caramel sauce, or even vegan marshmallows.
Special Equipment to Make These Vegan Blondies
Good news, bakers! You won’t need any special equipment to make these vegan blondies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A medium mixing bowl
- A small bowl or pot to melt the vegan butter
- A large mixing bowl
- A rubber spatula
- A 9″x9″ square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- An oven and a wire rack for cooling
That’s it! No fancy mixers or equipment required. Just a few basic tools and ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying these delicious vegan blondies in no time.
Gluten-Free Vegan Blondies
To make the gluten-free blondies, simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a 1:1 substitute to ensure the right texture and consistency. Bob’s Red Mill makes a great gluten-free flour blend that works well in this recipe.
For the vegan butter, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and dairy-free white chocolate chips, make sure to choose products that are labeled as gluten-free. You’ll also want to make sure that your baking powder is gluten-free.
When making the recipe with gluten-free flour, you may find that the batter is slightly thicker than when using all-purpose flour. If this is the case, simply add a tablespoon or two of non-dairy milk to the batter until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Also, keep in mind that gluten-free baked goods can sometimes be more delicate than their wheat-based counterparts, so be careful when handling the blondies after they come out of the oven. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
How to Make Vegan Blondies – Step by Step
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line an 8u0022x8u0022 or 9u0022x9u0022 square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the blondies from the pan later on. Set aside for later.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and well-combined.
-
Melt the vegan butter by placing it in a small heat-safe bowl and microwaving for 20-30 seconds or by melting it in a small pot on the stove. Stir to ensure that it’s fully melted.
-
In a large bowl, pour the melted butter over the light brown sugar and dark brown sugar. Whisk until well combined. Stir in the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. This will create the base for your blondie batter.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring with a rubber spatula until the flour disappears and no clumps remain. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough and cakey blondies. Fold in 1 cup of dairy-free white chocolate chips to add a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
-
Pour the blondie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If you want to add an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some extra white chocolate chips on top. This will create a beautiful and decadent topping for your blondies.
-
Transfer the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is set and golden brown. If the top is still pale and white, they need more time in the oven. When you stick a toothpick in the center, it should come out glossy with a few fudgy pieces.
-
Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool inside the pan for approximately 10 minutes. This will allow them to set up and become easier to slice. Once they have completely cooled, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 9 square-shaped bars and enjoy your delicious and indulgent vegan blondies!
Tips and Variations
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make your blondies tough and dense. Mix just until all the ingredients are well combined, and then stop mixing to avoid overworking the gluten. This will create a smooth batter without making it too airy, which can result in blondies that are too cake-like and not dense enough.
- Don’t overbake your blondies. Blondies are best when they are moist and chewy, so it’s important to pull them out of the oven sooner rather than later. Start checking them a few minutes before baking time is up, and take them out when the edges are golden brown and the center has just set. Pro tip: When you gently shake the pan, the blondies should only have a slight jiggle in the center. If the entire pan is still jiggling, they will need more time to bake.
- Get creative and incorporate mix-ins for extra texture and flavor. Blondies are a versatile dessert that can be customized in so many fun ways. While white chocolate chips are my personal favorite, you can also try adding in dried fruit, nuts, or even other types of chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips make for a delicious lazy-girl chocolate chip cookie bar. Get creative and see what delicious combinations you can come up with!
Common Questions about Vegan Blondies
While blondies and brownies share some similarities, they are not the same dessert. Blondies are made with a combination of light and dark brown sugar and do not contain chocolate, while brownies are made with chocolate and usually do not contain brown sugar.
I recommend using an 8 inch x 8 inch or 9 inch x 9 inch baking dish for these blondies. If doubling up the recipe, use a 9 inch x 13 inch dish. Make sure the baking dish is greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make sure the blondies have fully cooled prior to cutting. Once they have cooled down, they firm up and are much easier to slice. If you try to slice them while they are still warm, they may crumble or stick to the knife. Make sure to use a sharp, serrated knife.
Want to save these vegan blondies for later? Here’s how!
If you want to save your vegan blondies for later, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some tips on how to store your vegan blondies:
Room temperature: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: If you want to keep your blondies fresh for a little longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: To store your vegan blondies for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the microwave or oven.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your vegan blondies for days or even weeks to come!
Thank you so much for reading, friend! If you make this recipe in your very own kitchen, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought!
Happy Baking!
xoxo, Audra
Vegan Blondies with White Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegan butter melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla
- 1 cup dairy-free white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line a 9”x9” square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside for later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, baking powder and salt.
- Melt vegan butter by placing it in a small bowl and microwaving 20-30 seconds or in a small pot on the stove.
- In a large bowl, pour melted butter into light brown sugar and dark brown sugar. Whisk until well combined. Whisk in non-dairy milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir using a rubber spatula until flour disappears and no clumps remain. Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Pour blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra white chocolate chips on top. Transfer to the pre-heated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is set and golden brown. When you stick a toothpick in the center, it should come out glossy with a few fudgy pieces.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once they have completely cooled, remove the parchment lined blondies from the pan. Slice into 9 square-shaped bars and enjoy!
