The abundance of fresh, big, and healthy summer berries are almost over. Did you put some aside to freeze so that you can enjoy summer berries during the fall and winter months too? Better to freeze them yourself for your baking projects or a frosty smoothie, rather than paying criminal prices for frozen bags brought home from the frozen food aisles of your local market.
What is a Blondie?
I really didn’t know the specifics of what is classified as a Blondie, did you? It is considered a cookie that is brown sugar based. Although they may include white or dark chocolate, the star of the dessert bar is the brown sugar. Blondies contain flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder and vanilla.
This fruit and nut laden blondie has a tart-n-sweetness from both the raspberries and white chocolate. The almonds lend not only flavor, but a great texture throughout the crust and top. A colorful and elegant summer dessert that is sure to raise some eyebrows when serving with evening coffee.
- Adding some shredded coconut to the batter would be a nice addition.
- I used half fresh berries and half home-frozen raspberries.
- Watch baking time, you don’t want to overbake these into dry cakelets.
- Would like to try this with other berries (blueberries, blackberries…how about cherries?).
Makes 9 – 16 squares
1 teaspoon butter (to prepare baking pan)
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) + 1 tablespoon butter
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sliced almonds
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
2 cups raspberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Confectioner’s/powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil and use the 1 teaspoon of butter to prepare both the bottom and sides of pan.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time and the vanilla. Beat until eggs are well incorporated, scraping the sides and paddle attachment. Add flour mixture in two batches and mix until incorporated. Remove from mixer and fold in the 1 cup of sliced almonds and white chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Place raspberries on top of batter and evenly distribute on batter’ surface. Top with the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Bake for 45-55 minutes, rotating the pan half-way through bake time. Use a wooden toothpick or tester to test for doneness. The blondies should not be wet.
When the blondies have cooled, remove liner, dust with confectioner’s sugar and cut into either 9 or 16 squares (3×3 or 4×4 squares). Store leftovers in sealed container or wrap with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature or slightly warm to re-serve (they taste great cold, too!).
Patty H. says
These look so good! Raspberries & white chocolate go so well together…throw in the almonds, and it’s right up my alley!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Beautiful blondies and I always love almonds on top. I am not a big fan of almond itself but I always love extra crispy almond slices on top of sweets…(weird, maybe). Your photos are always gorgeous and delicious…. hard to keep my eyes off once I see them.
nicole branan says
Gorgeous! Your lighting technique is phenomenal.
Magic of Spice says
I am not sure of the true definition of a blondie is, but I know yours look amazing!
briarrose says
Almost too pretty to dive into. 😉 I love this recipe.
redkathy says
Beautiful, delicious, and very well done! Oh my Cristina these ARE beautiful! Being a berry freak, baked goods fanatic, and lover of stunning photography I just had to share your post on google+.
Still working on the cookie aspect of my baking skills which makes squares my favorite type to bake thus far. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe.
Have a great weekend.
redkathy says
BTW Christa if you want a google+ invite just email me 🙂
Monet says
I need to start freezing 🙂 It is so hot here in Austin that I forget the berries will soon be long gone. This looks like such a great way to celebrate the end of summer. I adore blondies…especially with berries and coconut. Thank you for sharing!
Juliana says
Cristina, these blondies look fabulous, love the combination of raspberries and white chocolate.
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
Melissa@EyesBigger says
ooooooo… i have to try these. I make a sort of winter bar version of this with creamcheese and homemade raspberry jam. I have more raspberries than I know what to do with this year and I have frozen a couple of big bags of them. It’s crazy what they cost frozen from the grocery store!
Gorgeous photos as always!
Roxana GreenGirl says
I have no idea what’s the correct definition for blondie but i know I love how these look like. White chocolate, almonds and raspberries, oh, what a delicious and irresistible combo!
chinmayie @ love food eat says
That looks Beautiful! Thanks for this great recipe 🙂
Mercedes says
Wow these look amazing! Beautiful color from the raspberries and I would love the contrasting flavors and textures. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
sonia says
Congrats on top 9 ! The blondies are looking awesome, loved the vibrant color and garnish !
Claire says
They look great! I like how powdered sugar on top of the almonds, reminds me of almond crossiants.
5 Star Foodie says
What a terrific combination – the raspberries, white chocolate and almond sound so good together in these delicious blondies, yum!
Alyce says
Great combo of flavors. congrats on your top 9!
Sasha @ The Procrastobaker says
My oh my, these look…perfect! The fact i dont have to scale down the recipe just makes these a no brainer must make too 🙂 whilst rasps are still in season im DEFINITELY trying these, lovely!!
chona says
looking at your scrumptious cake cristina makes me wonder what if i give up my job as a nurse & become like you? then i would have a bakeshop with me as ” the designer of cakes & the grand taster at the same time” lol…oh dear, heaven! your photos as always are amazing! 🙂
Erin says
I could totally convince myself that these are an acceptable breakfast option
anh says
This blondie has everything I love!! Making this soon! thanks!
wok with ray says
I have a question for you. Were these blondies posing for you when you took their photographs? I am looking at these photos especially the last one and it looks like they winked at me. Haha! Something about your photography Cristina that is very inspiring and that my friend is no joke. Thank you for sharing your delicious dish and thank you for the inspiration.
~ ray ~
Michelle says
these look scrumptious.
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
OMG – these look and sound simply perfectly delish! Love the colors and flavors. These are a MUST make. Thank you for sharing.
Eron says
Perfect — I just picked up raspberries (including a pint of white raspberries, which I have not had before) at the farmers’ market… this recipe looks delicious. Thanks for the inspiration.
Peggy says
These blondies sound so good! i’ve got some blackberries that would be perfect for this =)
Clarkie @ Beloved Green says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Maris (in Good Taste) says
Raspberry and white chocolate together is an awesome combination. These look great!
Blog is the New Black says
These look wonderful! The combo of flavors sounds amazing!