Decadent Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies Recipe — A Sweet-Salty Umami Treat

What is Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies?

Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies are a delicious twist on the classic blondie, offering a rich, nutty flavor with an irresistible sweet-salty umami kick. The combination of brown butter, miso caramel, and chewy blondie base creates a mouthwatering treat that will elevate your dessert game. With each bite, you’ll experience the rich sweetness from the brown sugar and the miso caramel, perfectly balanced with the savory depth from the miso paste. These blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves trying new and exciting flavor profiles in their baked goods. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they are sure to be a hit.

The Origin of Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies

While the origins of blondies themselves are debated, it is believed that they were created in the United States in the 19th century as a lighter alternative to brownies. Blondies often feature brown sugar as the base flavor, resulting in a softer and more caramel-like taste compared to the chocolatey depth of brownies. The addition of brown butter in this recipe adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes these blondies to the next level.

The incorporation of miso paste into desserts is a more recent innovation, as chefs worldwide explore the art of using savory ingredients in sweet dishes. Miso caramel, in particular, has gained popularity in modern kitchens due to its ability to deliver a complex flavor that marries the sweetness of caramel with the savory umami of miso. This recipe combines these two elements—blondies and miso caramel—to create a unique and decadent dessert that is both unexpected and delightful.

Ingredients for Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies

Blondie Base

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Miso Caramel

• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup heavy cream (warm)
• 1–2 tbsp white miso paste (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Make the Brown Butter

• In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Continue cooking the butter, stirring constantly until it foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.
• Once it reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using it in the blondie batter.

2. Prepare the Blondie Batter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that it covers the edges for easy removal.
• Whisk the brown sugar into the browned butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring well until everything is evenly incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense blondies.

3. Make the Miso Caramel

• In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat without stirring. Allow the mixture to cook until it turns an amber color, which indicates the caramelization process has started.
• Once the sugar has reached the desired color, carefully whisk in the butter, stirring until it melts and combines with the caramelized sugar.
• Slowly pour in the warm heavy cream (be cautious as it will bubble), and whisk until smooth.
• Remove the caramel from the heat and whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of white miso paste, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of umami flavor. The miso adds a savory depth to the sweetness of the caramel, giving this dessert its signature flavor profile.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
• Drizzle the miso caramel over the top of the blondie batter, creating swirls with a knife or skewer. The caramel will add a beautiful marbled effect to the blondies as it bakes.
• Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft for a chewy texture. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Variations of Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies

While this recipe is decadent on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or make it more exciting:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the blondie batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Use dark miso: If you prefer a more intense umami flavor, try using dark miso paste in place of the white miso. This will give the caramel a richer, deeper taste.
• Swirl in chocolate: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the blondie batter for a chocolatey twist, complementing the caramel and miso flavors.
• Top with sea salt: After baking, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the blondies to enhance the sweet-salty combination even further.

FAQs

1. Can I make Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these blondies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

2. Can I substitute the white miso paste with another type of miso?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of miso pastes. White miso is milder, while red or dark miso offers a stronger flavor. If you use a stronger miso paste, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dessert.

3. How do I make the caramel without burning it?

The key to making perfect caramel is patience. Cook the sugar and water mixture over medium heat without stirring, and watch carefully as it changes color. Once it turns amber, quickly add the butter and cream to prevent it from burning.

4. Can I freeze these blondies?

Yes, these blondies freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. Can I use a different type of sugar for the blondie batter?

You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or even granulated sugar. However, using brown sugar helps create that classic chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.

6. Are these blondies gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the miso paste is also gluten-free, as some varieties contain wheat.

7. How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.

Conclusion

Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies offer a delectable blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making them a truly unique dessert. With their rich caramelized miso topping and chewy, nutty blondie base, these blondies are perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or treating yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations like adding nuts or chocolate, you’re sure to enjoy a scrumptious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone wanting more. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating these irresistible blondies that are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Decadent Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies Recipe — A Sweet-Salty Umami Treat

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 blondies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Miso Caramel Brown Butter Blondies are a delicious twist on the classic blondie, offering a rich, nutty flavor with an irresistible sweet-salty umami kick. The combination of brown butter, miso caramel, and chewy blondie base creates a mouthwatering treat that will elevate your dessert game. With each bite, you’ll experience the rich sweetness from the brown sugar and the miso caramel, perfectly balanced with the savory depth from the miso paste. These blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves trying new and exciting flavor profiles in their baked goods. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they are sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Blondie Base

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

Miso Caramel

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup heavy cream (warm)

• 1–2 tbsp white miso paste (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

Make the Brown Butter

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.

2. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Prepare the Blondie Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Whisk brown sugar into browned butter until smooth.

3. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined (don’t overmix).

Make the Miso Caramel

1. In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat without stirring until amber colored.

2. Carefully whisk in butter, then slowly add warm cream (it will bubble).

3. Remove from heat, whisk in miso paste until smooth. Cool slightly.

Assemble & Bake

1. Pour blondie batter into prepared pan.

2. Drizzle miso caramel over the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl gently.

3. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and just set (center should be slightly soft for chewy texture).

4. Cool in pan before slicing.

Notes

These blondies strike the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and salty flavors thanks to the browned butter and miso caramel. They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 blondie
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: High

Keywords: Miso Blondies, Brown Butter Blondies, Sweet-Salty Blondies, Caramel Blondies, Miso Dessert Bars