Mary Berry Blondies Recipe

Blondies may often be overshadowed by brownies, but Mary Berry’s take on this golden treat proves they deserve just as much attention. These buttery, chewy bars are packed with rich vanilla flavor and a slight caramelized sweetness, creating a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. Unlike brownies, blondies let their deep, buttery notes shine without the need for chocolate.

This recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft and chewy textures, with a slight crispness at the edges. Whether you’re making a batch for afternoon tea, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these blondies are an easy-to-make delight that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Recipe at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at what to expect before you start baking these blondies.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these blondies, you’ll need simple pantry staples that come together for a rich, chewy texture and deep flavor.

  • 150g unsalted butter, melted
  • 200g light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 100g white chocolate chips (optional)

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

  • Butter – You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter but reduce the added salt slightly.
  • Sugar – Light brown sugar adds caramel notes, but you can use a mix of white and brown sugar.
  • Chocolate Chips – White chocolate chips complement the blondies, but dark or milk chocolate chips work too.

Equipment You’ll Need for Mary Berry Blondies

Having the right tools makes baking easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • 8×8-inch (20cm) square baking tin
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

How to Make Mary Berry Blondies Step-by-Step

Time needed: 40 minutes

Follow these steps to make soft, chewy blondies with a golden crust.

  1. Preheat and Prepare

    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking tin with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Sift in the flour and salt, then fold the mixture gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

  4. Add Chocolate Chips

    If using, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.

  5. Bake

    Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  6. Cool and Serve

    Let the blondies cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!Image of Mary Berry Blondies

Step-Specific Tips

  • Don’t overbake – The blondies will continue to set as they cool. Slight underbaking keeps them gooey.
  • Use room-temperature eggs – This helps the batter mix more evenly.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Each batch makes 12 blondies, and each serving contains the following estimated nutrition profile.

NutrientAmount per serving
Calories220 kcal
Carbohydrates30g
Protein3g
Fat10g
Sugar18g

These blondies contain gluten and dairy. If you need a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

  • Effortless Baking – This recipe requires just one bowl and a handful of ingredients.
  • Rich, Buttery Flavor – The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep caramel taste.
  • Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make it your own.

Pro Tips for Perfect Blondies

  • Let them cool before slicing – Cutting too soon can cause them to crumble.
  • Use parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift them out.
  • Measure ingredients accurately – Small changes in flour or sugar can affect the texture.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

If you want to put a creative spin on these blondies, here are a few ideas:

  • Nutty Blondies – Add 50g chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl in 2 tbsp of peanut butter before baking for a nutty twist.
  • Spiced Blondies – Add ½ tsp cinnamon for warmth and depth.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Overmixing the batter – Overworking the flour leads to dense blondies instead of soft, chewy ones.
  • Overbaking – The edges should be golden, but the center should still be slightly soft.
  • Not using parchment paper – Skipping this step makes it harder to remove the blondies cleanly.

How to Store & Serve Mary Berry Blondies

Storing

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigerating: Keeps for up to a week but may firm up—let them sit at room temp before eating.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving

  • Classic Way: Enjoy warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

Related Recipe: How to make Mary Berry Banoffee Pie Recipe

Mary Berry Blondies FAQs

Can I make these blondies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The base recipe is rich and flavorful on its own. The chocolate chips add sweetness, but you can omit them or replace them with nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of caramel.

Why are my blondies dry?

Overbaking is the most common cause of dry blondies. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they firm up while cooling. Measuring the flour accurately also helps—too much can make them dry.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes! Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which gives the blondies a richer caramel flavor and a slightly darker color. If using it, expect a chewier texture and deeper taste.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s blondies are a foolproof treat that delivers buttery richness in every bite. With a soft, chewy center and crisp edges, they’re perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a decadent dessert. Whether you keep them classic or customize them with mix-ins, these blondies are bound to become a go-to bake in your kitchen.

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