These Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies are a delightful dessert bar that combines the tropical essence of coconut milk with the rich sweetness of toffee bits. The result is a chewy, golden treat with a hint of crunch, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Blondie Batter:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ⅔ cup canned coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 tablespoons toffee bits
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the vanilla and coconut extracts, followed by the shredded coconut.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and toffee bits.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the topping ingredients evenly over the surface. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 20 servings)
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 2g
What Are Blondies?
Blondies are essentially a variation of brownies. The main difference between the two lies in the absence of cocoa powder in blondies. Instead of the deep, dark chocolate flavor that characterizes brownies, blondies have a rich, buttery taste. The texture of blondies is similar to that of brownies—dense and chewy—but they have a lighter, sweeter flavor that makes them more versatile when paired with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or, in this case, toffee bits and coconut.
The base of a blondie is typically made with brown sugar, which gives it a caramel-like flavor that complements the other ingredients. While traditional blondies can be quite simple, variations like Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies elevate this dessert by adding tropical coconut and sweet toffee, making it even more delicious.
Coconut Milk in Baking: Why It Works
Coconut milk is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it’s not just for flavor—coconut milk also contributes to the texture of the blondies. Made by pressing grated coconut flesh and extracting the creamy liquid, coconut milk is naturally rich and creamy, which makes it an excellent substitute for dairy products in many baked goods. It also provides a delicate coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and toffee.
When used in baking, coconut milk can help make desserts moist and tender. It can even replace other fats like butter or vegetable oil, providing a vegan alternative to traditional recipes. For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet, coconut milk is a great way to ensure that baked goods retain their richness without using dairy.
The Magic of Toffee Bits
Toffee bits are a wonderful addition to any dessert, and they shine in this Coconut Milk Toffee Blondie recipe. Toffee is made by heating sugar and butter until it caramelizes, and then it’s typically coated with chocolate. The toffee bits used in this recipe are small pieces of this caramelized sugar and butter mixture, often coated in chocolate to create a sweet, crunchy texture.
When added to blondies, toffee bits create little pockets of caramelized sugar that melt into the batter, adding bursts of sweetness in every bite. The crunch of the toffee bits contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the blondies, giving the dessert a delightful textural balance. The toffee also enhances the caramel-like flavor of the brown sugar base, making the blondies taste even more indulgent.
Shredded Coconut: A Touch of Tropical Flavor
Shredded coconut is another important ingredient in this recipe. Coconut has long been used in baking and cooking for its sweet, nutty flavor and rich texture. In these blondies, the shredded coconut not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture, giving the dessert a slight chewiness that complements the other ingredients.
Shredded coconut also gives the blondies a more rustic, homemade feel. It provides visual interest and a touch of elegance that elevates the overall presentation of the dessert. Coconut also pairs beautifully with the toffee bits, as both ingredients have a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor, making them a perfect match for each other.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for an easy dessert to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, these blondies are a hit.
Their tropical flavors make them an excellent choice for summer gatherings, barbecues, or beach parties. The richness of the coconut and toffee also makes them a comforting dessert for colder months, providing a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. No matter the season or event, Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies are sure to make a memorable impression on your guests.
In addition to being a crowd-pleaser, these blondies are also easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy hosts. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they come together quickly and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or after a bit of cooling. If you’re planning ahead, these blondies can also be stored for a few days, allowing you to make them in advance for your next event.
Variations on Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies
While the original recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to put your own spin on these Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies.
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Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch and an additional layer of flavor, try adding chopped macadamia nuts, almonds, or walnuts to the batter. The nutty flavor pairs well with both the coconut and the toffee.
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Swap the White Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can easily swap it for dark or milk chocolate chips. This will create a slightly different flavor profile, with the richness of dark chocolate balancing the sweetness of the coconut and toffee.
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Use Sweetened Condensed Milk: For an even richer flavor, replace the coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk. This will add extra sweetness and make the blondies more fudgy.
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Make it Vegan: To make these blondies vegan, simply replace the white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the toffee bits are free from dairy.
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Incorporate Fruit: For an added twist, you can stir in some dried fruits like mango or pineapple. These tropical fruits will enhance the coconut flavor and add a chewy texture to the blondies.
The Appeal of Homemade Desserts
There’s something truly special about homemade desserts. Not only do they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure the highest quality, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment when you share them with others. Homemade Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies are no exception. When you serve these blondies to your family and friends, you’re not just offering a sweet treat—you’re also offering a piece of your own creativity and love.
Conclusion
Coconut Milk Toffee Blondies are a deliciously tropical and sweet twist on a classic dessert. With their chewy texture, rich coconut flavor, and crunchy toffee bits, these blondies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply looking for a satisfying dessert to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress.