Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies
Soft, chewy blondies baked on a sheet pan, featuring deep brown sugar flavor and fragrant vanilla notes. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (optional) chopped walnuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Add 2 large eggs and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: If using, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts evenly through the batter.
- Step 7: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 9: Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into 24 squares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Sheet Pan Blondies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
