Irresistible Coffee Caramel Blondies Recipe for the Perfect Treat

Posted on July 26, 2025

There’s something magical about the combination of coffee and caramel, don’t you think? The deep, bold notes of coffee paired with the creamy sweetness of caramel create a dessert experience that’s truly irresistible. Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Coffee Caramel Blondies—a soft, chewy, and decadently gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, these blondies deliver big on flavor and comfort.

This recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a tiny indulgence with every bite. It’s inspired by my love for coffee-flavored treats and my obsession with caramel’s buttery richness. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch anytime you need a little sweetness in your day!

The Story Behind Coffee Caramel Blondies

Coffee Caramel Blondies have a special place in my heart because they remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with my family. Growing up, coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a ritual. My mom always had a cup brewing, and the aroma filled the house with warmth. Naturally, coffee found its way into many of our baked goods, and caramel was always the perfect complement.

While blondies themselves originated as the butterscotch-flavored cousin of brownies, I wanted to take them to the next level by adding coffee and caramel. The combination feels like a grown-up twist on a classic dessert, and it’s especially perfect for fall and winter when you’re craving rich, comforting flavors. Plus, they’re a hit at parties—everyone loves the interplay of chewy texture and bold coffee notes!

This recipe has evolved over time, starting as a simple blondie base and transforming into the decadent, coffee-infused treat you see today. I’ve tinkered with the ratios to get the perfect consistency, and the addition of caramel drizzle was a game-changer. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra caramel sauce for snacking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Unsalted butter is key for controlling the saltiness of the blondies. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the coffee flavor perfectly.
Eggs: Essential for binding the blondies and creating that soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the caramel notes.
All-Purpose Flour: For structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Instant Coffee: The star of the show! Use high-quality instant coffee for the best flavor. Espresso powder works wonderfully too.
Baking Powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly and keeps them from being too dense.
Salt: To balance the sweetness and highlight the coffee notes.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works, but homemade is worth the effort for a buttery, rich drizzle.

If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap the caramel sauce for chocolate ganache or add nuts for extra crunch. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and coconut milk caramel!

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
Spatula: For folding the batter and scraping the bowl clean.
9×9-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for even baking. You can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Wire Rack: For cooling the blondies.

If you don’t have a mixer, don’t worry—you can mix everything by hand with a sturdy whisk. And if you don’t have a baking pan, try muffin tins for cute blondie bites!

How to Make Coffee Caramel Blondies

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (225g) of softened butter and 1 cup (200g) of brown sugar until fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups (190g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of instant coffee, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding with a spatula until fully combined.
Spread in the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Drizzle: Let the blondies cool on a wire rack before drizzling generously with caramel sauce.

Pro tip: If your caramel is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave before drizzling!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting the perfect blondie texture can be tricky, but here are a few tips:

Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the blondies dense instead of chewy.
Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges when cutting.
If your blondies seem underbaked, don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool.
For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee or espresso powder.
Let the blondies cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.

And trust me, don’t skip the caramel drizzle—it’s the cherry on top of this recipe!

Variations & Adaptations

Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

Nutty Blondies: Add ½ cup (60g) of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for some crunch.
Chocolate Swirl: Swirl melted chocolate into the batter before baking for a mocha-inspired twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Seasonal Adaptation: For a fall vibe, sprinkle some cinnamon into the batter for a warm spice note.

One variation I love is adding a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel before drizzling—it creates an irresistible sweet-and-salty combo!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Coffee Caramel Blondies are best served slightly warm with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For presentation, cut them into squares and arrange them on a platter lined with parchment paper.

To store, keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate for one blondie (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 20g

The coffee in this recipe provides a small caffeine boost, and caramel sauce brings happiness to any day! If you’re looking for a slightly healthier version, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and swapping some of the butter for applesauce.

Conclusion

These Coffee Caramel Blondies are the perfect treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Their chewy texture, rich coffee flavor, and gooey caramel drizzle make them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below or share a picture on social media. Happy baking!

And remember: life’s too short to skip dessert!

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

Instant coffee or espresso powder is recommended for a stronger flavor, but you can use 2 tablespoons of brewed coffee if needed—just reduce another liquid slightly.

Can I make these blondies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter and dairy-free caramel sauce for a delicious alternative.

How do I know when the blondies are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Can I freeze these blondies?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What’s the best way to drizzle caramel sauce?

Warm the caramel slightly to make it easier to drizzle, and use a spoon or piping bag for control.