Chocolate Chunk Olive Oil Blondies
Andrea Potischman | Jan 31, 2024
Get ready to excite your taste buds with the irresistible combination of semi-sweet chocolate and olive oil in these delectable, and equally outrageous, chocolate chunk olive oil blondies. Yes, you read that correctly, olive oil is the star ingredient, and it does not disappoint. But stepping back a bit, let’s briefly discuss blondies in general, and how they differ from their ultra-famous brownie cousins. Afterward, we’ll delve into the sweet nuances and explore the wonders of baking with olive oil.
Blondies
Blondies are often referred to as the vanilla counterpart to brownies. While brownies are rich, fudgy, and chocolatey, blondies showcase a buttery, caramel-like flavor profile with a soft and chewy texture. They provide the perfect canvas to highlight other flavors, such as the delightful addition of chocolate chunks as in this recipe. Blondies will forever hold a special place in my heart. As a natural toe-head, my four-year-old self secretly thought blondies were special treats only for those who had blonde hair. My natural brunette sister was quick to squash that theory early on, but my connection remained strong throughout the years.
Baking with Olive Oil
Using olive oil as an alternative to traditional baking fats like butter brings a unique twist to the beloved blondie. Olive oil lends a subtle fruitiness, a moist texture, and a lightness to the finished product that will surprise you. It is also a healthier choice, with its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and it adds a special depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the blondie base.
Choosing an EVOO
When selecting olive oil for baking, it’s important to understand the main difference between regular olive oil and Extra Virgin olive oil (EVOO). Extra Virgin olive oil is the highest quality, extracted from the first pressing of olives, and has a more pronounced flavor. Regular olive oil, on the other hand, has a milder taste and can be a suitable option when you want a more subtle olive oil presence in your baked goods.
Using a good quality EVOO, in this recipe is crucial as it greatly impacts the taste of your final creation. Look for oils with a fresh and fruity aroma, as they will enhance the overall flavor profile of your blondies. My favorite EVVO for this recipe is Corto Extra Virgin olive oil.
So, blonde, or not, take a culinary adventure and bake a batch of these chocolate chunk olive oil blondies. Immerse yourself in the sweet, buttery bliss of blondies, uplifted by the harmonious marriage of chocolate and the unique flavors of olive oil, which trust me, you truly won’t regret.
Chocolate Chunk Olive Oil Blondies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup good quality Extra-Virgin olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semisweet baking chunks
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the edges. Lightly oil and set aside.
- Whisk the brown sugar and oil in a large bowl until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chunks.
- Bake the blondies for 25 to 30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
