Blondies with Pistachio and Cardamom

Blondies with Pistachio and Cardamom – A Soft, Fragrant Twist on a Classic Dessert

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If you love the richness of a fudgy brownie but prefer something lighter in color and flavor, blondies are the perfect treat. Soft, buttery, and wonderfully chewy, blondies offer endless possibilities for customization. In this version, pistachio and cardamom come together to create a dessert that is both comforting and exotic.

Pistachios add a delicate sweetness and a subtle crunch, while cardamom gives the blondies a warm, aromatic note inspired by Middle Eastern and South Asian desserts. The result is a fragrant, elegant bake that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for an everyday treat.

Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, serve them at brunch, or add them to your festive dessert table, these Blondies with Pistachio and Cardamom will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (or crushed cardamom seeds)

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • ½ cup chopped pistachios (plus extra for topping)
  • Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Line a 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 inches) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cardamom

Whisk to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

  • Whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar until smooth.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue whisking until fully incorporated.

4. Bring the Batter Together

  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
  • Fold gently just until the flour disappears—do not overmix to keep the blondies soft and fudgy.
  • Stir in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips (if using).

5. Pour and Level

  • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle extra pistachios on top for color and crunch.

6. Bake

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
  • The blondies should remain slightly soft inside.

7. Cool and Cut

  • Let the blondies cool completely in the pan.
  • Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Blondies with Pistachio and Cardamom

Flavor Profile

These blondies strike a perfect balance between:

  • Buttery sweetness from the base
  • Crunchy nuttiness from pistachios
  • Warm floral spice from cardamom

The texture is chewy, soft, and slightly dense—similar to a brown sugar brownie but with brighter, more aromatic notes.

Tips for Perfect Blondies

1. Don’t overbake

The secret to soft blondies is removing them from the oven while the center still looks slightly underdone.

2. Use freshly ground cardamom

It gives a stronger, fresher aroma than pre-ground versions.

3. Add a pinch of cinnamon

For a warmer, more dessert-like flavor (optional).

4. Mix by hand

Overmixing with a mixer can make blondies cakey instead of fudgy.

Delicious Variations

White Chocolate Pistachio Blondies

Add white chocolate chunks for a sweeter, creamier finish.

Pistachio Rose Blondies

Add 1 teaspoon of rose water to the batter for a floral Middle Eastern touch.

Salted Pistachio Blondies

Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top after baking.

Gluten-Free Version

Replace flour with a gluten-free all-purpose mix.

How to Store Them

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Refrigerator

Keeps for up to one week (makes them chewier).

Freezer

Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with mint tea, spiced chai, or black coffee.
  • Add powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.
  • Cut into mini squares for dessert tables or brunch platters.

Conclusion

These Blondies with Pistachio and Cardamom are a beautiful fusion of simple American baking and fragrant Eastern flavors. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and deliciously unique. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a special occasion, this recipe offers a rich, aromatic treat that stands out from classic blondies.

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