National Blonde Brownie Day

“I can eat two large pizzas and a tray of brownies in one sitting. I’m not sharing that. We can get another one, but I ain’t sharing.”

Dwayne Johnson

Brownies are considered by some to be one of the most popular desserts, made with a mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, eggs and, obviously, some form of either powdered cocoa or melted chocolate. However, blonde brownies have their own unique flavor and while perhaps they are not quite as well known, they certainly are just as delicious.

For those who are curious about what National Blonde Brownie Day is all about, then read more to learn about the history of the brownie and how it can be best celebrated.

History of National Blonde Brownie Day

There are many stories relating to the origin of the brownie, some going back to as early as 1893. One story states that this chocolatey bar was created by chefs at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel in 1893 as a treat for those visiting the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Another story states that the recipe for brownies first appeared in a Boston Cookbook in 1896, published by Fannie Farmer. But this recipe contained no chocolate–thus, making it what we now know to be a blondie.

While the majority of the cookbooks and recipes for brownies are particularly vague, the brownie started to rapidly appear at the turn of the twentieth century. An updated version of Fannie’s Boston Cookbook, published in 1906, contains a recipe for blonde brownies, which is actually what this whole day is all about!

Some historians attest that the blondie probably came into being at least a decade prior to the brownie, making it the true original cookie bar.

So, what’s the difference between regular brownies and blonde brownies (sometimes called “blondies”)? While the basic ingredients and the baking process are mostly the same, blondies use quite a bit more flour, and substitute brown sugar instead of cocoa, which gives these bars more of a butterscotch flavor. This kind of brownies started to become popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s, when it became an alternative to the chocolate version.

In addition to being delicious when served plain, these blonde brownies can have more options when it comes to featuring a certain flavor, such as vanilla, butterscotch, coconut, nuts, toffee, or any other kind of tasty flavor that will help to enhance the flavor of the brown sugar. In fact, these treats are super adaptable, probably even more so than their chocolate cousins.

In any case, this day acts as an unofficial holiday dedicated to this underappreciated, but ever-so delicious, blonde brownie. So get ready to celebrate!

If I only have one life….let me live it as a blonde.

Shirley Polykoff

How to Celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day

Celebrating this day comes with loads of delicious fun! Try out these ideas for getting in the spirit of National Blonde Brownie Day:

Have a Blonde Brownie Tasting Party

Get coworkers, neighbors or friends involved in National Blonde Brownie Day by having a bakeoff or tasting party. Get a variety of talented baking friends to try their own versions of blondie recipes, bring them together and have a contest to see which is best. The great news is that everyone wins when they get to try out a variety of baked goods!

Get Creative With Blonde Brownies

Those who want to take it to the next level can try out a variety of blondie recipes that add interest and complex flavors. Consider these unique ideas for blonde brownies:

• Pumpkin Spice Blondies. Perfect for an autumn celebration, these blondies use cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to get that pumpkin pie flavor. Some people might even choose to add some canned pumpkin to the recipe and top it with a cheesecake frosting.
• Snickerdoodle Blondies. With vibes belonging to their namesake cookie, these blonde brownies bring a cinnamon-sugary taste.
• Maple Butter Blondies. Made with white chocolate chips and maple syrup, these tasty bars can be made with pecans or walnuts.
• Fluffernutter Blondies. Nothing is quite the same as the combination of peanut butter with marshmallow fluff. It’s a delightfully sweet whipped concoction that makes these blondies undeniably moreish.

Make a Pan of Delicious Blonde Brownies

Certainly, one of the most recommended ways to enjoy National Blonde Brownie Day is by eating them. But since they can be a little difficult to find at a local bakery, they might need to be whipped up in the kitchen at home. Try out this recipe for a classic take on the Blonde Brownie.

Blonde Brownie Recipe

Those who are looking for a better way to make brownies should certainly try out this fairly simple recipe. First, grease the cake pan and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Crack two eggs into a mixing bowl, beat till blended, then stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. After melting the butter and letting it cool a little bit, then whisk the melted butter into the egg mixture.

In another mixing bowl, mix together dry ingredients, including the flour, baking powder and salt. After making some room in the middle of the bowl, pour the egg mixture into the well. Once it is all blended nicely together, transfer it into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!

Share About National Blonde Brownie Day

Those who are excited about the day, or the recipe above, can share their excitement by spreading the word. Mention the day to friends or coworkers or share on social media to get others excited about it too.