Conversation Heart Blondies

 Tender chewy blondies are studded with adorable conversation heart candy and topped with cherry cream cheese frosting. Simple to make and oh so cute, these blondies are a wonderful dessert for Valentine's Day!

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Valentine's Day has never really been an exciting holiday for me. Growing up, I was labelled a nerd, so it wasn't until my later years, that I actually had someone to celebrate it with. Even now, it still feels like a regular day to me, because I make it a point to show my SO and the kids that I love them every single day; not just one special day a year. Sure I might get flowers, or chocolates, but that doesn't mean as much as getting them on a random day throughout the year. Even if we aren't gung ho about the holiday, it doesn't stop me for getting excited when I see all the Valentine's candies. Which was the case, this past weekend.

I stopped by our local bulk store, to get a few baking supplies and couldn't help myself from walking through the Valentine's Day isle. Kisses, truffles, jelly beans and cinnamon hearts were all staring me right in the face. But when I reached the conversation heart bin, I just had to get a couple scoopfuls. I just love these colourful little hearts, with funny and sometimes inappropriate sayings. I knew I wanted to make a Valentine's dessert with them, but I wasn't sure what yet. First I thought of making brownies and just placing these on top, once frosted, but I wanted to be more creative. So I decided to go with blondies. I knew the colourful hearts would looks great in the light chewy blondies.

These blondies are so much fun! I love the different colours peeking through the blond chewy brownie. The hearts actually soften a bit, once baked in the brownies, so they aren't difficult to eat. I went with a cherry flavoured frosting for the top, which goes perfectly with the blondie flavours. The kids LOVED these, saying they were so beautiful and delicious.

What is the Difference Between Blondies and Brownies?

Blondies have a rich caramel and/or butterscotch flavour, instead of decadent chocolate found in brownies. These caramel notes come from brown sugar, which has a deep flavour and a hint of molasses. For this reason, blondies may also be called Butterscotch Brownies.

Are Blondies Suppose to be Gooey?

Blondies are similar to cookie bars and are actually classified as such. As a result, they may sometimes be gooey in the center, depending on bake time. I like to pull my blondies out of the oven when the edges are a golden brown and the center is just set.

How to Make Blondies

Start by creaming the butter and sugar, until light and fluffy. 

Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract; until well combined.

Stir in the flour and salt, until almost fully combined. Fold in the conversation hearts.

Pour the batter in a prepared pan and bake.

Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Stir in the almond extract and maraschino cherry syrup.

Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, until you reach your desired consistency. Continue beating for 2 minutes.

Frost cooled blondies and top with additional conversation hearts.

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Equipment needed for this recipe

• mixer
• 8x8 inch baking dish
• parchment paper
• mixing bowls (2)
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• rubber spatula
• off set spatula

Conversation Heart Blondies

1/2 C (1 stick) butter, melted

1/2 C brown sugar

1/2 C sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Pinch salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 C conversation hearts, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and butter the parchment.

In a bowl whisk together the melted butter and both sugars, until light and fluffy. Whisk in the egg, vanilla and almond extract; until well combined. Add in the flour, mixed with a pinch of salt and stir until almost combined. Stir in crushed conversations hearts.

Spread into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until centre is set. Let cool completely, before frosting.

Frost brownie, cut into 16 pieces and top with additional conversation hearts.

Frosting

1/4 C butter

1/3 of a brick of cream cheese

1 tsp almond extract

1 tsp maraschino cherry syrup (for colouring)

1 1/2- 2 C powdered sugar

conversation hearts for garnish

In a bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese; until smooth. Beat in the almond extract and cherry syrup. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, to desired consistency (I went for a more stiff frosting) and beat for 2 minutes.