That blissful silence around the dinner table when everyone’s too busy savoring each bite to speak is my absolute favorite sound in the world. These raspberry and white chocolate blondies create that magical moment every single time. The first batch I ever made disappeared so quickly that my brother accused me of hiding half the pan!
These aren’t just any blondies. They’re the perfect balance of butterscotch-y sweetness from the brown sugar base, creamy pockets of melted white chocolate, and bright bursts of tangy raspberry that cut through the richness. The contrast of flavors and textures is what makes them completely irresistible. After tweaking this recipe over a dozen times (tough job, but someone had to do it!), I’ve finally perfected these raspberry and white chocolate blondies that strike that elusive balance between cakey and fudgy, sweet and tart, simple and special. Trust me, you’ll want to double the batch from the start because these vanish within minutes of cutting!
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Why You’ll Love These Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
There’s something truly special about biting into these raspberry and white chocolate blondies that moment when the buttery, vanilla-rich base melts on your tongue, followed by the sweet creaminess of white chocolate and then the surprising tang of fresh raspberries. It’s a flavor journey that makes your taste buds dance.
The texture is what blondie dreams are made of: slightly crisp and crackly on top with that gorgeous golden hue, while the inside stays perfectly fudgy and moist. Unlike some blondies that can be overly dense or dry, these have a tender crumb that somehow manages to be both substantial and delicate at the same time.
They’re incredibly versatile too. Elegant enough to serve at a dinner party (especially warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream), yet casual enough for lunchboxes or afternoon treats with coffee. I’ve brought these to summer picnics and winter potlucks, and they’re always the first dessert to disappear. The bright pops of raspberry make them visually stunning with minimal effort, perfect for those of us who love a beautiful dessert but don’t have the patience for elaborate decorating!
Ingredients for Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
These blondies come together with simple pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary. The magic happens when quality butter meets brown sugar, creating that signature caramel-like base that makes blondies so addictive.
What You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- White chocolate chips or chunks
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Optional: almond extract
Why These Ingredients Matter
The foundation of these blondies is good quality butter. It’s worth splurging on the European-style butter with higher fat content if you can. When creamed with primarily brown sugar (with just a touch of white sugar for balance), it creates that rich, caramel-like base that gives blondies their distinctive flavor and chewy texture.
Fresh raspberries are my preference when they’re in season. They burst in the oven, creating little pockets of jammy goodness throughout each blondie. However, frozen raspberries work beautifully too, especially in winter. The key is not to thaw them first; add them frozen so they hold their shape during mixing.
For the white chocolate, opt for real white chocolate chips or a bar chopped into chunks (look for cocoa butter in the ingredients, not vegetable oils). The higher quality chocolate melts into dreamy, creamy pockets rather than just being sweet spots. The slight vanilla flavor in good white chocolate complements the almond extract, which is optional but adds a subtle complexity that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be. Grandma taught me that small flavor additions like this are what turn a good recipe into a great one that becomes your signature.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Making Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
Step-by-Step Directions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: Add 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk until well combined and no lumps remain. The mixture should be smooth but not hot.
- Step 4: Add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (plus 1/4 teaspoon almond extract if using). Whisk until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Step 6: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 7: Fold in 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chunks, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Step 8: Very gently fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (do not thaw if frozen). Use just 2-3 strokes to incorporate them to avoid breaking them up and turning the batter pink.
- Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved white chocolate chips and a few extra raspberries on top.
- Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden, but the center still looks slightly underdone. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Step 11: Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
- Step 12: Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.
Hint: For picture-perfect slices, wipe your knife clean between cuts and run it under hot water before slicing. This prevents the gooey centers and raspberries from sticking to the knife and creating messy edges.
Top Tip
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. This develops gluten and can make your blondies tough instead of tender. Fold just until no dry flour is visible.
For that perfect texture (fudgy in the middle with a crackly top), it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. The blondies will continue to set as they cool in the pan.
Personal Anecdote
“Jazzy, the secret to perfect blondies is all in the pan,” Grandma told me while baking together. She insisted on using her ancient metal pan with darkened corners, refusing my offers of a new one. One Christmas, I used my shiny new non-stick pan instead. My blondies turned out pale and underdone while hers were golden perfection. “Some lessons you learn the hard way,” she smiled, sharing half her batch. I’ve used her hand-me-down pan ever since, with perfect results every time. Those darkened corners remind me that sometimes the most valuable kitchen tools aren’t the shiniest ones.
Substitutions for Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
If you need to adapt this recipe for dietary needs or what’s in your pantry, here are some tested alternatives:
Berry Options: Fresh blackberries or blueberries work beautifully in place of raspberries. Strawberries can work too, but chop them into raspberry-sized pieces first to distribute the flavor evenly.
Chocolate Variations: If white chocolate isn’t your thing, substitute milk chocolate chunks, semi-sweet chips, or even butterscotch chips. For a double berry experience, try raspberry-filled chocolate chunks.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add an extra egg to provide structure and moisture. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality plant-based butter (not margarine) and dairy-free white chocolate chips. Miyoko’s and Earth Balance butter alternatives have tested well in this recipe.
Vegan Option: Combine the dairy-free substitutions above with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes before adding).
Reducing Sugar: You can cut the total sugar by up to ¼ cup without dramatically affecting the texture. The blondies will be less sweet but still delicious, allowing the raspberry tartness to shine.
Brown Sugar Substitute: No brown sugar? Use white sugar and add 1 tablespoon of molasses. In a pinch, coconut sugar can work too, though it will give a slightly different flavor profile.
Variations on Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
These blondies are endlessly customizable! Here are some delicious twists on the original:
Triple Berry Bliss: Add a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a berry medley that creates beautiful color and flavor variation in every bite.
Lemon Raspberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that enhances the raspberry flavor. A simple lemon glaze drizzled on top takes these to another level.
Coconut Dream: Fold in ½ cup of toasted coconut flakes with the white chocolate for a tropical twist. The texture and flavor complement the raspberries beautifully.
Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture (4oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg yolk) on top of the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts or sliced almonds to the batter. The crunch against the soft blondie and juicy berries creates amazing texture contrast.
Chocolate Marble: Melt ¼ cup of dark chocolate and swirl it into the batter before adding the raspberries for a striking visual effect and flavor combination.
Brown Butter Version: Take the time to brown the butter before adding it to the sugar for a deeper, nuttier flavor that makes these blondies truly extraordinary.
Equipment for Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
The right tools make these blondies foolproof to prepare:
8×8-inch Baking Pan: This size creates the perfect thickness for blondies. Metal pans conduct heat better than glass, giving you those desirable crisp edges. If using glass, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F.
Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this! Lining the pan with parchment creates handles for easy removal and prevents any sticking. A light spray of cooking oil helps the parchment stay in place while you pour in the batter.
Medium Saucepan: Using a saucepan to melt the butter and mix in the sugar saves you from dirtying multiple bowls. Choose one with a heavy bottom to prevent the butter from burning.
Silicone Spatula: Essential for folding in the delicate raspberries without crushing them and for scraping every bit of that precious batter from the bowl.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one medium bowl for the dry ingredients.
Whisk: For efficiently combining the wet ingredients until smooth.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are important.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the pan for proper cooling.
Sharp Knife: For clean cuts through the blondies. A straight-edged knife works better than a serrated one.
Digital Kitchen Scale: Optional but recommended for the most accurate measurements, especially for the flour.
Storage Tips for Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
These blondies stay wonderfully moist and flavorful with proper storage:
Counter Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The cold temperature will make them firmer, so I recommend letting them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Freezer Instructions: These blondies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! After they’ve completely cooled, cut into individual squares and wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need.
Thawing Method: Thaw frozen blondies overnight in the refrigerator or for about an hour at room temperature. For a warm treat, microwave a thawed blondie for 10-15 seconds.
Refreshing Day-Old Blondies: If they begin to dry out after a few days, microwave for 10 seconds to restore that just-baked softness. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Gifting: These blondies make wonderful gifts! Layer them in a decorative tin with parchment between each layer. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days, plenty of time to delight your lucky recipient.
Grandma’s Secret for Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
Grandma’s blondies were always better than anyone else’s, and for years I couldn’t figure out why. One summer afternoon as I helped in her kitchen, I noticed she did something unusual. She browned half the butter until it was nutty and fragrant, then added the remaining butter to cool it down before mixing in the sugar.
“It’s like adding a secret layer of flavor,” she whispered, as if sharing a family treasure. “Just like how a pinch of cinnamon makes chocolate taste more chocolatey without tasting like cinnamon.”
Her other trick was to very lightly smash some of the raspberries against the side of the bowl before folding them in. “You want most whole for the juicy bursts, but a few crushed to swirl their essence throughout,” she explained while demonstrating with her wooden spoon.
When I asked why she didn’t write these steps in her recipe card, she smiled and tapped my hand. “Some things aren’t meant for recipe cards, Jazzy. They’re meant to be passed down while standing side by side at the counter.”
FAQ about Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
Can you use fresh raspberries in cookies?
Yes, fresh raspberries can be used in cookies and blondies! The key is handling them gently to avoid crushing them and turning your batter pink. Fresh raspberries provide bright bursts of flavor and beautiful pops of color. Just fold them in at the very end with minimal stirring. If your raspberries are particularly juicy, you can pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the batter.
Is it better to use frozen or fresh raspberries in cookies?
Both work well but serve different purposes. Fresh raspberries provide distinct pockets of juicy flavor and hold their shape better during mixing. Frozen raspberries are convenient year-round and actually mix into batters more easily without breaking since they’re firmer. The important thing with frozen berries is to use them straight from the freezer. Don’t thaw them first or they’ll release too much moisture and color into your batter.
What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
Snoop Dogg cookies are part of a line of packaged baked goods created through a partnership between the famous rapper and the Duncan Hines brand. While they don’t include raspberry and white chocolate blondies in their lineup, their popularity shows how classic desserts with creative twists appeal to everyone! If you’re looking for a homemade treat with similar crowd-pleasing appeal, these blondies definitely fit the bill.
Does white chocolate go with raspberries?
Absolutely! White chocolate and raspberries create one of the most perfect flavor combinations in desserts. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate beautifully balances the bright, tangy notes of raspberries. This pairing works so well because of the contrast. The raspberry’s acidity cuts through the richness of the white chocolate, while the white chocolate softens the raspberry’s tartness. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Conclusion:
These raspberry and white chocolate blondies have become my signature dessert for good reason. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dessert for guests or a special treat for your family, these blondies never disappoint.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake which features the same irresistible flavor combination in cake form. For other delicious treats, try my Almond Poppy Seed Muffins or Pineapple Cloud Cake Starbucks Copycat for your next baking adventure. Chocolate lovers should definitely check out my German Chocolate Poke Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar for more sweet inspiration!
For a different take on blondies, these White Chocolate Blondies are another great option that you can customize with your favorite mix-ins.
I’d love to see your creations if you try this recipe! Tag me in your photos or let me know in the comments if you tried any of the variations. Until next time, happy baking!
Grandma’s Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
Equipment
- 1 8×8-inch baking pan Metal pans give better crisp edges than glass. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 1 Medium saucepan With heavy bottom to prevent butter from burning
- 1 Silicone spatula For folding in raspberries without crushing them
- 1 Wire cooling rack For proper cooling that maintains texture
- 1 Sharp knife Run under hot water between cuts for perfect squares
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter European-style with higher fat content if possible
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar Packed firmly in measuring cup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Grandma used vanilla sugar for extra flavor
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better incorporation
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Pure, not imitation
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Optional but recommended for depth of flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Spooned and leveled, not scooped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chunks Use real white chocolate with cocoa butter, not candy melts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries If using frozen, do not thaw first
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Do not let it sizzle or brown.
- Remove from heat and stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until fully incorporated and slightly lighter in color.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
- Fold in most of the white chocolate chips or chunks, reserving a few for the top.
- Gently fold in the raspberries with minimal strokes to avoid breaking them up.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle reserved chocolate and raspberries.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are set and center is just slightly underdone. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before removing from the pan.
- Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. For clean edges, refrigerate 30 minutes and clean knife between cuts.