Instructions

Make the blondie base:

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, line the pan with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper as well. This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, cook the butter over moderate heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the melted butter to a large bowl. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes before proceeding.
3. To the large bowl with the butter, add the sugar, eggs and yolk, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Add the flour and baking powder and stir with a wooden spoon. The mixture will be thick.
4. Fold in chocolate chips (optional). Fold until combined. Spread half the batter** into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Insert a skewer in the center of the blondies to test the doneness. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the next layer.

Make the pretzel crumb:

1. Make the pretzel crumb while the blondies are cooling.
2. Put pretzels in the food processor and process to a fine chunks, similar to graham cracker crumbs. Toss the pretzel crumbs, milk powder, sugar, and salt with your hands in a medium bowl to evenly distribute your dry ingredients.
3. Whisk the butter and heavy cream together. Add to the dry ingredients and toss again to evenly distribute. The butter will act as a glue, adhering to the dry ingredients and turning the mixture into a bunch of small clusters. The mixture should hold its shape if squeezed tightly in the palm of your hand. If it is not moist enough to do so, melt an additional tablespoon of butter and mix it in.
4. Spread crumbs evenly across the top of the cooled blondies.

Make the Nutella topping:

1. Bump oven temp up to 350.
2. Melt condensed milk and Nutella together until smooth.
3. Pour over pretzel crumb.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are brown.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.