Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Perfect Fall Treat

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect fall dessert, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies are everything you could want—rich, buttery, chewy, and packed with spiced apple goodness. The deep, nutty flavor of brown butter, combined with caramelized apples and warm cinnamon, creates an irresistible autumn treat.

These blondies strike a perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge and a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend dessert, a potluck, or just because you love apples, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Brown Butter Apple Blondies, from selecting the best ingredients to expert baking tips and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, buttery flavor from browned butter
• Soft and chewy texture with slightly crisp edges
• Warm, spiced apple filling with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Easy to make in one bowl
• Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brown Butter Blondie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Apple Mixture:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

this PIN FOR LATER

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until it turns a deep golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat immediately and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Step 3: Make the Blondie Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the caramelized apples.

Step 4: Bake the Blondies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Let them cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle over cooled blondies before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Blondies

✅ Use the right apples – Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the best flavor balance.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter – Stir until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
✅ Let the brown butter cool slightly – This prevents scrambling the eggs when mixing.
✅ Line your baking pan with parchment paper – This makes it easier to remove the blondies after baking.
✅ Add a pinch of sea salt – This enhances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.

Variations & Customizations

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of clove or allspice for more depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce instead of glaze.

How to Store & Freeze

To Store: Keep blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

To Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?

Yes, but you’ll miss out on the rich, nutty flavor that brown butter adds.

What type of apples work best?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well during baking.

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

How do I know when the blondies are done?

They should be golden brown around the edges with a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Do I need to refrigerate these blondies?

No, they keep well at room temperature, but refrigeration extends freshness.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the ultimate fall dessert, bursting with warm spices, caramelized apples, and rich brown butter flavor. Perfect for cozy nights in, potlucks, or holiday baking, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

If you love apple desserts, these blondies will quickly become your new favorite treat. Try them today, and let us know how they turn out!

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