Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

When it comes to comforting fall treats, Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a must-try. These chewy, sweet blondies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples. The result? A dessert that's perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, with the irresistible crunch of apples and a soft, gooey texture that blondies are known for. Whether you're baking for a fall gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something seasonal, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the details and make some mouth-watering Brown Butter Apple Blondies!

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What Are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a fall-inspired twist on the classic blondie. Blondies are often referred to as the "blonde" version of brownies since they share a similar fudgy texture but are flavored with vanilla instead of cocoa. In this version, we elevate the flavor with brown butter — butter that’s melted and cooked until it turns golden brown, lending a nutty, caramelized taste to the dessert. Paired with chunks of tart apples, cinnamon, and warm spices, these blondies deliver a deliciously rich flavor that’s perfect for autumn.

These bars are not only a delicious dessert, but they’re also easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or just a weeknight treat at home.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make these indulgent blondies:

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Optional Glaze:

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

This recipe combines pantry staples with fresh, seasonal apples to create a truly decadent dessert. For the best results, use a tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the blondie base.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or if you’d like to experiment a bit! Here are some simple substitutions and variations to consider:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
2. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg). Be sure to check that your sugars are vegan-friendly.
3. Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, swap out the brown and granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a more complex spice profile, or increase the cinnamon if you prefer a stronger flavor.
5. Nutty Blondies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
6. Apple Variety: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady for a different flavor.
7. Chocolate Lovers: If you want a bit more decadence, add ½ cup of white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the batter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making these delicious Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Don’t worry, even if you’ve never browned butter before, it’s a simple step that adds a lot of flavor to the final dessert!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the blondies once they’ve baked.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, continue to cook it, stirring constantly. The butter will foam, and then the foam will subside. Keep stirring as the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter — stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Step 5: Prepare the Apples

In a small bowl, toss the diced apple with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. The flour helps absorb any moisture from the apples while they bake, preventing the blondies from becoming soggy.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the prepared apples into the blondie batter. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the center to remain chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Add Glaze (Optional)

Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. While they cool, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies before slicing them into squares.

How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve got the steps down, here are a few additional pointers to ensure your blondies turn out perfect every time:

1. Don’t Rush the Brown Butter: Browning the butter properly is key to achieving that rich, nutty flavor. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a golden brown color.
2. Mixing the Batter: As with many baked goods, overmixing can result in dense blondies. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and no more.
3. Apple Size: Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly throughout the blondies. Larger chunks may release too much moisture or remain too firm.
4. Cooling Time: Let the blondies cool completely before cutting them. This will help them set properly and make slicing easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help ensure your Brown Butter Apple Blondies turn out perfect, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Burning the Butter: Browning butter requires close attention. If you overcook it, it will turn dark and bitter instead of golden and nutty. Remove it from heat as soon as it starts to brown and smells fragrant.
2. Underbaking or Overbaking: Bake the blondies just until the edges are golden and the center is set. Overbaking can make them dry, while underbaking can leave them too gooey.
3. Skipping the Tossing of Apples: Don’t skip the step of tossing the apples in flour, sugar, and cinnamon. This not only adds flavor but also helps to absorb some of the apple’s moisture, preventing soggy blondies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a warm mug of cider. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

1. Drizzle with Glaze: If you’ve opted for the glaze, drizzle it over the blondies in a zig-zag pattern for an elegant look.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple and pretty finishing touch, lightly dust the blondies with powdered sugar.
3. Apple Garnish: Place thin slices of apple on top of each blondie piece as a garnish before serving for an extra touch of freshness.

Brown Butter Apple Blondie Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These blondies taste even better the next day! You can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Brown Butter Apple Blondies freeze well. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Customizing Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg based on your taste preferences. You could even add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! While tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended, you can use any apple variety you like. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will make the blondies slightly sweeter.

Can I use pre-made browned butter?

If you're short on time, you can use pre-made browned butter, but freshly browned butter will give you the best flavor.

How should I store leftover blondies?

Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I make these blondies in a different pan size?

Yes! You can use a larger pan like a 9x13-inch pan for thinner blondies, but be sure to reduce the baking time accordingly (check after 20-25 minutes).

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondies combine the best fall flavors into one irresistible dessert. The nutty richness of the browned butter, combined with sweet apples and warm spices, creates a treat that’s perfect for autumn or any time of year. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them at home, these blondies are sure to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get baking — you won’t regret it! Happy baking!

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