Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect cozy treat, Brown Butter Apple Blondies should absolutely be at the top of your must-bake list. Imagine all the warmth of brown butter, the sweetness of caramelized apples, and a plush, fudgy blondie base—each bar drizzled with luscious brown butter icing for good measure. It’s an irresistible medley of comforting autumn flavors you’ll crave no matter the season. Whether you bake for a potluck or just to make your kitchen smell glorious, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies promise to deliver serious comfort and a nostalgic vibe with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Delightfully simple ingredients create the layered flavors and chewy texture that make these bars truly special. Each element plays a starring role, from the apples (naturally sweet and tart) to the rich brown butter and sweet spices!

• Apples: Use 2 cups (240g) peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium)—their tart juiciness balances the buttery richness of the blondies.
• Maple syrup (or brown sugar): 2 Tablespoons (30ml) adds hint of caramel sweetness to the sautéed apples.
• Ground cinnamon (for apples): 1/8 teaspoon—a little spice makes the apples pop.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g) for the blondies, plus 1/4 cup (56g) for the icing—browning it unlocks deep, nutty flavor for both batter and glaze.
• All-purpose flour: 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) helps give the bars their sturdy but tender bite.
• Baking powder: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons—for a gentle lift, yielding that signature chewy texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to keep the sweetness in check and awaken all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg (for blondie batter): 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg—together they give each bite that irresistible, cozy warmth.
• Light or dark brown sugar: 1 and 2/3 cups (330g) brings a deep caramel backbone to the blondies.
• Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature—ensures richness and structure.
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 and 3/4 teaspoons total (1 and 1/2 for batter, 1/4 for icing)—for a soft, fragrant layer of sweetness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) to create a dreamy, pourable brown butter icing.
• Milk: 2 Tablespoons (30ml), to bring the icing together until it’s velvety-smooth.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This is where the magic happens! Slice all your butter into pieces and melt it in a light-colored skillet over medium heat—this lets you easily see the color changes. After it melts, keep stirring often as the butter foams and you spy nutty brown specks forming at the bottom. Once you catch that heavenly, toasted aroma and deep golden hue (usually in about 5–8 minutes), immediately pour it into a heat-proof bowl. You’ll need to set aside 4 tablespoons of this brown butter for your icing later, but the rest is for your blondie batter.

Step 2: Sauté the Apples

In the same pan (no need to wash it out—hooray for extra flavor!), add your peeled, chopped apples, maple syrup or brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the apples are just beginning to soften and bathe in caramelized syrup. Set them aside to cool—you just built a ton of flavor for your Brown Butter Apple Blondies.

Step 3: Prep the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang so you can easily lift out all the blondies after they’ve cooled. It’s a small step, but it makes slicing so much easier!

Step 4: Make the Blondie Batter

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—this ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk the slightly cooled brown butter (the portion for the batter), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour these wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until nearly combined, then gently fold in your caramelized apples. The batter will be thick and speckled with delicious apple bits—exactly what you want!

Step 5: Bake the Blondies

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly bronzed and a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack—it’s worth it for clean slicing and the best fudgy texture.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Icing

Grab the reserved 4 tablespoons of brown butter (if it’s solidified, microwave it just a few seconds). Whisk it with confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and pourable—add more sugar to thicken, or a splash more milk to reach drizzling perfection.

Step 7: Ice and Slice

Drizzle the brown butter icing over your cooled blondies, spreading it to the corners so every bite gets a pop of silky icing. Once the icing is set, use the parchment overhang to lift out the slab, then slice into bars or squares. And there you have it—Brown Butter Apple Blondies ready to impress!

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Garnishes

Top each square with a light dusting of cinnamon, an extra drizzle of brown butter icing, or a few toasted pecans for some pleasing crunch. A tiny sprinkle of flaked sea salt is a showstopper move too, heightening every bite with sweet-salty goodness. These simple touches make the Brown Butter Apple Blondies look as dreamy as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these chewy bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (for true indulgence), or serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider for ultimate cozy vibes. A dollop of whipped cream and some fresh apple slices on the side turn dessert into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the Brown Butter Apple Blondies into slim fingers for a snackable dessert board or stack them up in rustic piles for an afternoon tea spread. For special occasions, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for the prettiest edible gifts—everyone loves a thoughtful, homemade surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Brown Butter Apple Blondies covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer enjoyment, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to one week. They’re sturdy and keep beautifully, so you can sneak a square whenever the craving strikes!

Freezing

These blondies freeze like a dream—just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. If you like, make and add the icing after thawing for the just-baked effect.

Reheating

Pop a blondie in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, or gently heat in a low oven. The aroma of brown butter and spiced apples instantly comes alive, making every bite as tempting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! While apples are classic here, pears or even peaches work beautifully. Just choose firm, ripe fruit so it stands up to baking and complements the deep brown butter flavor in these Brown Butter Apple Blondies.

Do I really need to brown the butter?

Browning the butter might seem like an extra step, but trust me, it’s what sets these Brown Butter Apple Blondies apart! The nutty aroma and rich depth it gives to the batter and icing are totally worth it—you’ll taste the difference in every single bite.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Check for lightly golden, set edges and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Overbaking can dry out the bars, so start checking at 30 minutes. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I double the recipe or bake in a different pan?

You can double the Brown Butter Apple Blondies and bake in two 9×13 pans, or halve for an 8×8-inch pan (bake time will reduce). Just keep an eye on the edges and a toothpick for doneness.

What’s the best way to cut neat squares?

Let the blondies cool completely and use a sharp, non-serrated knife, cleaning it between cuts. If you line the pan with parchment, you’ll be able to lift out the cooled blondies easily and slice them on a cutting board for those perfectly tidy squares.

Final Thoughts

If you love warm, comforting desserts, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies might just win your heart! They combine everything cozy into one spectacular bite, and you’ll be amazed by how quickly they disappear from the table. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—there’s so much joy (and deliciousness) in making a simple pan of homemade blondies for family and friends.

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