Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s both cozy and a little unexpected, you’re in for a treat with this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe. It’s one of those sweets that’s perfect for fall, but honestly, I find myself making it all year long because the combination of nutty brown butter and tender apples is pure magic. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so your blondies come out perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and fruity flavors. Choosing ripe but firm apples really helps the texture—too soft and your blondies might get soggy.

• Unsalted Butter: Browning butter adds an irresistible, deep flavor that you just can’t fake with regular melted butter.
• Chopped Apples: I love using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their natural sweetness and firmness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, a subtle molasses hint, and that chewy blondie vibe.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Splitting the vanilla into batter and glaze layers helps build flavor complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Don’t skip the salt—it’s key to balancing all the sweetness and bringing out the butter’s richness.
• Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Baking Soda: Just a little lift to keep the blondies from being too dense.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives blondies their classic chew.
• Confectioners’ Sugar and Whole Milk: For a sweet, silky glaze that finishes these off perfectly.

Variations

I often tweak this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. You can easily swap things to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch—my family goes crazy for this texture combo.
• Spiced Version: Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger with the flour for a fall-spiced twist that’s cozy and comforting.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to keep the chew—just be sure it’s fresh and well mixed.
• Vegan Adaptation: Try vegan butter and a flax egg; I’ve had excellent results but expect a slight difference in texture and flavor.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter Like a Pro

Start by melting 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of your unsalted butter over medium heat. This part is magical—stir or swirl constantly to prevent burning, watching closely as the milk solids settle and turn a gorgeous golden-brown color. It’ll foam up, which can be intimidating at first, but use a spoon to check underneath the foam. You’re aiming for that nutty aroma and deep color, which usually takes around 4 to 6 minutes. When you reach that point, immediately pour it into a heatproof bowl and scrape out all those flavorful browned bits—they’re where the magic lives!

Step 2: Sauté the Apples Just Right

While the brown butter cools to room temperature, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped apples and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re fork-tender but not mushy—about 4 to 5 minutes. This softening packs a punch of fresh fruit flavor without weighing down your blondies.

Step 3: Mix the Batter and Get Ready to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep a 13″x9″ metal baking pan—spray with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite long sides for easy removal. Take 2 tablespoons of that brown butter you set aside and put it in a small bowl for the glaze later. To the rest, whisk in brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth. Next, beat in eggs, then fold in baking soda and flour just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender. Fold in the cooled apples gently, then spread the batter evenly in your pan. Expect a dense, stiff dough—that’s perfect!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are just browned and the top turns a deep golden color. It’s tempting to open the oven early, but try to wait—this patience makes sure your blondies have that perfect chewy-edge, soft-center texture. Let the pan cool for 10 minutes, then lift the blondies out using the parchment overhang and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish Strong

Now for the glaze: add confectioners’ sugar, milk, a pinch of salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to your reserved brown butter. Whisk it until it thickens into a luscious, pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled blondies, give it about 5 minutes to set, and then cut them into bars. Trust me, this glaze is what turns these blondies into a showstopper.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top of the glaze right after drizzling—it makes the sweet-savory contrast sing. Sometimes, a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans adds a great crunchy texture that my guests love.

Side Dishes

These blondies are fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea if you want something cozy and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these blondies cut into small squares on a wooden board with a drizzle of the glaze swirled artistically on the plate. Adding fresh apple slices dusted with cinnamon around the edges creates a beautiful fall-themed presentation that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! For a day or two, they stay soft and moist, especially if you line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I discovered that these blondies freeze really well. I like to cut them into bars first, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic bake-ahead dessert for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a frozen blondie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm but not melted—bringing back that fresh-baked feeling. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven wrapped in foil works well without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and fresh, fruity sweetness. Whenever I make it, friends and family rave, and I love sharing that cozy comfort with them. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s just as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you experience those tender apples nestled inside nutty, golden blondies, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation, just like I do!

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