These soft and chewy brown butter apple blondies combine cinnamon-spiced apples, brown sugar, and flavorful brown butter.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Apples:

• 2 cups (240g) peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 and 2/3 cups (330g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter Icing:

• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Brown the Butter: In a light-colored skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, continue cooking for 5–8 minutes until the butter develops a nutty aroma and browned specks appear. Immediately remove from heat, pour into a heat-proof bowl, and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Apples: In the same skillet, add the chopped apples, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
   
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix 1 cup of the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   
6. Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the cooked apples. The batter will be thick.
   
7. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
   
8. Prepare the Icing: If the reserved 1/4 cup of browned butter has solidified, warm it slightly until melted. In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.
   
9. Ice the Blondies: Once the blondies have cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Allow the icing to set before cutting into squares.
   

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 piece (assuming 24 pieces total)
• Calories: Approximately 250
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 2g

What Makes These Blondies Special?

Brown butter is the secret ingredient that elevates these blondies to a new level of indulgence. By carefully cooking the butter until the milk solids caramelize, it develops a deep, toasty flavor with hints of caramel and nuttiness. This process enhances the richness of the blondies, making them more flavorful than traditional versions. The addition of apples brings natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring that each bite is soft and chewy. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg further enhances the warm, comforting flavors, making these blondies perfect for cooler months.

The Role of Brown Butter in Baking

Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette in French cuisine, is a staple ingredient in many gourmet dishes. In baking, it adds a complexity that regular melted butter cannot achieve. The nutty undertones complement both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to many recipes. In this blondie recipe, brown butter not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture. Since some of the water content evaporates during the browning process, the resulting batter becomes more concentrated, yielding a denser and richer blondie.

Best Apples to Use for Baking

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Some varieties hold their shape better, while others become mushy. For the best results in this recipe, choose firm apples that offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some of the best options:

• Granny Smith: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the blondies, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
• Honeycrisp: Crisp and juicy, these apples retain their texture well when baked.
• Fuji: Naturally sweet and firm, Fuji apples enhance the dessert without needing additional sugar.
• Braeburn: These apples have a balanced flavor and hold their shape well when baked.

The Perfect Texture: Chewy, Moist, and Soft

Blondies should have a texture that is different from cake or brownies. The goal is a chewy and slightly gooey center, with crisp edges. This texture is achieved by balancing the ratio of fat, sugar, and flour.

• Brown Sugar: The use of brown sugar instead of white sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together, contributing to the overall texture.
• Flour: Using just the right amount of flour prevents the blondies from being too cakey. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher texture, so gentle folding is key.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other treats to enhance the experience.

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the blondies to intensify the flavors and add a gooey element.
• With Coffee or Tea: The warm, spiced flavors of these blondies pair perfectly with a cup of black coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider.
• With Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

These blondies can be stored for several days without losing their delicious texture. To keep them fresh:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave.
• In the Freezer: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Brown Butter Icing: The Finishing Touch

The brown butter icing takes these blondies to the next level. Unlike regular icing, this version incorporates brown butter, which enhances the depth of flavor. The result is a silky-smooth glaze with a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the blondies. This icing sets beautifully, creating a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts with the soft, chewy blondies underneath. If a thinner glaze is preferred, simply add more milk, while for a thicker frosting, increase the amount of powdered sugar.

How These Blondies Fit into Seasonal Baking

Autumn is the perfect season for warm, spiced desserts, and these blondies fit right in. Whether for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy nights at home, they capture the essence of fall flavors. The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown butter makes them a standout dessert that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Simple Yet Impressive: These blondies are easy to make but look and taste like a gourmet dessert.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The nuttiness of the brown butter, the sweetness of the apples, and the warmth of the spices create a well-balanced treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings, these blondies are sure to be a hit.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different mix-ins, such as nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries, to personalize the recipe.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a delicious and comforting dessert that perfectly combines rich flavors and a chewy texture. The brown butter enhances the depth of flavor, while the spiced apples add a natural sweetness and moisture. The brown butter icing serves as the perfect finishing touch, making each bite truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try.