Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Looking for the perfect fall dessert that combines rich, nutty flavors with the warmth of baked apples? Look no further than these decadent Brown Butter Apple Blondies! This recipe brings together the richness of brown butter, the sweetness of apples, and the soft, chewy texture of blondies into a dessert you’ll want to make all season long. Packed with autumn flavors and easy to prepare, these blondies are guaranteed to be a hit whether you're baking for yourself, family, or a festive gathering. Keep reading to discover how you can recreate this delightful treat in your own kitchen!

What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a scrumptious dessert bar that falls somewhere between a cookie and a brownie. Unlike traditional brownies, which are made with cocoa or chocolate, blondies are flavored with vanilla and brown sugar to create a warm, caramel-like taste. In this recipe, we elevate the classic blondie by incorporating brown butter, which adds a nutty richness, and fresh apples for a juicy and sweet twist. The result is a moist, chewy dessert with a beautiful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
To make these irresistible Brown Butter Apple Blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (to brown)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (any sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
Ingredients List for Brown Butter Icing (Optional)
If you want to take your Brown Butter Apple Blondies to the next level, consider adding a brown butter icing! Here’s what you’ll need:

¼ cup unsalted butter (to brown)
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about baking is the freedom to tweak recipes to your liking. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

Apples: While any sweet-tart apple variety works well in this recipe, you can switch up the flavor by using pears or even peaches if apples aren’t in season.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you love spice, consider adding more cinnamon, or a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Add-ins: For a bit of texture, mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate chips. These add crunch and make the blondies even more indulgent.
Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to make these blondies gluten-free.
Brown Sugar Alternatives: If you want a deeper molasses flavor, use dark brown sugar in place of light brown sugar. For a healthier option, you could experiment with coconut sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get to the most exciting part—actually making these delicious Brown Butter Apple Blondies! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Brown Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to make removing the blondies easier later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using).
Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled brown butter with 1 cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.
Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Fold in Apples:

Gently fold the chopped apples into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies.
Bake:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Completely:

Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Brown Butter Apple Blondies is as simple as following these key steps. Remember, the most important part is not to rush the process, especially when making the brown butter. Here's a quick overview:

Brown the butter and let it cool.
Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately.
Combine them together and fold in the apples.
Bake, cool, and optionally glaze with brown butter icing.
By taking your time with the browning process and keeping a close eye on the baking time, you’ll achieve blondies that are perfectly chewy and packed with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: This is the most common mistake when making blondies. Overbaked blondies can become dry and crumbly. Make sure to remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Not Browning the Butter Long Enough: Browning butter requires patience. Don’t rush this step or pull the butter off the heat too soon. You’ll miss out on the deep, nutty flavor that makes these blondies so special.
Overmixing the Batter: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
Using the Wrong Pan Size: An 8x8-inch pan is ideal for this recipe. Using a larger pan will make the blondies thinner and affect baking time, potentially causing them to dry out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Brown Butter Apple Blondies are baked and cooled, it's time to serve and impress. Here are some tips to elevate your presentation:

Cut Evenly: Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the blondies into uniform squares. This not only looks professional but also ensures everyone gets an equal portion.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice visual touch, especially if you’re serving these blondies for a special occasion.
Drizzle with Icing: If you’ve made the optional brown butter icing, drizzle it generously over the top for extra flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Serve Warm: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the blondies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies
You can serve these blondies in a variety of ways depending on the occasion:

Casual Dessert: Enjoy these blondies as a simple, cozy dessert with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Holiday Treat: They make a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Serve them on a festive platter alongside other seasonal treats like cookies and pies.
Gift: Wrap individual blondie squares in parchment paper, tie them with twine, and give them as a homemade gift.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
Layering with Parchment: If you’re stacking the blondies on a plate or tray, place squares of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Rustic Plating: Present them on a wooden board or a rustic-style plate for a cozy, homey feel.
Garnishes: Garnish the platter with cinnamon sticks and apple slices to hint at the flavors inside the blondies.
Brown Butter Apple Blondie Recipe Tips
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the blondies a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze for Later: These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm up in the microwave before serving.
Double the Recipe: Need more blondies? You can easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or peaches would work well as a substitute. Keep in mind that different fruits have varying water contents, so monitor the moisture level in the batter.

How long will these blondies stay fresh?
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze the blondies?
Absolutely! They freeze very well. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is brown butter necessary?
While you can make these blondies with regular melted butter, the brown butter adds a unique depth of flavor that we highly recommend.

Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Brown Butter Apple Blondies! With their chewy texture, rich brown butter flavor, and sweet, juicy apples, these blondies are sure to become a fall favorite. Whether you're baking for a special event or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start baking your way to a delightful autumn dessert. You won’t regret it!

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