As the crisp autumn air settles in, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary where warm aromas fill the space—especially when I’m whipping up these Brown Butter Apple Blondies. The moment that nutty scent of browned butter wafts through the room, it’s impossible not to feel wrapped in the cozy embrace of the season. These blondies embrace the spirit of fall with juicy apple chunks and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making them the perfect treat for everything from gatherings with friends to a quiet evening with a good book.

Imagine cutting into a warm blondie and discovering its soft, fudgy texture infused with nutty richness—topped off with a luscious maple glaze that’s irresistible. This is more than just dessert; it’s a slice of heartwarming comfort that transforms even the most ordinary day into something special. Ready to treat yourself and your loved ones? Let’s dive into the delightful world of Brown Butter Apple Blondies!

Why are Brown Butter Apple Blondies a must-try?

Expect a Flavor Explosion: With nutty brown butter and fresh apples, these blondies bring a rich and aromatic experience that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

Ease of Preparation: No complicated techniques here! Just follow simple steps and enjoy delightful results in less than an hour.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an afternoon treat, these blondies fit right in with any scenario.

Warm and Comforting: Their fudgy texture paired with the sweet maple glaze offers the comfort food we crave, especially during the fall season.

Versatile and Adaptive: Feel free to swap apples with your favorite fruits or add nuts for extra crunch. Elevate your dessert game effortlessly!

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Ingredients

For the Blondies
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; consider whole wheat for a healthier option.
• Baking Powder – Adds a little lift; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for rich flavor; brown it for that nutty twist.
• Apples (Granny Smith recommended) – Brings moisture and tartness; try Honeycrisp or Braeburn as substitutes.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens and enhances moisture; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
• Eggs and Egg Yolk – Binds ingredients for a chewy texture; flax eggs can work in vegan recipes, but results may vary.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Fall spices that elevate flavor; fresh is best!
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth; opt for pure extract for authentic taste.

For the Maple Glaze
• Confectioners' Sugar – Sweetness for the glaze; adding cornstarch prevents clumping.
• Maple Syrup – The star of the glaze; use pure maple syrup for the most flavor in your Brown Butter Apple Blondies.
• Milk – Necessary for glaze consistency; plant-based milk works for dairy-free options.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness; use your preferred type, whether kosher or sea salt.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Brown the Butter: Heat the cubed unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Pour it into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly.
Cook the Apples: In the same saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook on medium heat until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, then gently fold in the cooked apples for a delightful fruity bite.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased and lined 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool on a wire rack.
Make Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, maple syrup, milk, maple extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Drizzle over the cooled blondies for a sweet finish.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow steps 1-5, then refrigerate the unbaked batter in an airtight container. The apples can be cooked and mixed in ahead of time as well. To ensure the blondies retain their deliciousness, bake them fresh just before serving. When ready to bake, pour the chilled batter into your prepped pan and bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed. Just imagine the joy of indulging in warm, freshly baked blondies with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Fridge: These blondies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure they're well-wrapped to avoid absorbing any odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the blondies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in the oven to refresh their fudgy consistency.

Expert Tips for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Mind the Butter: Be attentive while browning the butter; it can quickly change from perfect to burnt. This step is crucial for the ultimate flavor.

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision in your ingredients, ensuring the best texture in your Brown Butter Apple Blondies.

• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid tough blondies; overmixing can lead to a dry texture.

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness in your blondies.

• Let Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely before adding the maple glaze to prevent the glaze from melting away.

What to Serve with Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

Indulge your senses with delectable sides that elevate your homemade blondies into a full delightful experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold scoop contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy blondies, creating a perfect harmony of textures.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making each bite feel like a special occasion.
Spiced Chai Latte: This comforting spiced drink pairs wonderfully, enhancing the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in the blondies.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A sweet caramel drizzle brings an additional layer of decadence. It’s an irresistible combination that ties everything together!
Apple Cider: This autumnal beverage complements the apple flavor in the blondies, providing a refreshing and festive touch.
Nutty Granola: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle some nutty granola on top. It adds texture and an extra pop of flavor that complements the blondies.

Enhancing your dessert experience has never been easier with these delightful pairings!

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Variations

Feel free to customize these blondies and put your own spin on this delightful recipe!

Apple Alternatives: Swap out Granny Smith for pears or other firm fruits like peaches for a unique twist. Adding sliced pears brings a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Nutty Crunch: Add in walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. This twist adds a delightful contrast to the soft texture, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Chocolate Bliss: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips or swirl in chocolate ganache before baking. The result is a decadent chocolate-apple combo that gives these blondies a rich, indulgent flavor.
Spiced Maple Glaze: Enhance the glaze by incorporating ground ginger or allspice. Just a hint of these spices will elevate the flavor, making the glaze even more aromatic and festive.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for the glaze. This simple change makes the recipe accessible for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor.
Sweetness Variation: Experiment by replacing brown sugar with coconut sugar for a little twist in flavor and a healthier option. The mild caramel notes of coconut sugar will complement the blondies beautifully.
Extra Moisture: Incorporate shredded zucchini or even finely grated carrots alongside the apples for moisture. Not only does this add nutrition, but it creates a fantastically moist texture that everyone will love.

Dive into the endless possibilities with these variations and create your perfect version of Brown Butter Apple Blondies!

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Brown Butter Apple Blondies, opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall taste. Avoid overly ripe apples, as they can become mushy during baking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very well! To store your blondies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. If you plan on keeping them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just ensure they're well-wrapped to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Can I freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies? How?
Definitely! Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To do this, wrap the blondies individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave for just a few seconds to bring back their fudgy goodness.

What should I do if my blondies come out too dry?
Oh dear! If your blondies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always make sure to check for doneness around the 25-minute mark, as baking times can vary. If they do come out dry, you can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of additional maple glaze to add moisture back in.

Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, it’s important to note that this recipe contains common allergens like eggs and wheat. For those with egg allergies, you can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as a substitute, though results may vary. If nut allergies are a concern, ensure your butter and any additional toppings are made in a nut-free facility.