If you’ve been searching for a dessert that brings together cozy fall flavors and a rich, buttery sweetness, look no further than this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe. These blondies perfectly combine the nutty depth of browned butter with tender chunks of fresh apples, creating an irresistibly moist and flavorful treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe brings a warm, homey feeling in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these few simple ingredients is all you need to whip up a batch of these delicious brown butter apple blondies. Each one plays a vital role—from the browned butter lending a deep, caramel-like richness to the apples adding a burst of juicy freshness that balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Browning this butter brings out nutty, toasty notes that elevate the entire blondie.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Offers moisture and a deeper molasses flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base for the blondie’s texture — too much flour can make them dry, so measuring carefully is key.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives a slight lift for a tender but firm bite.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Chopped apples (1 cup): Opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness; peeled and diced for the best texture.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking pan to prepare for the blondies. Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch carefully as the butter foams, then turns a golden brown color with a fragrant nutty aroma—this usually takes about five minutes. Once browned, set the butter aside to cool slightly. This step is where much of the magic happens, giving your blondies that rich, deeply caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Butter, Add Eggs and Vanilla
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the browned butter until fully blended. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and shiny. Next, sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Resist the urge to overmix here; you want everything just incorporated to keep your blondies tender and chewy.
Step 3: Fold in the Apples
Gently stir the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking them down. The apples provide juicy pockets of freshness amidst the rich dough, so folding them in carefully keeps the texture just right.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake the blondies for 25 to 30 minutes, until you see golden edges and a soft center. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly as those apples and browned butter meld together in the oven.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares—this usually takes at least 30 minutes. Cooling helps the blondies set up so they cut cleanly without falling apart, giving you that perfect chewy texture with every bite.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
These blondies are delightfully versatile when it comes to garnishing. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce complements the browned butter and apples beautifully. For an extra indulgent experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warms up the cozy fall vibes.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. If you’re making them for a brunch or dessert buffet, pairing with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of whipped cream provides balance and adds freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, cut the blondies into small squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg. Alternatively, layering pieces in a dessert parfait with yogurt or custard and extra apples makes an elegant twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe pieces can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days while still maintaining their delightful texture. Keeping them sealed might even help the flavors deepen with time.
Freezing
If you need to keep these blondies longer, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen blondies will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To enjoy the blondies warm, simply reheat them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Warm blondies bring out the full flavor of browned butter and tender apples while providing a soft, comforting bite.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can substitute with other varieties like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will change the overall flavor profile slightly.
What if I don’t want to brown the butter?
Regular melted butter can be used, but browning the butter adds a unique nutty, caramel flavor that really takes these blondies to the next level. It’s worth the little extra effort to get that golden aroma.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition, adding crunch and complementing the richness of the browned butter and apples. Fold in about 1/2 cup alongside the apples.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a set but slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted near the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the clock.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these blondies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. This should give you a similar texture without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe inspires you to bake something truly comforting and delicious. It’s one of those soul-satisfying sweets that feels as good as it tastes, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a cozy moment alone. Once you try these blondies, I bet they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich, nutty flavor of Brown Butter Apple Blondies, featuring browned butter, sweet apples, and a tender, chewy texture. These blondies are a perfect cozy treat, combining the warmth of browned butter with the crisp sweetness of diced apples for a delicious fall-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Fruit
- 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, cooking it for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown and develops a rich, nutty aroma. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the browned butter. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined, maintaining a light batter consistency.
- Incorporate Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the fruit down.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into 4 to 4.4 servings. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Be careful when browning the butter; it can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense blondies.
- Ensure the blondies are fully cooled before cutting to maintain structure.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
