Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

The Sweet Magic of Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Whipping up delectable brown butter apple blondies can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet, memorable moment.

Nutty aromas will soon drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Crisp autumn apples bring a delightful twist to this classic dessert.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with rich caramel undertones that dance across your palate.

Warm spices weave magic into every single bite, creating an irresistible treat.

Baking becomes an adventure when you combine simple ingredients with creative technique.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Brown Butter Apple Blondies Delight

  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: These blondies capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with fresh apples and aromatic spices that make every bite feel like a hug.
  • Bake with Minimal Effort: The simple one-bowl mixing method means less cleanup and quick preparation, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a delicious treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea, these apple blondies appeal to both kids and adults with their soft, rich texture and classic flavor profile.
  • Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Using brown butter elevates basic pantry staples into a gourmet-style dessert that tastes far more sophisticated than its straightforward recipe suggests.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, golden-brown base that adds a deep, nutty flavor to the blondies.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweeteners that create a caramel-like depth and tender texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that provide structure and richness to the blondies.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the blondies their soft, cake-like consistency.
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a hint of autumnal warmth.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and enhance the blondies' cozy flavor profile.
  • Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the other ingredients' taste.
Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: A classic flavoring that adds depth and complexity to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the blondies rise and become light and fluffy.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies How-To

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350F and generously coat an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Golden Brown Butter

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, swirling and watching carefully until it turns a gorgeous golden brown color with a nutty aroma.

Remove from heat and let it cool down slightly.

Step 3: Mix Sweet Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Browned butter

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Pour in eggs and vanilla extract.

Stir vigorously until everything is beautifully incorporated and looks silky.

Step 5: Create Blondie Batter

Gently fold in dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Mix until the batter becomes completely smooth with no flour streaks.

Step 6: Incorporate Apple Chunks

Softly fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the batter into the prepared pan, making sure it’s level and reaches all corners.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Carefully watch butter while browning to achieve a golden, nutty flavor without burning, which adds depth to the blondies.
  • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the dessert.
  • Toss diced apples in a little flour before folding into batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicious texture.
  • Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personal taste, or experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom for a unique twist.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Variations

  • Gluten-Free Apple Blondies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, nutty flavor.
  • Vegan Apple Blondies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based dessert that's equally decadent.
  • Spiced Chai Apple Blondies: Add chai spice blend or cardamom to enhance the warm flavors, creating a more complex and aromatic treat.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Blondies: Use monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, incorporating more diced apples for natural sweetness and moisture.

Serving Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve these warm blondies alongside a steaming latte or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat that brings comfort and sweetness together.
  • Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzle caramel sauce, and sprinkle chopped pecans for an elegant seasonal presentation.
  • Breakfast Sweet Surprise: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and pair with Greek yogurt or as a quick morning nibble with fresh coffee for a delectable start to the day.
  • Gifting Delights: Package cooled blondies in cute parchment paper or small gift boxes tied with twine, perfect for sharing with friends or bringing to a fall gathering.

Storing Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Store cooled blondies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Warm individual blondies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 300F, place blondies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crispy.

FAQs

  • Why brown the butter in this recipe?

Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the blondies, creating a deeper, more complex caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice texture contrast in the blondies.

  • How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges, a slightly firm center, and a toothpick that comes out with just a few moist crumbs – this ensures a soft, chewy texture without being undercooked.

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Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Warm brown butter apple blondies bring autumn’s sweet comfort to your dessert table. Delicate spices and caramelized apples meld into a rich, golden treat that invites you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (browned)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (240 grams) diced apples (peeled)

Sugars:

  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Leavening:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Create brown butter by heating in a skillet until it transforms into a rich, amber color with a nutty aroma, then allow to cool slightly.
  3. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the cooled brown butter in a mixing bowl, whisking until fully integrated.
  4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  5. Gradually add flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt, stirring until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
  6. Gently fold fresh diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
  8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and let the blondies cool completely in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before cutting into square portions.

Notes

  • Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the classic blondie recipe, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile.
  • Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the blondies.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same tender crumb and structure.
  • Enhance the warmth of the spices by toasting ground cinnamon and nutmeg briefly in a dry pan before adding to the batter, intensifying their aromatic qualities.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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