Brown Butter Apple Blondies: 5 Irresistible Comfort Treats

There’s something magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house, don’t you think? I remember the first time I tried my hand at baking Brown Butter Apple Blondies. It was a rainy afternoon, and I craved something cozy and delicious. As I melted the butter and watched it transform into that beautiful golden brown, I felt a surge of excitement. The nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and I just knew these blondies would be something special.

What makes these Brown Butter Apple Blondies truly irresistible is the addition of Honeycrisp apples that bring a juicy sweetness. And oh, let’s not forget the star of the show – the Cinnamon Maple Glaze! Drizzling that warm glaze over the blondies takes them to another level of decadence. Trust me, every bite becomes a delightful explosion of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself – I won’t judge! These blondies are an absolute treat that makes any day feel like a celebration, and I can’t wait for you to experience this joy in your own kitchen!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting these scrumptious Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter – This will be browned to bring out its nutty flavor.
• 1/2 cup apple butter – Adds moisture and a rich apple taste.
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar – For sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; make sure it’s packed!
• 2 large eggs – These will help bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, aromatic essence.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the blondies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the blondies rise beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the apples.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Just a pinch for an extra layer of warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups) – These juicy apples provide freshness and texture.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (for glaze) – This will be browned for a rich finish.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup – Infuses the glaze with a delightful sweetness.
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup powdered sugar – For a smooth and creamy glaze consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze) – Enhances the flavors in the glaze.
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt – Just a touch to elevate the glaze’s flavor.

With these ingredients at the ready, you’re all set to whip up a batch of these delightful blondies! Let’s dive into making them!

How to Prepare Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Prepping the Oven and Dish

First things first, let’s get our oven ready! Preheat it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This little step is a game changer for easy removal later on. Just make sure to leave some overhang so you can lift those delicious blondies out without a fuss!

Making the Brown Butter Mixture

Now onto the fun part – browning the butter! In a medium pot set over medium heat, add in your 1 1/2 sticks of salted butter. Stir it often, and in about 2-3 minutes, you’ll see it transform into a beautiful golden brown color. Keep an eye on it; we want that nutty aroma to fill the air, but you don’t want it burnt! Once it’s browned, remove it from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of apple butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Let this mixture cool for about 5 minutes. After it cools, whisk in the 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until it’s all combined and lovely.

Mixing the Blondie Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your butter mixture. Don’t overdo it—mix just until everything is combined into a smooth batter. You’ll want to keep that texture light and fluffy!

Adding the Apples

Time to bring in the stars of the show! Take your 2 chopped Honeycrisp apples and toss them with the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and spiciness. Evenly sprinkle those apple pieces over the batter, making sure they’re distributed nicely. You want a piece of apple in every bite!

Baking the Blondies

Now it’s time to bake! Spread the blondie batter into your prepared dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, gently press the center with your fingers; it should spring back slightly. If there’s any liquid in the center, swirl it around gently and give it an extra 5 minutes in the oven. Once done, let them cool completely in the pan.

Preparing the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the blondies cool, let’s whip up that fabulous glaze! In a small pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter until it’s lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk in 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/2 to 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until you have a smooth, creamy glaze. It should be drizzly but not too runny!

Drizzling and Serving

Once your blondies have cooled, it’s time to drizzle that heavenly glaze over them! Pour it on generously and let it set for about 5 minutes. Now, grab a sharp knife and cut them into bars. You’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Brown Butter Apple Blondies with their decadent Cinnamon Maple Glaze! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every single bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These Brown Butter Apple Blondies come together in just about 45 minutes, making them a perfect choice for a last-minute dessert or a cozy afternoon baking session.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter perfectly complements the sweetness of the Honeycrisp apples and the warm spices, creating a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Unique Combination of Ingredients: The blend of apple butter, fresh apples, and a touch of maple syrup in the glaze offers a unique twist that sets these blondies apart from your typical dessert.
• Appealing Presentation: With that beautiful drizzle of Cinnamon Maple Glaze, these blondies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table, sure to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Whether you’re serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying them as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, these blondies are perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Brown Butter Apple Blondies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t rush the browning process: Take your time when browning the butter. It should be a lovely golden brown with a nutty aroma. If you’re unsure, it’s better to under-brown it than to let it burn!
• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything blends together beautifully.
• Measure flour correctly: When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing it down, which can lead to dense blondies.
• Let them cool before cutting: Patience is key! Letting the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting helps them hold their shape better and prevents them from falling apart.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to customize your blondies! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for an extra flavor boost. Just adjust the proportions to keep the balance right.

With these tips, you’re all set to bake up a batch of delicious Brown Butter Apple Blondies that will impress everyone!

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level. Here are some tasty ideas to consider:

• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like warm blondies topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess perfectly contrasts the warm, spiced flavors of the blondies!
• Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance. You can even add a hint of cinnamon or maple syrup to the cream for an extra flavor boost!
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For those who love a little extra sweetness, drizzling some warm caramel sauce over the top takes these blondies to new heights of decadence.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the blondies.
• Hot Coffee or Spiced Tea: Pair these blondies with a comforting cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. The warm beverages complement the flavors beautifully, making for a cozy treat any time of day!

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your mood or occasion. No matter how you choose to serve them, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies are sure to be a hit!

Nutritional Information Section

While I always encourage enjoying treats like these Brown Butter Apple Blondies in moderation, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per blondie (1 bar):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g

Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes. Enjoy your baking, and remember that a little sweetness can brighten your day!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for their sweetness and crunch, you can use any apple variety you love. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Fuji apples are also sweet and juicy. Just make sure whatever you choose is fresh and preferably in-season for the best flavor!

Q2. How do I store leftover Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
These blondies keep well! I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them. Just let them come to room temperature before serving, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up again.

Q3. Can I freeze these blondies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up slightly before serving!

Q4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You bet! To make these blondies gluten-free, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s a one-to-one swap, and you’ll still get that delightful texture and flavor!

Q5. What can I do if I don’t have apple butter on hand?
If you don’t have apple butter, don’t worry! You can substitute it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. This will still provide the moisture and apple flavor you need for these delicious blondies. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but still oh-so-yummy!

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