Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet, cozy warmth of apples, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect solution. They are moist, packed with autumnal flavors, and easy to make for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Stay with us to discover the full recipe, as well as some helpful tips and variations that will make your baking experience fun and successful!

What Are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

Blondies are often referred to as the "blonde" version of brownies. They’re dense, chewy, and rich like brownies but without the cocoa or chocolate flavor. Instead, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies feature the deep, nutty taste of browned butter and the sweetness of diced apples. The brown butter adds an extra layer of flavor, making these blondies more complex and irresistible. The addition of apples provides natural sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the richness of the butter and sugar.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

To create the perfect Brown Butter Apple Blondies, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

For the Brown Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter

For the Blondie Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoon apple cider or milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious batch of Brown Butter Apple Blondies.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about blondies is how flexible they can be. Whether you have dietary preferences or simply want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. Here are some suggestions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make these blondies gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for proper structure.
• Vegan Option: To make these blondies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like vegan margarine or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water = 1 egg) in place of regular eggs.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can swap the granulated and brown sugars for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
• Nutty Additions: If you love a little crunch, add in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. These add a nutty texture that pairs wonderfully with the browned butter.
• Apple Swap: If you’re out of apples or prefer a different fruit, pears make a great substitute. Their mild sweetness complements the richness of the blondies just as well as apples do.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making Brown Butter Apple Blondies from start to finish:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter begins to foam and turn golden brown. You’ll start to smell a nutty aroma, and brown specks will form at the bottom of the pan. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
• Be careful not to let the butter burn! Once browned, immediately remove the butter from the heat and pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Blondies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The blondies should be slightly soft in the center but firm around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

• Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
• While the blondies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize:

1. Brown the Butter: Make sure you watch the butter closely as it browns to avoid burning. Stir continuously until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Mix your flour, baking powder, and spices in advance so they can be easily folded into the wet ingredients.
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
4. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold in the diced apples at the end of the mixing process to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Baking Time: Check the blondies at around 25 minutes. You want the center to be soft and chewy, not dry. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling: Let the blondies cool completely before adding any glaze. This helps the glaze set properly and keeps the blondies moist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the Butter: Browning butter is a delicate process. Once the butter starts to brown, it can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on it, and remove it from the heat once you notice the brown bits forming and the nutty smell.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the blondie batter will result in a denser, tougher texture. To prevent this, mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Not Letting the Blondies Cool: Cutting into the blondies while they’re still warm will cause them to crumble apart. Allow them to cool completely for clean slices and better texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Blondies are perfect for a casual get-together or as a comforting after-dinner treat. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the presentation and enjoyment of your Brown Butter Apple Blondies:

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• If serving these at a fall gathering, consider pairing them with hot apple cider or a cup of spiced chai tea.
• For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle the blondies with a caramel sauce or the apple cider glaze mentioned above.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Individual Plates: Cut the blondies into squares and place each one on a dessert plate with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of glaze.
• Serve on a Board: Arrange the blondies on a wooden serving board with small bowls of caramel or whipped cream on the side.
• Holiday Style: Dust the tops of the blondies with powdered sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few apple slices for a festive fall presentation.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Eggs: For the best texture, use eggs that are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter.
• Glaze Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of the apple cider glaze, you can simply dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a different flavor.
• Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use different apples for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for their tartness and firmness, feel free to use any apple variety you prefer.

Q: Can I freeze these blondies?
A: Yes! To freeze, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Do I have to glaze the blondies?
A: No, the glaze is optional. The blondies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes

, these blondies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect fall treat. Their rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter combined with the sweetness of apples makes for a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a fall bake sale, or simply for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and room for variations, you can adapt the recipe to your taste and dietary needs. So, grab your ingredients and get baking — these blondies are worth every bite!

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