Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Irresistible Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe For Fall Baking

Whipping up brown butter apple blondies might sound like a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

Sweet aromas of caramelized butter and ripe apples will soon fill your kitchen.

Nutty brown butter adds depth and complexity to these delectable treats.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with warm spices in each delightful bite.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a simple yet sophisticated dessert that surprises and delights.

Rich, golden blondies showcase the magic of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible creation.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

  • Savor Seasonal Delights: Celebrate autumn's bounty with this irresistible apple-packed treat that brings the warmth of fall right to your kitchen.
  • Craft Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, with minimal effort required.
  • Embrace Cozy Comfort: Indulge in a rich, nutty blondie that perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with the deep, caramel-like notes of browned butter.
  • Wow Crowd-Pleasers: Impress family and friends with a versatile dessert that works beautifully for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a special after-dinner surprise.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A key ingredient that adds rich, nutty flavor when browned.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and moisture to the blondies.
  • Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a tender texture.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the blondies.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the blondies rise and achieve a light texture.
  • Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
Fruit and Nut Mix:
  • Apples, Walnuts: Bring texture, crunch, and additional layers of flavor to the blondies.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.

Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Liquid Gold

Place butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly as the butter melts and begins to foam.

Watch carefully as the butter turns a gorgeous golden brown and releases a nutty, caramel-like fragrance.

Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar.

Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy.

Step 4: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Apple and Walnut Goodness

Fold into the batter:
  • Diced apples
  • Chopped walnuts

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan.

Use the parchment paper to lift out the entire batch, then slice into squares.

Enjoy your delectable treat!

Pro Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Blondies

  • Watch carefully while browning butter to reach a deep golden color without burning, ensuring a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the blondies, preventing large wet spots and maintaining a consistent bite.
  • Pat apple chunks dry with paper towels to reduce excess liquid, preventing soggy blondies and maintaining a tender, soft texture.
  • Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles, or omit completely for nut-free versions without compromising the blondies' delicious taste.

Variations to Personalize Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Apple Blondies: Swap eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based milk.
  • Nut-Free Option: Remove walnuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and reduce total sugar content by half for diabetic-friendly dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Autumn Dessert Platter: Serve these blondies alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy seasonal treat that celebrates fall flavors.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Companion: Top each blondie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a delightful contrast between warm, spiced cake and cold, smooth dairy.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the richness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the blondies, adding an extra layer of sweet, buttery decadence that complements the apple and walnut notes.
  • Breakfast Brunch Option: Pair these blondies with a morning coffee or tea, transforming them into a delectable breakfast pastry that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Storage Tips for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

  • Seal blondies in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preserving their moist texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious taste and soft consistency.
  • Store at room temperature in a covered container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delectable.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and gooey texture.

FAQs

  • What makes brown butter so special in this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the blondies from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile that complements the apples and spices.

  • Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a similar crunchy texture. If you have a nut allergy, you can simply omit them without affecting the overall recipe.

  • How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty, caramel-like aroma. The milk solids will turn light brown at the bottom of the pan, which signals that the butter is perfectly browned.

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Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

Description

Gooey brown butter apple blondies meld rich caramel notes with autumn’s crisp apples. Warm spices and golden edges create a comforting dessert you’ll crave with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling constantly until it transforms to a rich, caramel-colored liquid with a fragrant, nutty essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Remove browned butter from heat and allow to cool slightly, then whisk together with brown sugar until smooth and integrated.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until the texture becomes uniform and creamy.
  4. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Carefully incorporate diced apples and chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing evenly throughout.
  7. Transfer the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading uniformly with a spatula.
  8. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Brown the butter slowly and carefully to develop a rich, caramel-like flavor without burning, watching the color change from yellow to golden brown.
  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance against the sweet blondie base.
  • Toast the walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy in the batter.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same tender crumb and texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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