As the crisp fall air rolls in, there's nothing quite like the smell of apples and warm, nutty brown butter filling your kitchen. Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy blondie base with the sweet, juicy flavor of apples and the richness of caramel-like browned butter. These bars are easy to make, full of comforting autumn flavors, and they’ll quickly become a go-to dessert. Read on for all the steps, tips, and tricks to make the perfect Brown Butter Apple Blondies!

What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a unique twist on the classic blondie recipe. A blondie is essentially a dense, sweet, buttery bar similar to a brownie but without the cocoa. In this version, we take things up a notch by incorporating the deep, nutty flavors of brown butter along with the sweetness of apples, creating a perfectly balanced fall treat that’s crisp around the edges and soft in the middle. It’s the ultimate dessert bar that showcases the best of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
For the blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (peeled and cored)
For the topping (optional but delicious):
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (browned)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon milk (adjust to reach desired consistency)
Substitutions and Variations
There are so many ways to tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Butter Substitutes: If you want to make this dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. While it won’t brown exactly the same, you can use a vegan butter option, and it will still yield a delicious result. Coconut oil can also be used, but it will add a slight coconut flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as the baking powder and vanilla extract, are gluten-free as well.
- Spices Variations: If you enjoy a spicier blondie, you can increase the cinnamon or add a bit of ground ginger or cloves. You could also experiment with apple pie spice for a more complex flavor.
- Apple Choices: While Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the sweetness of the blondie base, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for a sweeter bite.
- Nuts & Add-ins: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips to the batter for some extra texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Butter
Start by browning the butter. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. As the butter melts, it will start to foam and then gradually change color from yellow to golden brown. Keep a close eye on it because the butter can burn quickly once it reaches the brown stage. Once it smells nutty and looks amber-colored, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside for later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Spread into the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake
Bake the blondies for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown while the center stays soft.
7. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing. If you want to add a glaze, mix the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled blondies.
How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize the key steps in making the perfect Brown Butter Apple Blondies:
- Start by browning the butter to bring out that rich, nutty flavor.
- Mix the wet ingredients and combine with the dry ingredients, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in fresh apples for sweetness and texture.
- Bake until golden brown at the edges and soft in the middle, allowing the bars to cool before serving.
- Optional: Glaze with a brown butter icing for an extra touch of decadence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Butter: Browning butter adds depth of flavor, but it can quickly burn if left unattended. Keep a close watch and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough blondies. Stir just until the flour is incorporated to keep the bars light and soft.
- Cutting Blondies Too Soon: Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting. If they’re too warm, they might fall apart or become too gooey.
- Using the Wrong Apples: Different apples bake differently. Firm apples like Granny Smith hold their shape better and provide a tart contrast. Avoid overly soft apples that might become mushy in the batter.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm blondies, paired with cold ice cream, create a fantastic contrast in textures and flavors. You could also drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce on top for added indulgence.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies
These blondies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served alongside a warm beverage like coffee, apple cider, or chai tea. If you're serving these at a party, cut them into small squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy-to-eat dessert option.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
Presentation can elevate a simple dessert like blondies. Try dusting the top with powdered sugar for a classic look or drizzling caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern. You could also add a few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive autumn vibe.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make these blondies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Freezing: These blondies freeze well. Cut them into squares, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.
- Browning Butter Quickly: To brown butter more quickly, use a wide skillet rather than a deep pan. This allows more surface area for the butter to brown evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it won’t brown the same way, and you’ll lose that rich, nutty flavor. If you want to go dairy-free, consider using a vegan butter substitute that can brown.
2. What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because of their firm texture and tart flavor, but feel free to use sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer.
3. How do I know when the blondies are done?
The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the blondies dry.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even white or dark chocolate chips, to enhance the flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of apples. Whether you enjoy them plain, drizzled with icing, or paired with ice cream, these blondies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of fall!
PrintBrown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
Brown Butter Apple Blondies recipe combines the rich nuttiness of browned butter with tender, spiced apples. A perfect dessert for fall, featuring warm flavors and an irresistible chewy texture. Ideal for those who crave a sweet treat with a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until nutty and golden brown. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or ½ cup chopped walnuts.
- Store blondies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
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