Pin These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are everything you crave in a treat when the air turns crisp and apples are in season. Each piece is moist and dense, infused with the toasty flavor of browned butter and packed with chunks of juicy apple. Whether you are baking for a cozy afternoon or sharing with friends over coffee, these blondies are a foolproof way to delight everyone at your table.
I first baked these blondies for a fall get-together, and my friends could not stop raving. Ever since, they have become a must for every apple season. The gooey center and crispy edges never fail to remind me why I adore baking from scratch.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: gives the blondies a deep nutty taste when browned Choose a good quality butter for the richest flavor
- Light brown sugar: adds moisture and caramel notes to the bars Be sure it is fresh and soft
- Granulated sugar: lifts the sweetness and helps create chewy edges Always use a fine grain sugar for best mixing
- Large eggs: provide structure and richness Make sure they are at room temperature for smooth blending
- Pure vanilla extract: infuses warmth and complexity Try to use real vanilla for superior aroma
- All-purpose flour: forms the base of the blondies Use a fresh bag for best texture
- Baking powder: ensures just enough lift to keep the bars fudgy and tender Check it is in date for proper rise
- Fine sea salt: sharpens and balances the sweetness Use a fine or flaky sea salt not table salt for pure flavor
- Ground cinnamon: amplifies coziness and brings out the apple’s charm Choose a fragrant, recently opened jar for bright flavor
- Crisp apple: brings juicy bites and a sweet tart burst in every bite Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully
- Lemon juice: preserves the apple’s color and brings brightness Use a freshly squeezed lemon if possible
- Granulated sugar for the apples: lightly sweetens and draws out juices
- Ground cinnamon on the apples: adds an extra layer of spiced warmth
- Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): give crunch and nutty depth Toast your nuts for five minutes for extra aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a square baking pan with parchment making sure there is plenty of overhang to help lift the blondies after baking Press the parchment into the corners for crisp edges
- Brown the Butter:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat stirring until it foams and turns rich golden brown with a nutty scent This step takes about six minutes and deepens the flavor more than plain melted butter Allow it to cool so it does not scramble your eggs later
- Toss the Apples:
- Peel and dice a crisp apple Mix with lemon juice to keep the apples from browning Sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon Toss so each piece gets evenly coated Set aside as the apples will release juice and soften
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk both sugars together with the cooled browned butter until smooth Add eggs and vanilla whisking thoroughly for a glossy thick base
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the flour baking powder salt and cinnamon directly into the wet mixture Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures the blondies are pleasantly tender Fold gently with a spatula until just blended
- Incorporate Apples and Nuts:
- Stir in the prepared apple mixture and any toasted nuts Make sure everything is distributed evenly throughout the batter so you get apple in every bite
- Fill the Pan and Smooth:
- Spoon the batter into your lined pan and smooth the surface with a spatula so it bakes evenly Press into all corners for uniform thickness
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake at the center of your oven until the top is deep golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out with moist crumbs not wet batter This usually takes thirty to thirty five minutes Watch the blondies closely near the end as a little underbaking keeps them chewy
- Cool and Cut:
- Let the blondies cool fully in the pan on a rack Cooling deepens the flavor and makes clean slicing easier Once cool use the parchment overhang to lift them out and slice into neat squares
Pin My favorite part is always the browned butter not just for the taste but how amazing it makes the kitchen smell It reminds me of baking with my sister—we would always sneak a corner piece while the bars were still warm out of the oven
Storage Tips
Store fully cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you would like to keep them longer stash in the fridge for up to one week They stay soft and chewy if wrapped well You can also freeze tightly wrapped blondies for up to three months Defrost at room temperature for best results
Ingredient Substitutions
No apples Swap with an equal amount of firm ripe pears Out of butter Use a dairy free plant based butter if you need these blondies to be suitable for lactose free diets For a nut allergy just skip the pecans or walnuts and add a handful of oats or more diced apple for extra texture
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are dreamy eaten warm from the oven Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce For an elegant dessert plate sprinkle with powdered sugar and add a twist of orange zest Kids and adults alike love grabbing these as an after school snack or coffee break treat
Pin Every season these blondies bring warmth and a touch of nostalgia to my table Serve them fresh and let the gooey center and crispy edges win over everyone who takes a bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Why use brown butter in blondies?
Browning the butter adds rich, nutty notes that elevate the flavor of the bars, making them more aromatic and complex.
- → Can I substitute apples with other fruits?
Pears work well for a similar texture and complementary sweetness. Adjust seasoning to taste for other fruit choices.
- → How do I know when blondies are baked?
The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs—but not wet batter.
- → Is it necessary to cool blondies before cutting?
Yes, cooling completely helps the bars set, making them easier to lift out and slice without crumbling.
- → Can nuts be omitted or substituted?
Nuts are optional. Omit for nut-free bars or swap with toasted seeds for added crunch. Always check for allergens.
- → What is the best way to serve these blondies?
They are delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.