Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect fall dessert or just a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the way to go! These chewy blondies are packed with a rich, nutty flavor from brown butter, balanced perfectly by the tart sweetness of apples. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Stay with us as we take you through this delicious recipe and learn everything from ingredients to presentation tips. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to make the best Brown Butter Apple Blondies ever!

this Recipe

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What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a decadent dessert made with browned butter, apples, and a blondie batter. Blondies are similar to brownies but without cocoa powder or melted chocolate, which results in a lighter color and a different, slightly caramel-like flavor. Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty taste, while apples bring a natural sweetness and moist texture to every bite. Imagine the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in one chewy, sweet dessert. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

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Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious blondies:

1. 1 cup unsalted butter (to brown)
2. 1 ½ cups brown sugar
3. 2 large eggs (room temperature)
4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
7. ½ teaspoon baking soda
8. ½ teaspoon salt
9. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
10. ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
11. 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
12. ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

These ingredients combine to make soft, chewy blondies with the perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity brightness.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about this Brown Butter Apple Blondies recipe is that it's quite adaptable. Here are some ways you can change up the recipe:

• Apples: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add a nice contrast to the sweetness, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala work well too.
• Butter: You can use salted butter if you don't have unsalted, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
• Sugar: Swap half of the brown sugar for granulated sugar for a slightly lighter blondie. You could also experiment with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, but if you have a nut allergy, you can omit them or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Spices: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can take the fall flavors up a notch. If you love cinnamon, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon!
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend that is 1:1 for all-purpose flour, and the recipe will still turn out great.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative. Just note that the browning process will be slightly different.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Brown Butter Apple Blondies may seem tricky, but the steps are straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions, and you'll be rewarded with perfectly chewy, flavorful blondies.

1. Brown the Butter:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and starts to develop a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Fold in Apples and Nuts:
   Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spread the Batter in the Pan:
   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
7. Bake:
   Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The blondies should be golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
8. Cool and Slice:
   Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: This is the most common mistake when making blondies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they're just set, as overbaking can result in dry, crumbly blondies.
• Skipping the Browning Process: Don’t rush the browning process or skip it altogether. Browning the butter adds a complex, nutty flavor that makes these blondies stand out.
• Uneven Apple Cuts: Make sure the apples are chopped uniformly to ensure they cook evenly within the blondies. Large chunks can create uneven texture and moisture pockets.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense blondies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, chewy texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve made these delicious Brown Butter Apple Blondies, let’s talk about how to serve and present them.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Warm with Ice Cream: These blondies are heavenly when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm blondie, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
• With Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the blondies for an extra indulgent treat.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each blondie square for a light, creamy finish.
• Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch, especially if you’re serving these at a gathering.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Rustic Board: Serve these blondies on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, cozy vibe.
• Elegant Platter: Arrange them neatly on a white or neutral-colored platter and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a more elegant presentation.
• Mini Blondie Bites: Cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners. This is perfect for a party or buffet-style dessert table.

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Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips

• Cooling is Key: Let the blondies cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon can cause them to crumble.
• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, firm apples give the best texture. Avoid mushy or overly sweet apples.
• Brown Sugar Preference: Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor, while light brown sugar results in a lighter blondie. Choose based on your flavor preference.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra layer of sweetness, toss in ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Yes, these blondies freeze very well. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

2. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best because their tartness balances the sweetness of the blondies.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be substituted, it won’t brown the same way as butter and may change the flavor slightly.

4. How do I store these blondies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

5. Why do I need to brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the blondies.

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Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Brown Butter Apple Blondies recipe! These chewy, buttery, and apple-packed treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a party or just want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it today and enjoy the rich, fall-inspired flavors that everyone will love! Don’t forget to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. Happy baking!

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