Are you ready to treat your taste buds to something truly special? These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect blend of rich, nutty flavors and sweet autumn apples. Whether you're preparing a dessert for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will be a hit. Follow along for a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating the most delicious blondies you’ve ever tasted. Read through to the end for helpful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions!
What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, a rich dessert similar to brownies but flavored with brown sugar instead of chocolate. In this version, the magic comes from two key ingredients: browned butter and fresh apples. Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, while the apples add sweetness and moisture. Together, they create a chewy, flavorful blondie with the perfect balance of caramel and fruit.
Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
- 1 cup unsalted butter – browned to perfection for a nutty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar – adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs – provides structure and richness to the blondies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the blondie batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the blondies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – complements the apples and gives a warm flavor.
- 1 cup diced apples – any crisp, sweet variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – adds a crunchy texture and complements the brown butter.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free version: You can easily make these blondies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Nut-free option: Simply leave out the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version, and the blondies will still taste amazing.
- Different fruit: Don’t have apples on hand? You can substitute pears or even peaches for a similar but slightly different flavor profile.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter. Make sure to choose one that browns well for that signature nutty flavor.
- Spice it up: If you love spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook it, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter and the light brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that rich, sweet aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure they are evenly mixed to avoid lumps in your batter.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gradually 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 and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
Step 5: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. It might seem thick, but that’s exactly what you want for chewy blondies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The blondies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy the chewy, flavorful bites with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the butter for that signature nutty taste. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to your blondies.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure an even distribution of flavors and proper texture.
- Fold in the apples gently to avoid overmixing. You want the batter to be just combined.
- Bake at the right temperature—not too high, or they’ll burn, not too low, or they won’t cook through.
- Let them cool before cutting to ensure the blondies firm up properly and don’t fall apart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the browning process: The browned butter is what makes these blondies special. Skipping this step would leave you with a standard, less flavorful dessert.
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much can make the blondies tough instead of chewy.
- Overbaking: Be sure to check the blondies for doneness at around 25 minutes. Overbaking will dry them out, and you want them to stay moist and tender.
- Using soft apples: Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy texture in your blondies.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Serve warm: These blondies are best served slightly warm when the buttery aroma is at its peak, and the apples are soft and tender.
- Pair with ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve the blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the blondies' flavors, adding even more depth to the brown butter and apples.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies
These blondies make an excellent dessert for fall gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. You can serve them on a large platter for a rustic look or plate them individually for a more elegant presentation. Don’t forget to add a side of fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint for garnish if you’re feeling fancy!
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
- Rustic charm: Cut the blondies into uneven, rustic squares and serve them on a wooden cutting board for a homestyle look.
- Elegant touch: Arrange the blondies on a cake stand and dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a more refined presentation.
- Festive flair: Top each blondie with a small apple slice or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to tie in the main ingredients and add a pop of color.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips
- Cool the brown butter: Let the browned butter cool slightly before mixing it with the sugar. If it’s too hot, it can scramble the eggs.
- Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples will provide the best texture. Avoid canned or pre-cooked apples for this recipe.
- Store properly: These blondies will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Yes, these blondies freeze well. Once they are completely cool, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What type of apples should I use?
Crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as a nice texture.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the batter a day ahead and refrigerate it, or bake the blondies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses mixed in for a similar flavor.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the ultimate autumn dessert, blending rich, nutty flavors with sweet, juicy apples. They are easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tastes them. Follow the steps carefully, avoid common mistakes, and don’t forget to try some of the variations and serving ideas to make the recipe your own. Whether served at a holiday party or enjoyed as a cozy treat at home, these blondies will quickly become a favorite!
PrintBrown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
These Brown Butter Apple Blondies combine the nutty richness of brown butter with sweet apples, making them the perfect fall dessert. With simple ingredients and an easy baking method, these blondies are chewy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Apples (peeled and diced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a pan, cooking until browned and nutty. Let cool.
- Whisk sugars and eggs, then add vanilla and cooled brown butter.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in diced apples.
- Spread batter in the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast.
- Optional: Add a caramel drizzle on top for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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