Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you love rich, buttery desserts with a touch of cozy fall flavors, you’re going to flip for this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe. I absolutely love how these blondies combine the nutty depth of brown butter with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked into chewy, golden squares. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite and a sweet treat I rely on for any gathering or a simple weekend indulgence. Keep reading because I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail these blondies at home!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe plays a crucial role—from the butter that’s browned to bring out those amazing toasty notes, to the fresh apples that add sweet, tangy moisture without overpowering the rich dough. Here are a few tips to help you shop smart for the best results:

• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter since you’ll be controlling the salt—plus, this is the star of the brown butter step.
• Apples: I recommend a firmer apple like Honeycrisp or Gala so they hold their shape after cooking.
• Light Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a bit of caramel flavor—don’t substitute with white sugar here.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Fresh vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth.
• Kosher Salt: Use kosher salt for balanced seasoning—it enhances all the flavors.
• Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and create a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps with lightness and rise but keep it exact to avoid any metallic taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard for blondies to get that perfect dense yet chewy texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: For the silky glaze that adds touch of sweet shine.
• Whole Milk: Used in the glaze for a smooth consistency, but you can swap with cream for extra richness.
• Cooking Spray: To prep your pan and prevent those blondies from sticking.

Variations

I love making this recipe just as is, but I also tweak it depending on the season or what my family’s craving. The great thing about the Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe is how adaptable it is—you can add your own spin and still get delicious results.

• Add Warm Spices: Sometimes I toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice with the apples for an extra cozy vibe that screams fall.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the batter add a lovely crunch and complement that brown butter flavor beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for your favorite plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze, and it still turns out great.
• Use Different Fruit: Pears work wonderfully in place of apples, or you can try a combination for a fresh twist.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Butter to Nutty Perfection

Start by melting 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a small pot. Don’t walk away—stir or swirl constantly to prevent burning. You’ll notice the butter foam up, then the milk solids will start to turn a deep golden brown. That takes about 4 to 6 minutes. This is where all the magic happens; that nutty flavor is what sets these blondies apart. I like to keep a close eye and lift the solids with a spoon occasionally to check the color. Once browned, pour everything (solids and all) into a large heatproof bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Apples Just Right

While your butter is cooling, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped apples and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This step softens the apples and brings out their natural sweetness without watering down the blondie batter. After cooking, set them aside to cool a bit—warm apples will mess with the texture a bit if added hot.

Step 3: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite long sides. This parchment sling is a lifesaver—it’s how I easily lift the whole batch out to cool and cut neatly without breaking apart.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Build Your Batter

Take 2 tablespoons of your cooled brown butter and set it aside in a small bowl—that’s for the glaze later. Into the large bowl with the rest of your brown butter, whisk in the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth. Then whisk in your eggs one at a time until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Add the baking soda and whisk just to distribute it—don’t overmix here.

Next, gently fold in the flour using a rubber spatula just until the dry streaks disappear—you want to keep the batter thick but tender. Finally, fold the cooked and cooled apples into the batter. The dough will be fairly stiff, but trust me, that’s how you get chewy, dense blondies that aren’t cakey.

Step 5: Bake Your Blondies to Golden Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges look just golden and the top has a deep golden color. It might seem underdone in the center, but it will firm up as it cools. I usually test with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Glaze

Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift them out using the parchment sling and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, take that reserved 2 tablespoons of brown butter and whisk in the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, a pinch of salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is thick but pourable—this adds a luscious finish with a tiny kick of warmth from the brown butter.

Step 7: Glaze and Slice

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled blondies and let it set for about 5 minutes until it firms up slightly. Then cut into bars—about 15 to 18 serves depending on how big you slice them. I promise, they’re going to disappear fast once you take the first bite!

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple here—a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar does the trick. But if I’m feeling festive, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top of the glaze adds an elegant touch and extra flavor. For serving, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm blondies is absolutely dreamy.

Side Dishes

These blondies are sweet enough to be a stand-alone treat, but they shine alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or a rich latte. I’ve also served them as a dessert with simple whipped cream and fresh apple slices for a brunch spread, and they were a huge hit every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the blondies into smaller bite-size squares, drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern, then garnish each with a small apple slice or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts. Arranged on a pretty wooden board with some fresh herbs or edible flowers on the side, they make a stunning centerpiece dessert that guests can’t resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and chewy for about 3 days. If your kitchen’s warm, I pop them in the fridge, but I let them come to room temp before eating so the texture bounces back nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked and cooled blondies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy them, I thaw overnight in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving. The texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

To refresh leftover blondies, especially if refrigerated or frozen, I like to heat them gently in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the edges and warms the apples inside without drying them out. You can also microwave briefly, but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely comforting about the Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe—the way the butter’s toasted flavor harmonizes with warm, tender apples just hits all the cozy dessert notes. I love pulling this recipe out when I want to impress friends without fuss or when my family needs a sweet pick-me-up. Seriously, once you make these you’ll find they become a go-to treat, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

Print