Brown Butter Apple Blondies

There’s something truly magical that happens when butter meets heat. These brown butter apple blondies capture that magic. They have a rich, nutty flavor. The tender apples add a perfect sweet note. This fall baking favorite is surprisingly simple to make.

I love how these treats vanish so fast. They are perfect for lazy weekend afternoons. Or they make a sweet ending to any meal. Your family will surely adore these comforting blondies.

Why I Love This Recipe

These brown butter apple blondies are a weekday lifesaver. They come together remarkably fast. The deep flavor impresses everyone, truly!

• Incredible Flavor: The brown butter is a game-changer.
• Simple Steps: Anyone can master these easy blondies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: They disappear fast at gatherings.
• Cozy Comfort: Pure autumnal bliss in every bite.

You get such amazing taste for little effort.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Ingredients

The beauty of these brown butter apple blondies lies in their simple, yet powerful, alchemy. It’s about transforming humble ingredients into pure gold. We start with the star, butter, which we’ll transform into liquid caramel. Then, we add sweet apples for warmth and texture. Let’s look at what makes these blondies sing. Remember, exact measurements are in the printable card!

Core Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: This is our flavor base. Browning it adds a nutty, toasty depth. It creates that rich foundation for our blondies.
• Chopped Apples: These little gems bring moisture and natural sweetness. They soften beautifully in the oven. This makes every bite tender and fruity.
• Light Brown Sugar: It lends moisture and a caramel-like sweetness. Brown sugar really amps up the cozy flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash here enhances all the other flavors. It adds that classic sweet aroma we all love.
• Large Eggs: They act as a binder. Room temperature eggs mix in smoothly. They help create the perfect chewy texture in our blondies.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps them rise just a bit. It ensures a tender crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: This gives our blondies structure. We don’t want to overmix it, though.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This is for our divine frosting. It creates a smooth, sweet finish.
• Whole Milk: It helps thin the frosting to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness. It makes all the flavors pop.

Substitutions and Tips:

Don’t have Honeycrisp apples? Fuji or Gala work wonderfully too! If you’re out of brown sugar, dark brown sugar can be used, but it might make them a tad richer. For the frosting, a splash of cream instead of milk adds extra richness. Want a flavor boost? Add a pinch of cinnamon to the apple mixture. These blondies store well, but frosting them right before serving is best.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Let’s get baking! Making these brown butter apple blondies is a joy. Follow these simple steps. You’ll create a truly delicious fall treat. Keep your eyes on the prize. That prize is a pan of warm, comforting blondies.

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a small pot. Heat it over medium. Keep stirring or swirling it. Watch the milk solids turn golden brown. This takes about 4 to 6 minutes. Pour this lovely browned butter into a bowl. Scrape all those bits from the pot. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This sets the stage for amazing brown butter flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a large skillet. Cook the chopped apples next. Stir them often. They should become fork-tender. This usually takes 4 to 5 minutes. Once tender, remove them from heat. Let your cooked apples cool down.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your 13″ x 9″ pan. Spray it with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on two sides. This helps lift the blondies later. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the cooled brown butter. In a large bowl, add the rest of the brown butter. Mix in the brown sugar. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until it’s smooth. Now, whisk in the eggs. Then, add the baking soda. Just whisk until it’s mixed in.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour. Use a big rubber spatula. Keep folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here. Overmixing can make your blondies tough. Fold in the cooked apples. Combine everything gently for balanced texture.

Step 5: Mix in Apples and Bake

Dollop this stiff dough into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. It will be a thick layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for edges that are just brown. The top should be a deep golden color. That golden hue signals perfection. These apple blondies bake beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Let the blondies cool in the pan. Give them 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack. Let them cool completely. While they cool, make the frosting. Whisk confectioners’ sugar and milk together. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and lump-free. Finally, whisk in the reserved 2 tablespoons of browned butter. Your frosting should be silky smooth.

Step 7: Frost and Set

Pour the sweet frosting over the cooled blondies. Spread it evenly to coat the top. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to cut. Slice them into squares. Now your delicious brown butter apple blondies are ready. Serve and enjoy this wonderful treat!

How to Store Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Store your wonderful brown butter apple blondies. Keep them in an airtight container. Room temperature is best for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate them. They’ll last about five days this way. Want to freeze them? Wrap cooled, unfrosted bars tightly. Freeze for up to two months.

Tips for Success

• Always brown your butter carefully. It’s key for amazing flavor.
• Use room temperature eggs. They mix in much better.
• Don’t overmix the flour. This keeps your blondies tender.
• Let your blondies cool fully. Frosting warm bars makes a mess.
• Chop apples uniformly. This ensures even cooking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Small saucepan: For browning butter. Use any heavy-bottomed pot.
• Large skillet: For cooking apples. A non-stick pan works well.
• Mixing bowls: Various sizes are handy.
• Whisk and spatula: Essential for mixing.
• 13×9 inch baking pan: For the blondies.
• Parchment paper: Great for easy removal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy with a warm mug of apple cider.
• A dollop of whipped cream is also delightful.
• Arrange on a pretty platter for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Brown Butter Apple Blondies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the blondies a day in advance. Store them at room temperature, unfrosted, in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What kind of apples work best for these apple blondies?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices. They hold their shape well during cooking. They provide a lovely balance to the sweet brown butter base.

How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

Watch for the milk solids to turn golden brown. The butter will develop a rich, nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it; it can go from browned to burnt very quickly.

Can I substitute the brown butter in this recipe?

While brown butter is key to the unique blondies flavor, use regular melted butter if needed. You will miss that distinct nutty, caramelized depth, though. It truly makes this recipe special.

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