Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you're craving a rich, buttery dessert with the warmth of apples and fall spices, then you're in for a treat. Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect combination of nutty browned butter, sweet apples, and chewy blondies that make for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you're looking for something to bake for a special occasion or simply wanting to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe will not disappoint. Stick around and read through the entire article for expert tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions that will help you make the best Brown Butter Apple Blondies every time.

What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a decadent dessert bar that takes the classic blondie—essentially a brownie without the chocolate—and elevates it with the addition of browned butter and fresh apples. Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, while the apples lend a natural sweetness and moisture. These bars are chewy, flavorful, and the perfect marriage of warm fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

To make this delicious treat, you'll need the following ingredients:

1. Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), browned
2. Brown sugar – 1 ½ cups, packed
3. Granulated sugar – ½ cup
4. Eggs – 2 large
5. Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
6. All-purpose flour – 2 cups
7. Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
8. Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
9. Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
10. Salt – ½ teaspoon
11. Apples – 2 medium-sized, peeled, cored, and diced
12. Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – ½ cup

These ingredients create a rich and flavorful blondie that's packed with fall flavors. Fresh apples bring the moisture, while browned butter provides an intense, nutty undertone.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to switch things up if you want to adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or margarine. However, note that you’ll miss out on the browned butter’s unique flavor unless you use a dairy-free alternative that can also brown.
• Apples: While this recipe calls for fresh apples, you can experiment with different varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness. You can also substitute apples with pears for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
• Nuts: Feel free to omit the nuts if you have allergies or don’t prefer them, or try adding almonds or macadamia nuts for a different texture.
• Spices: You can enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves for a more complex flavor.
• Toppings: Consider adding a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to make sure your Brown Butter Apple Blondies turn out perfectly.

1. Brown the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: While the butter is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until well incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting them into squares.

How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these Brown Butter Apple Blondies is all about balancing the flavors and textures. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step:

Browning the Butter

This is one of the most critical steps in the recipe. Browning the butter releases milk solids, which toast and create a deep, nutty flavor. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once you see dark golden flecks in the butter and smell a rich, toasty aroma, it's ready.

Prepping the Apples

Make sure to peel, core, and dice the apples evenly. The size of the apple pieces is crucial because you want them to be small enough to cook through, but large enough to still have some bite. Roughly ½-inch cubes are ideal.

Folding the Batter

When mixing the batter, fold the dry ingredients in gently to avoid overmixing, which could result in dense blondies. Once combined, make sure to evenly distribute the apples and nuts to ensure each bar gets a nice mix of textures.

Baking Time

Oven times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on your blondies as they bake. The edges should be golden, and the center should be set, but still slightly soft to the touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: If you overbake your blondies, they can become dry. Make sure to take them out when they’re just set in the middle.
2. Not Browning the Butter Properly: Brown butter can easily burn if you don't keep a close eye on it. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as you see golden flecks.
3. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense blondies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take these Brown Butter Apple Blondies from great to showstopping. Here are some ideas to make them look as good as they taste:

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies

These blondies can be served warm or at room temperature. If you’re serving them warm, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can add an extra layer of sweetness and make the presentation even more mouthwatering.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple yet elegant touch.
• Apple Garnish: For a sophisticated look, top each blondie with a thin slice of apple or even a dehydrated apple chip.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips

• Storage: These blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheating: To bring back their freshly-baked taste, pop a blondie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: These blondies freeze well. Cut them into squares and freeze them individually, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the blondies, cool them, and store them for a couple of days before serving.

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are a popular choice because they’re tart and hold up well during baking. However, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well if you prefer a sweeter blondie.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. You may need to extend the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the comforting flavors of fall with the rich nuttiness of browned butter. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. From the expert tips to the customizable variations, you now have all the tools you need to bake up a batch of these irresistible blondies. Happy baking!

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