Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouth-watering fall dessert that blends the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet and slightly tart crunch of apples, then you’ve come to the right place. These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a decadent twist on traditional blondies, and they're guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The brown butter brings a deep, caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with the seasonal apples, making it an irresistible treat for autumn. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe both approachable and incredibly rewarding. Read on for a detailed guide, packed with tips and tricks, to bake the perfect batch of Brown Butter Apple Blondies.

this Recipe

What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are essentially a variation of the classic blondie, a dessert bar similar in texture to brownies but with a vanilla and brown sugar base instead of cocoa. The key difference in this recipe is the use of brown butter, which adds a nutty, complex flavor, and fresh apples, which lend a natural sweetness and moist texture. This combination results in a chewy, buttery blondie with bursts of apple in every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these blondies are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Substitutions and Variations:

• Butter Substitution: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. However, keep in mind that the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter is difficult to replicate, so the flavor profile will slightly change.
• Sugar Substitutes: Want a healthier alternative? Swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar and the granulated sugar for maple syrup. You can also experiment with honey, but remember that it will affect the consistency of the blondies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. Almond flour could also work, but it will result in a denser texture.
• Add-Ins: Consider adding white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a swirl of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and texture, balancing the softness of the apples.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking it until it foams, and the milk solids turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once it reaches that rich, nutty aroma, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Browning the butter enhances the overall depth of flavor in your blondies, giving them a warm, caramelized taste.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy removal later. This will make sure your blondies come out perfectly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough blondies.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Optional Nuts

Gently fold in the peeled, diced apples, and if you like a bit of crunch, add the chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples will keep the blondies moist and flavorful, while the nuts add texture.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that overbaking can result in dry blondies, so watch them closely in the last few minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. After they've cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice them into squares and get ready to serve!

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

1. Brown the Butter: This is the foundation of the recipe. Don’t rush this step. You want to ensure the butter turns a deep amber color with brown specks.
2. Mixing the Sugars and Butter: Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before mixing with the sugars, or you risk scrambling the eggs later.
3. Adding Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporating the dry ingredients prevents the batter from becoming tough, ensuring the blondies stay soft and chewy.
4. Baking to Perfection: Keep an eye on the oven—overbaking can dry out the blondies, but underbaking will make them too gooey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overbrowning the Butter: Burnt butter will give the blondies a bitter taste. Keep an eye on it while it browns, and remove it from heat as soon as it turns golden.
• Overmixing the Batter: Be careful when incorporating the flour into the wet ingredients. Overmixing leads to tough, dense blondies.
• Using the Wrong Apples: Avoid overly sweet apples like Red Delicious. Instead, opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
• Not Lining the Pan: Skipping the parchment paper can make it difficult to remove the blondies from the pan without breaking them apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips:

• Serve Warm: For an extra cozy experience, serve the blondies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the cooled blondies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense blondies.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies:

Brown Butter Apple Blondies can be served on their own as a sweet treat, or paired with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine. You could also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent dessert. Serve them warm to highlight the richness of the brown butter and the soft texture of the apples.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies:

• Rustic Appeal: Serve these blondies on a wooden board or in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.
• Autumn-Themed Platter: Garnish the serving plate with apple slices and cinnamon sticks to highlight the fall flavors.
• Drizzled Caramel: For a visually appealing twist, drizzle some caramel sauce across the blondies just before serving.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe Tips:

• Chill the Blondies Before Cutting: For cleaner, sharper edges, chill the blondies in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
• Use a Hot Knife for Slicing: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the blondies. This ensures smooth, even cuts without sticking.
• Store Properly: To keep the blondies moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
   Yes! These blondies can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate if you'd like them to last longer.
2. Can I freeze Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
   Absolutely! Once cooled and sliced, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use different types of fruit?
   While apples are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute them with pears, peaches, or even berries. Keep in mind that different fruits may alter the texture and moisture levels.
4. What if I don’t have a mixer?
   You can mix the ingredients by hand with a whisk or spoon. It will take a little longer, but the results will be just as delicious.

Conclusion:

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked Brown Butter Apple Blondies, especially when fall rolls around. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter, combined with sweet, tart apples and warm spices, makes this dessert a true standout. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a seasonal treat, these blondies are sure to delight. Try them today and enjoy a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

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