1. Can I use canned apples or apple pie filling?

Fresh apples are best for Brown Butter Apple Blondies , especially when sautéed with maple syrup. Canned options may make the blondies soggy and overly sweet.

2. What makes these different from regular blondies?

Brown Butter Apple Blondies stand out thanks to nutty browned butter and spiced, sautéed apples. These ingredients bring depth, texture, and an unmistakable fall flavor.

3. Can I make Brown Butter Apple Blondies ahead of time?

Yes! These blondies store well. Once cooled, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and bring to room temp before serving.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Store Brown Butter Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Icing will set better when chilled.

5. Can I make them without the icing?

Definitely. The blondies are flavorful on their own, but the brown butter icing adds a rich, sweet finish. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if skipping the icing.

6. What pan size should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal. For thicker blondies, use a smaller pan and extend the bake time slightly. Just watch for doneness with a toothpick.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans for even results. Overcrowding one pan may lead to underbaked centers.

8. What’s the best flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works perfectly. For gluten-free Brown Butter Apple Blondies , use a 1:1 baking blend with xanthan gum for structure.

9. Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are also great for Brown Butter Apple Blondies .

10. Are these too sweet?

The tart apples balance the sweetness, especially if you use dark brown sugar. You can also reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version of Brown Butter Apple Blondies .

Brown Butter Apple Blondies: 7 Secrets to Chewy, Fall-Flavored Perfection

Description

These chewy, golden Brown Butter Apple Blondies are packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, nutty brown butter, and topped with a rich icing drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or cozy afternoons — this recipe is a must-bake seasonal favorite with unbeatable flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples:

2 cups (240g) peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
2 tbsp (30g) pure maple syrup or brown sugar
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Blondies:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
2⅓ cups (291g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1⅔ cups (330g) packed light or dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Icing:

¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, browned and reserved
1½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp (30ml) milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Brown the Butter: In a light-colored skillet over medium heat, melt all butter. Stir constantly for 5–8 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Pour into a heatproof bowl, scraping all brown bits. Reserve 3 tbsp for icing.
Cook the Apples: In the same skillet, sauté chopped apples with maple syrup and cinnamon over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened. Set aside.
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk browned butter (minus reserved 3 tbsp), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients, then fold in apples.
Bake: Spread batter into pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.
Make the Icing: Melt reserved browned butter if solid. Whisk with confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Adjust thickness with more sugar or milk.
Finish & Serve: Drizzle icing over cooled blondies. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Apple Tip: Granny Smith apples are ideal for balancing sweetness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blondie
Calories: 215
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg