Let me introduce you to the ultimate fall indulgence: the Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe. This dreamy dessert takes the classic blondie to a whole new level by infusing the batter with nutty browned butter, tender chunks of sweet Honeycrisp apples, and a warming blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a luscious cinnamon maple glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and spice, these blondies are the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again to cozy up any afternoon or dessert occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a starring role in creating that tender texture, rich flavor, and warm aroma that make these blondies irresistible.
- Salted butter: Browning this gives a toasty, nutty depth that elevates the entire blondie.
- Apple butter: Adds moistness and a gentle apple sweetness that complements the fresh fruit.
- Light brown sugar: Keeps the blondies tender while contributing a subtle caramel note.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a chewy, yet soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm, sweet flavors bubbling in the batter.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the perfect bite.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so the blondies aren’t too dense.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Infuse the blondies with cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Honeycrisp apples: Fresh and juicy, they bring natural sweetness and bursts of texture.
- Maple syrup (for glaze): Adds a rich, woody sweetness in the finishing drizzle.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky smooth glaze with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top of the glaze, it sharpens the flavor contrasts wonderfully.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your blondies bake evenly and come out smooth and easy to slice.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter, swirling and stirring frequently. After about 2-3 minutes, it will start to foam and turn a beautiful golden brown with a rich, toasted aroma. This browned butter is the secret magic that gives these blondies their irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Mix in Apple Butter and Brown Sugar
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the apple butter and one cup of light brown sugar. Let this mixture cool for 5 minutes so it doesn’t cook the eggs when you add them next.
Step 4: Combine Eggs, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients
Whisk in the large eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the browned butter mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
Step 5: Spread Batter Evenly in Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This will ensure uniform baking and gorgeous blondies with no thin or overly thick spots.
Step 6: Prepare Spiced Apples
In a bowl, toss the peeled and chopped Honeycrisp apples with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. This step adds an extra layer of sweet spice to the fresh fruit, which will caramelize beautifully during baking.
Step 7: Top Batter with Spiced Apples
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugared apples over the blondie batter, pressing lightly so they stick but still peek through the surface during baking.
Step 8: Bake Until Set
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the center – it should be set but moist. If you find liquid pooling, gently swirl it into the edges and bake another 5 minutes. Once done, let the blondies cool completely in the pan.
Step 9: Brown Butter for Glaze
While the blondies cool, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a small pot over medium heat. Brown it lightly for 2 to 3 minutes to bring out that buttery, toasted flavor once again.
Step 10: Whisk in Glaze Ingredients
Take the browned butter off heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth and glossy. This warm, sweet glaze will tie every bite of blondie together beautifully.
Step 11: Drizzle Glaze Over Blondies
Pour the cinnamon maple glaze generously over the cooled blondies. Allow it to set for about 5 minutes to create a delicate, slightly firm topping.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the blondies into bars and get ready for a bite of autumn bliss. The tender blondie, sweet-spiced apples, nutty butter notes, and luscious glaze are a match made in dessert heaven.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and an extra nutty dimension. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can also add a lovely finishing touch. Fresh apple slices alongside the bars not only brighten the plate but echo the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These blondies are perfect with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm spices. Pairing them with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee elevates the cozy experience, making any afternoon feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these blondies as part of a holiday dessert board, surrounded by fresh fruit, nuts, and caramel sauce for dipping. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares and drizzle the glaze just before serving for an elegant party-ready treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their soft, chewy texture intact without drying out. Keep the glaze on for that delightful finishing touch!
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm blondies briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds per piece or pop them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are perfect here for their sweet-tart balance and crisp texture, Granny Smith or Fuji apples would work wonderfully as well, each adding its own flavor profile to the blondies.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
Browning the butter is key for this recipe. It develops a rich, nutty flavor that plain melted butter can’t replicate. It’s what makes these blondies uniquely delicious and deeply aromatic.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful to choose one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture.
How sweet are these blondies?
They have a balanced sweetness from the brown sugar, apple butter, and maple glaze, accented by warm spices. If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly or glaze lightly.
Can the glaze be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon maple glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently rewarm and whisk it before drizzling over the blondies to restore its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite, the Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. Rich, tender, warmly spiced, and kissed with a shiny maple glaze, these blondies bring comfort and joy to any table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these blondies will become a go-to treat that friends and family will eagerly ask you to make again!
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Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a warm, cozy dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, spiced treat. Featuring browned butter and apple butter in the batter, spiced chopped apples for texture and flavor, and a luscious cinnamon maple glaze drizzled on top, these blondies combine classic autumn flavors in a moist, chewy bar cookie.
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, divided (1 cup plus 1/2 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled if desired and chopped (about 2 cups chopped apples)
For the Cinnamon Maple Butter Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the 3/4 cup of salted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the butter browns and gives off a toasted aroma, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Apple Butter and Sugar: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the apple butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Then add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared parchment-lined baking dish.
- Prepare Spiced Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to coat the apples evenly with spice and sweetness.
- Add Apples to Batter: Evenly sprinkle the spiced apple pieces over the top of the blondie batter in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the blondies are set in the center. If you see any liquid in the middle after baking, gently swirl it and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of salted butter, allowing it to brown lightly for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth.
- Glaze the Blondies: Drizzle the cinnamon maple glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Let the glaze set for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Cut the blondies into 24 bars and serve. Enjoy this delightful dessert as a sweet snack, after-dinner treat, or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; it should have a nutty aroma and golden brown flecks.
- Peeling the apples is optional, but peeling will create a smoother texture.
- If you prefer tartness, you can use Granny Smith apples instead of Honeycrisp.
- Make sure to cool the blondies completely before glazing for the best texture and appearance.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
