Name: Amazing Brown Butter Apple Blondies 1 Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Oh, you guys, get ready for a treat that is seriously going to change your life! I’m talking about my Brown Butter Apple Blondies, and trust me, they’re not your average bar cookie. You know how much I adore a good blondie, but adding that nutty, toasty depth from brown butter? And then throwing in sweet, tender apple pieces with a whisper of cinnamon? It’s pure magic. These aren’t just good; they’re the kind of blondies that make you close your eyes with every bite. They’re chewy, perfectly moist, and just bursting with cozy, comforting flavor. I’ve been tweaking this recipe for ages, trying to get it just right, and I think I’ve finally nailed it!

Gather Your Ingredients for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these amazing Brown Butter Apple Blondies, you’ll need a few things. First up, a whole cup of unsalted butter – that’s two sticks, folks. Make sure it’s good quality, as it’s going to be transformed into liquid gold! We’ll also need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a good teaspoon of ground cinnamon to give it that warm hug. For sweetness, grab 1 and a half cups of light brown sugar, and make sure you pack it into your measuring cup! You’ll need two large eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely aroma, and about 1 cup of chopped apples. I like to use about one medium apple, peeled and diced into small pieces. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy (and I highly recommend it!), about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans would be divine.

Unlocking the Magic of Brown Butter

So, the star of the show here is definitely the brown butter. It’s not just melted butter; it’s butter that’s been cooked just a little longer until it turns a beautiful golden-brown color and smells all nutty and amazing. This step is SO important because it gives our Blondies this incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Just be patient with it! Keep an eye on it and swirl the pan often. You’re looking for that nutty aroma and golden hue, not a burnt, bitter mess. It’s a game-changer, trust me! For more on the science behind browning butter, you can check out Serious Eats’ guide.

Crafting Your Perfect Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Okay, let’s get these gorgeous Brown Butter Apple Blondies into the oven! It’s actually super straightforward, and the results? Pure bliss. You’ll want to follow these steps closely, but don’t stress – it’s all about bringing together those delicious flavors.

Preparing the Pan and Oven

First things first, get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can either grease and flour it really well, or my favorite trick is to line it with parchment paper. Just let a little bit hang over the sides like little handles – it makes getting the blondies out SO much easier later on!

Mastering the Brown Butter Base

Now for the magic! Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it, swirling the pan every so often. You’ll see it foam up, then the milk solids will start to toast at the bottom, turning a lovely nutty brown. Don’t walk away! Once it smells toasty and looks golden brown, pull it off the heat right away so it doesn’t burn. Let it cool for just a few minutes so it doesn’t scramble our eggs. Then, in a big bowl, whisk that glorious brown butter with your packed light brown sugar until it’s all smooth and happy. Beat in those two large eggs, one at a time, and then stir in your vanilla extract. Easy peasy!

Combining and Folding for Flavor

In a separate bowl, give your flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon a quick whisk together. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet butter-sugar-egg mixture. Mix it up until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, stop mixing as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour anymore. Overmixing is the enemy of chewy blondies! Finally, gently fold in your chopped apples and those yummy nuts if you’re using them. You want them distributed throughout, not mashed into oblivion.

Baking and Cooling for Perfection

Spread that beautiful batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached – not wet batter, but not totally clean either. That’s the sweet spot for chewy blondies! The absolute hardest part is letting them cool completely in the pan before you even *think* about cutting them. Trust me on this one; it makes them firmer and way easier to slice into perfect squares. Patience is a virtue, especially when blondies are involved! For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s substitution guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Got questions about whipping up these goodies? I’ve got answers! Making these Brown Butter Apple Blondies is pretty forgiving, but here are a few things people often ask.

Can I make Brown Butter Apple Blondies without nuts?

Absolutely! Nuts are totally optional here. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, just leave them out. The blondies will still be wonderfully chewy and flavorful without them.

How do I store leftover Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

To keep your Brown Butter Apple Blondies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re actually even better the next day!

What kind of apples are best for Brown Butter Apple Blondies?

I really like using apples that hold their shape well and have a nice balance of sweet and tart. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are fantastic choices for these blondies. They bake up tender without getting mushy. For more on apple varieties, see this guide to apple varieties.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Okay, so you’ve made these incredible Brown Butter Apple Blondies, and now you’re wondering how to make them even more special? I love serving them warm, maybe with a little scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the top. The contrast between the warm, chewy blondie and the cold, creamy ice cream is just heavenly! You could also drizzle a little caramel sauce over them for an extra layer of indulgence. And for a real treat, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or even some crème fraîche adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness. They’re also fantastic just on their own with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutritional Snapshot of Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Just so you know, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a decadent treat! Per serving (and we get about 16 out of this recipe), you’re looking at roughly 300 calories. They’ve got about 15g of fat, with 9g of that being saturated fat, and around 40g of carbohydrates. Plus, there’s about 25g of sugar and 3g of protein. These numbers are just estimates, of course, and can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use!