If you’re looking to swoon over a dessert that combines cozy autumn flavors with a rich, buttery texture, let me introduce you to the irresistible Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe. This recipe is a celebration of brown butter’s nutty warmth, tender apple chunks, and a luscious cinnamon maple glaze that ties it all together in the most delightful way. Every bite feels like a hug from your favorite sweater, perfect whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sweet treat with depth and character.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden brown color that makes these blondies so inviting.
- Salted butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the entire blondie.
- Apple butter: Brings rich apple sweetness and moisture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds both sweetness and a touch of molasses for chewiness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while keeping it soft.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing the blondies down.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for that perfect bite.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Infuse the blondies with classic fall spices.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
- Honeycrisp apples: Fresh, crisp apple chunks add texture and juicy bursts of flavor.
- Maple syrup: The key to the signature glaze with its deep, sweet complexity.
- Powdered sugar: For smooth, sweet glazing.
- Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch to contrast the sweetness and highlight the glaze.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your blondies won’t stick and will come out cleanly when it’s time to cut and serve.
Step 2: Brown the Butter and Mix with Apple Butter and Sugar
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep a close eye on it and stir often as it browns; you’ll know it’s ready when it emits a toasty, nutty aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in apple butter and one cup of the brown sugar. Let this mixture cool for about 5 minutes so the heat doesn’t scramble your eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients and Add Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into the brown butter mixture until smooth. Then gently fold in the flour, baking powder, one teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing just enough to combine everything. The batter should be soft but cohesive.
Step 4: Spread Batter and Add Spiced Apples
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with the remaining half cup of brown sugar and one teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle this beautiful, spiced apple mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This layer is what makes the blondies burst with fresh apple flavor and lovely texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Set and Let Cool
Bake your blondies for 25 to 30 minutes. If you notice any liquid pool in the center, gently swirl it around with a knife and bake another 5 minutes until set. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before moving on to the glaze step to ensure that perfect texture and no glaze melting away.
Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Maple Butter Glaze
In a small pot, brown the butter again by melting it over medium heat until it has that same golden, nutty aroma. Remove from heat, then whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth and glossy. This glaze will add a divine, spiced sweetness that complements the apple and brown butter blondies perfectly.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the cinnamon maple glaze over the cooled blondies and allow it to set for five minutes. Then slice into generous bars, and get ready to savor the magic you just created with the Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt atop the glaze just before serving to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider alongside will complement the cinnamon and brown butter notes flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and serve them plated with a drizzle of extra maple glaze in a shallow pool. Alternatively, layer broken blondie pieces into parfait glasses with apple compote and cinnamon whipped cream for an eye-catching dessert parfait that’s as delicious as it is charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain that tender, chewy texture and fresh apple flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, briefly microwave a blondie bar for 15 to 20 seconds or pop it in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This simple step revives that freshly baked softness and makes the cinnamon maple glaze gooey and delicious again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples give a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with great texture, you can swap in Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just be mindful that softer apples may break down more during baking.
What if I don’t have apple butter on hand?
If you don’t have apple butter, you could use a bit of applesauce, but it may make the blondies slightly less rich. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or warm spices can help boost the flavor to mimic that cozy apple butter profile.
Can these blondies be made gluten-free?
Yes, if you replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that can be substituted one-to-one, you’ll still get excellent texture and flavor. Just check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or another egg replacer. Keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious with the spices and apples.
How do I know when the blondies are fully baked?
Look for edges that are set and lightly browned and a center that is just firm to the touch. If it feels very jiggly or wet, bake a few minutes longer. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter.
Final Thoughts
The joy of the Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is in its layers of warmth, spice, and satisfyingly tender texture. It’s a dessert that feels like home and hugs your taste buds with every bite. I encourage you to bake this soon—it’s sure to become one of your favorite fall treats you’ll want to make again and again.
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Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a decadent fall-inspired treat combining the nutty richness of browned butter with sweet, tender apples and a spiced cinnamon maple glaze. Perfectly moist and full of warm flavors, these blondies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
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
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled (optional) and chopped (about 2 cups)
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies later.
- Prepare Blondie Batter: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it browns and emits a toasted aroma, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Apple Butter and Sugar: Remove the browned butter from heat, then stir in the apple butter and 1 cup of the brown sugar. Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Prepare Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, coating the apples thoroughly.
- Add Apples on Batter: Sprinkle the spiced apple mixture evenly over the blondie batter, distributing them so every bite gets some apple goodness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness by ensuring the center is set. If you notice any liquid in the middle, swirl it around and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it browns lightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Blondies: Drizzle the cinnamon maple butter glaze over the cooled blondies, spreading it gently if needed. Let set for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Cut into 24 bars and enjoy your delicious brown butter apple blondies with cinnamon maple glaze!
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples or any sweet-tart apple variety for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to brown the butter carefully; watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Cooling the browned butter mixture before adding eggs prevents cooking the eggs prematurely.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness by varying the powdered sugar between 1/2 and 3/4 cup.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
