Brown Butter Apple Blondie Bars

Introduction

These Brown Butter Apple Blondie Bars are a heavenly blend of chewy, gooey, and buttery goodness — loaded with chunks of spiced apples, a hint of cinnamon, and that nutty aroma of browned butter. Each bite feels like autumn in dessert form — warm, comforting, and irresistibly decadent.

The magic lies in the brown butter, which transforms ordinary blondies into a dessert bursting with deep caramel flavor and toffee undertones. The addition of tender apples adds freshness and juiciness, while a touch of cinnamon spice makes them perfect for cool-weather baking.

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce — pure bliss! 🍂

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The nutty aroma of brown butter fills the kitchen as it mixes with the sweetness of baked apples — it’s nostalgic and cozy at the same time.

What I adore most is the texture — soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp golden crust on top. Plus, they’re simple to make (no mixer needed!) yet taste like something you’d find in a gourmet bakery.

Each square feels like a warm hug in dessert form — rich, buttery, and full of fall flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect Fall Treat: A delicious way to celebrate apple season.
• Brown Butter Magic: Deep caramel flavor that makes all the difference.
• Easy & Quick: Simple to whip up — no complicated steps.
• Versatile: Perfect for dessert, coffee breaks, or gifting.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the sweet-spiced aroma and chewy texture.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Calories: ~270 kcal per bar
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Blondie Batter:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 small apples — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup white or butterscotch chips

For the Glaze (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

🍳 Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown the butter until nutty and golden.
2. Mix sugar, egg, and vanilla into the butter.
3. Add dry ingredients and fold in apples.
4. Spread into a pan and bake until golden.
5. Drizzle with glaze and slice into bars.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the slightly cooled brown butter and whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 4: Add Apples (and Nuts if Using)

Fold in diced apples (and nuts or chips if using) evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Cool the bars in the pan for 15 minutes. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over slightly warm blondies.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares or bars and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

These blondie bars taste incredible:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• At room temperature with coffee or tea ☕
• Drizzled with salted caramel for an extra indulgent dessert

They’re also lovely served on a dessert platter during fall gatherings or holidays.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, firm apples to prevent sogginess.
• Don’t overbake — slightly underbaked blondies are chewier and richer.
• Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before mixing to avoid scrambling the egg.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet finish.
• If the glaze is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until smooth.

Variations

• Apple-Pecan Blondies: Add toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Salted Caramel Blondies: Swirl caramel sauce through the batter before baking.
• Maple Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with maple syrup.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Skip the glaze and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Apple-Cranberry Blondies: Add ¼ cup dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days (best warmed before serving).
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan
• Saucepan (for browning butter)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: What kind of apples should I use?
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold shape and balance the sweetness.

Q2: Can I make these without brown butter?
Yes, but the brown butter adds a deep caramelized flavor that really makes the recipe shine.

Q3: Why are my blondies dry?
They may have been overbaked. Blondies should be soft and chewy — remove them when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and add 5–8 minutes to the baking time.

Q5: Can I add oats or chocolate chips?
Yes — ¼ cup of rolled oats or white chocolate chips can add great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondie Bars are everything a fall dessert should be — chewy, rich, spiced, and full of apple goodness. The browned butter infuses each bite with nutty caramel depth, while the tender apples add freshness and moisture.

They’re quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion — from cozy evenings at home to festive gatherings. Serve them warm, with a drizzle of glaze or caramel, and you’ll have a dessert that wins hearts every time.