Brown Butter Apple Blondies recipe

Brown Butter Apple Blondies – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Fall

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and warm spices filling the kitchen on a cool day. These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are one of those desserts that instantly feel comforting and homemade. I created this recipe after tasting a similar treat at a small café during an autumn trip, and I’ve been making it ever since. The combination of caramel-like brown butter, juicy apples, and soft blondie batter creates an irresistible treat. If you love easy homemade desserts packed with flavor, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Apple Blondies

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
teaspoon vanilla extract
cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 medium apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring often, until it melts, foams, and turns golden with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

2. Make the Blondie Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and browned butter.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until just combined.
Fold in the diced apple and optional nuts.

3. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Let cool before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use pears instead of apples: If you prefer a softer, sweeter fruit, swap the apples for diced pears.
Add chocolate chips: A handful of white or dark chocolate chips adds extra richness.
Make them extra moist: Stir 2 tablespoons of applesauce into the batter for an even softer texture.
Try different spices: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice or add a pinch of cardamom for a new flavor twist.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store the blondies in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual pieces and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the soft, chewy texture. You can also reheat them in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These blondies keep their texture very well. You can bake them a day before serving.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

A good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well in this recipe.

Do I have to use nuts?

Not at all. You can leave them out, or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—bake in a 9×13 inch pan and increase baking time to about 35 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 12 servings)

Calories: 185
Protein: 2.4 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 9 g

These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect mix of cozy, simple, and delicious. If you try this easy homemade blondie recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Feel free to share your version on social media or explore more comforting desserts on the blog. Happy baking!