Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of apples and warm spices, especially when it comes in the form of delicious blondies. I recently tried making Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, and they quickly became a family favorite. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter adds depth to the sweetness of the apples, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Each bite is perfectly balanced with the caramel notes of brown sugar and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg. Not only are they delightful fresh out of the oven, but they also keep well for days, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy night in.

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 (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

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare Blondie Batter

• In a medium pot set over medium heat, melt the butter and allow it to brown until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
• Remove from heat and stir in the apple butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
• Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until just combined.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Add Apples

• In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Evenly sprinkle the spiced apples over the batter, making sure to distribute them well.

4. Bake

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set. If there’s any liquid in the center, swirl it around the pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let the blondies cool in the pan.

5. Make the Glaze

• In a small pot set over medium heat, melt the butter and allow it to brown lightly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies and let it set for about 5 minutes.

6. Serve

• Cut into bars and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 bars
• Calories per Serving: 218 kcal (estimate)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Cut into bars: Serve them as is, or warm them slightly.
• With ice cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence.
• Drizzle extra glaze: Serve with a drizzle of the cinnamon maple glaze on each bar.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh apples: For the best flavor, use crisp, fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
2. Check for doneness: To ensure the blondies are perfectly baked, use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
3. Chill the glaze: If the glaze seems too runny, let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before drizzling.
4. Mix in nuts: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
5. Make ahead: Prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Different Fruits: Swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
• Add Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the apple and spice.

Serving Suggestions

• For breakfast: Enjoy a blondie with your morning coffee or tea.
• At gatherings: Serve them at potlucks or parties as a sweet treat.
• With tea: Pair with a cup of herbal tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: These blondies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but it may affect the flavor slightly.

1. How do I know when the blondies are done?

• The edges will be golden brown and the center should be set.

1. Can I add other spices?

• Absolutely! A pinch of allspice or ginger would also complement the flavor.

1. What can I use instead of apple butter?

• You can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

1. Are these blondies suitable for kids?

• Yes, they are a family-friendly treat!

1. Can I skip the glaze?

• While the glaze adds extra flavor, you can certainly serve the blondies without it.

1. What’s the best way to cut blondies?

• Use a sharp knife and cut while the blondies are still slightly warm for clean edges.

1. Can I make this recipe in advance?

• Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

1. What type of apple is best for baking?

• Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work great for baking.

1. Is this recipe customizable?
   • Definitely! You can add your favorite mix-ins or spices to make it your own.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are not just a treat; they are a warm embrace in dessert form. The combination of rich, nutty flavors with sweet apples and a touch of spice creates a heavenly dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these blondies are sure to impress. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall all year round with this easy and satisfying recipe!

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