Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
If you’re in search of a decadent autumn treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and spice, Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze is destined to be your new favorite. Imagine dense, chewy blondies loaded with chunks of fresh apple, all heightened by the magical depth of browned butter. Drizzle on a glossy cinnamon maple glaze, and you’ve captured all the coziness of fall in a single bite! Every element of this dessert sings with flavor, from rich caramel notes to a sweet, spicy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of this recipe is in its simplicity, letting each ingredient shine. Every element plays a crucial role—whether it’s the boldness of cinnamon or the juicy freshness of apples, nothing is here by accident.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter adds a developed, nutty flavor that sets these blondies apart from your standard bar cookie.
- Light Brown Sugar: Lends the blondies their signature chewiness and a deep, caramel flavor.
- Egg: Just one—but it gives these bars their tender crumb and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings just enough warmth and complexity to the batter.
- All-Purpose Flour: This basic kitchen staple is the structural backbone of the blondies.
- Baking Powder: Provides just a hint of lift for a delightfully soft texture.
- Salt: Essential to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: The spice star that infuses each bite with cozy autumn notes.
- Peeled and Finely Chopped Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): These add moisture, sweetness, and little pops of tart flavor—make sure to dice them small for even baking.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for that dreamy glaze, ensuring it’s smooth and set.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Provides authentic rich sweetness and depth to the glaze.
- More Ground Cinnamon: Just a bit in the glaze ties all the flavors together.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze to your perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over for easy removal. If you prefer, a light coating of butter or nonstick spray will do the trick. This guarantees your Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze come out clean with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
The secret to these blondies? Browned butter! Melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter foams, then turns golden brown with an irresistible nutty aroma—this takes 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the brown butter cool for a few minutes, which helps coax out its full flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your freshly browned butter and packed brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking again until everything is beautifully combined. This forms a rich, cohesive base for your Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give it a quick whisk or stir—this step ensures your leavening agent and spices are dispersed evenly, keeping every bite flavorful and soft.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together & Add Apples
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix; you want the blondies to stay tender. Once it’s just combined, gently fold in the finely chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly suspended throughout the batter for sweet bursts in every bar.
Step 6: Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your blondies are done. Let them cool entirely in the pan for clean, crisp edges.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
While your blondies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and one to two teaspoons of milk. You’re aiming for a smooth, pourable glaze—start with less milk and add a little more until it drizzles easily, yet still sets nicely atop your bars.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once your blondies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cinnamon maple glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Now you’re ready to indulge in the unmatched combination that is Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze!
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Garnishes
If you want to add a final flourish, sprinkle your glazed blondies with a little extra ground cinnamon, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even candied pecans. A few thin apple slices or dried apple chips make for a lovely finishing touch, especially if you’re serving these on a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make them an all-out dessert experience. For a lighter option, serve alongside apple slices, a handful of roasted nuts, or even your favorite spiced tea or coffee. The rich sweetness and warm spice pair wonderfully with a cup of chai or hot apple cider.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, slice the Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze into bite-sized cubes, and thread them onto skewers with marshmallows and fresh apple chunks for a fun dessert platter. Or, cut into triangles or sticks for easy snacking at parties and gatherings. Individual blondies wrapped in parchment make thoughtful homemade gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making each bite even cozier the next day!
Freezing
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze can easily be frozen for longer keeping. Once the glaze has set, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes—instant autumn comfort on demand!
Reheating
For a bakery-fresh experience, warm the blondies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften them slightly, or pop in a low oven for a few minutes. If you froze them, let them thaw before reheating. The warmth gently revives the brown butter aroma and makes the glaze extra luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their texture and flavor, you can use any firm, tart-sweet apple you enjoy. Just be sure to finely chop them so they bake evenly into the batter.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to fold in about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even toss in some dried cranberries or white chocolate chips. Make it your own special version of Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.
What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?
If you’re out of pure maple syrup, honey or agave can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will change a bit. Try to stick with maple for that classic, cozy taste that ties everything together!
Do I need to peel the apples?
For the softest texture, peeling is recommended, but in a hurry, you can skip this step. The peels add a hint of color and rustic charm, although they’ll be slightly chewier in the finished blondies.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can successfully make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure your blend contains a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste just how incredible Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze really are! With every bite, they capture the heart of fall baking—rich, gooey, comforting, and a tiny bit decadent. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this is the little homemade treat that always gets rave reviews. Happy baking!
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Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fall treat with these Brown Butter Apple Blondies topped with a sweet Cinnamon Maple Glaze. These moist and flavorful blondies are easy to make and bursting with apple and cinnamon goodness.
Ingredients
For the blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the blondie batter: Combine the browned butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and milk until pourable. Drizzle over the blondies.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
