If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe will be your new go-to. I absolutely love how the nutty depth of the browned butter plays with the sweet, tender apples and that irresistible cinnamon maple glaze. It’s the perfect cozy treat to pull out when the weather starts to cool down or when you want to impress friends with something a little different but totally comforting.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to elevate simple ingredients like apples and brown sugar into something so deeply flavorful. You’ll find that these blondies balance sweet and spice beautifully, and the texture—soft with a slight chew—is just perfect. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a luscious afternoon snack, this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is absolutely worth trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Rich Flavor: The browned butter adds a toasty, nutty note that turns simple blondies into something extraordinary.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy blondies paired with tender baked apples make every bite delightful.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a stunning treat in under an hour.
- Versatile Serving: These blondies work beautifully for dessert, a sweet snack, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe brings its own little magic to the pan. From the depth of the browned butter to the fresh crispness of apples, everything comes together perfectly. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll want on hand before you start.
- Salted Butter: Browning it creates a rich, nutty flavor base that’s essential for these blondies.
- Apple Butter: Adds moisture and a subtle apple spice flavor without overpowering the bars.
- Light Brown Sugar: Its molasses content enhances the overall warmth and sweetness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness for a tender bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic addition that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the batter, giving the blondies their soft but sturdy texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- Cinnamon: Used both in the batter and topping for that cozy aroma and taste.
- Nutmeg: A subtle spice that adds warmth and complexity.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Fresh and crisp, these apples add a natural sweetness and soft texture once baked.
- Maple Syrup: In the glaze, it brings natural sweetness and a beautiful sheen.
- Powdered Sugar: Thickens the glaze and adds a smooth sweetness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a finishing touch to the glaze, cutting through the sweetness with a delicate bite.
Variations
I like to keep this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe pretty classic, but it’s a fun one to play around with! Adding your own twist can keep it exciting and even better tailored to your taste.
- Add Nuts: I’ve stirred in chopped pecans or walnuts sometimes for a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Swap Apples: While Honeycrisp is my favorite, Granny Smith or Fuji apples work great too, just adjust sugar if they’re extra tart or sweet.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free flour blend gives you the same great texture, just be sure to choose one with xanthan gum for structure.
- Spice it Up: Adding a dash of ground ginger or clove adds a warm spicy twist that’s especially cozy during fall and winter.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter and Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Melt the salted butter over medium heat in a saucepan—stay close and stir often because you’re waiting for it to foam and then turn a lovely golden brown hue. It should smell nutty and toasty, which is when you know it’s ready, around 2-3 minutes. Remove it from heat and whisk in the apple butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Give it about 5 minutes to cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. Then, fold in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing just until combined to keep the blondies tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Bake
In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and chopped Honeycrisp apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon—this step is what lets the apples bake up soft and sweet inside the bars. Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan, then scatter the sugared apples on top. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the blondies are set in the center. If you notice any liquid pooling in the middle, don’t worry—just swirl it around with a knife and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the apples and batter come together without sogginess.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze and Finish
While the blondies cool, it’s time for that luscious glaze. Brown 3 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over medium heat for the same beautiful nutty flavor, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 1/2 cup and add to your preferred sweetness and thickness), cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle this over the cooled blondies and let it set for about 5 minutes before slicing into bars. The glaze adds the perfect sticky, spicy sweetness that takes these blondies from amazing to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Watch the Butter Closely: Butter can brown quickly—keep stirring and watch for that perfect golden color to avoid burning.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to keep the blondies soft, not tough.
- Apple Size Matters: Chop apples into similar-sized pieces for even baking and texture.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar gradually in the glaze to get a pourable but thick consistency—too thin means it runs off, too thick is hard to drizzle.
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or even some chopped toasted pecans on top after drizzling the glaze—it adds a bit of crunch and enhances the look. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the glaze right before serving brightens the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Side Dishes
These blondies are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or a dollop of whipped cream for an afternoon treat. For breakfast or brunch, I sometimes serve them alongside a hot latte or spiced chai for an extra cozy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to cut these into mini squares and layer them on a pretty platter with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices as decoration. Drizzling extra glaze just before serving makes them shine and definitely draws compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but honestly, they don’t last that long around here! If it’s warmer in your kitchen, refrigerate them to keep the glaze firm and fresh.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these blondies by wrapping individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours—glaze texture stays lovely!
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm blondies, I reheat a single bar in the microwave for about 15 seconds or about 5 minutes in a 325°F oven. This revives that soft, melty texture without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple in this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith or Fuji apples are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that tarter apples might make you want to add a bit more sugar when tossing with cinnamon and brown sugar.
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How do I know when the brown butter is perfectly browned?
Brown butter starts as melted butter that foams and then turns golden with little brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan. You’ll notice a nutty aroma—this is your cue to remove it from heat to avoid burning.
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Can I make the cinnamon maple glaze ahead of time?
You can make it ahead, but it’s best to drizzle just before serving to keep the glaze fresh and glossy. If made early, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently warm before drizzling.
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Are these blondies gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, swapping in a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum usually works well to keep the texture and flavor close to the original.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to bake whenever I want a cozy, special dessert that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. The balance of sweet, spice, and buttery richness makes it a crowd-pleaser every time—my family goes crazy for it! I truly hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors and warm memories it brings to your kitchen, just like I do.
Print
Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, a perfect blend of nutty browned butter, warm cinnamon spices, and tender chunks of sweet Honeycrisp apples. Topped with a rich cinnamon maple butter glaze, these blondies offer a perfect balance of moist, fruity, and sweet flavors for an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 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, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled (optional) and chopped (about 2 cups)
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Brown the Butter and Mix Batter: Melt the 3/4 cup salted butter in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring often until it turns golden brown and smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, then whisk in the apple butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Assemble Batter: To the cooled mixture, add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Stir gently until combined. Spread this dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare and Add Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Evenly distribute the apple mixture across the blondie batter in the pan.
- Bake Blondies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the center is just set. If you notice any liquid in the center, swirl it around the pan and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Make Cinnamon Maple Glaze: In a small pot over medium heat, brown the 3 tablespoons salted butter until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 1/2 cup and add up to 3/4 cup for desired consistency), cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cinnamon maple butter glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Let the glaze set for 5 minutes before cutting into 24 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh Honeycrisp apples or another crisp sweet variety like Fuji or Gala.
- Peeling the apples is optional depending on your preference for texture.
- Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Adjust the powdered sugar in the glaze to reach your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
