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- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - ¼ cup maple syrup (for drizzling) When I make bakery-style brown butter apple blondies, I love using simple, fresh ingredients. It starts with unsalted butter. It gives the blondies a rich taste. I prefer brown sugar for sweetness. It adds a nice depth to the flavor. Next, I crack in two large eggs. They bring moisture and help bind everything together. A hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors nicely. For the dry mix, I use all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These create a nice rise and texture. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, making them taste like fall. The star of the show is the apples. I use about 1 ½ cups of peeled and diced apples. They keep the blondies moist and add a sweet crunch. If I want more texture, I toss in ½ cup of chopped walnuts. This step is optional, but I enjoy their nutty flavor. Finally, I drizzle maple syrup over the top once they cool. This sweet touch makes every bite a treat. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delicious, bakery-style dessert. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. While the oven heats, get your baking pan ready. Grease an 8x8-inch pan with some butter. Next, line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the blondies out easily later. Now, let's brown the butter. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring it often. You want it to foam and then turn a rich golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You will notice a nutty smell. Be careful, as burnt butter has a bitter taste. If it turns too dark, you need to start over. Once your butter is browned, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute. In a large bowl, add 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar to the warm butter. Stir it well until it's smooth. Next, crack in 2 large eggs. Mix them in one at a time. After that, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir until everything blends well. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. Now it’s time to add some texture. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of peeled and diced apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts, if you like. Make sure they are evenly spread out in the batter. This will give your blondies a lovely bite! To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, stir gently. Mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing can make the blondies tough. The goal is a soft, chewy bite. Browning butter gives a nutty flavor. To do this, melt it slowly over medium heat. Watch closely as it can burn fast. Stir constantly and look for a golden color. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If it starts smelling burnt, it’s too late. Use a light-colored pan to see the color change better. To enhance the taste, add spices or extracts. Ground cinnamon works well, but you can also try nutmeg. A splash of almond or maple extract adds a nice twist too. Feel free to adjust based on your taste. Adding these small touches can elevate your blondies. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts and fruits in this recipe. Instead of walnuts, try pecans or almonds for a new flavor. For fruits, mix in diced pears or even berries. Each choice adds a unique twist to the blondies. You can also use dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for extra sweetness. To make these blondies gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty taste. Just adjust the amount since almond flour is denser. This way, everyone can enjoy the blondies, even those avoiding gluten. While maple syrup is tasty, there are other fun toppings. Try a drizzle of caramel sauce for a rich touch. You can also top with a cream cheese frosting for added creaminess. A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a sweet finish without overpowering the flavor. Each topping changes the taste and look of your blondies. To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Blondies can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure they are well-sealed to avoid drying out. Freezing blondies is easy and great for meal prep. Cut the blondies into squares first. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat blondies, use your oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them warm without drying them out. If using a microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds. Check to ensure they are warm but not hot. Enjoy your delicious blondies! Yes, you can use different sugars in this recipe. If you want a lighter flavor, try using white sugar. It will give a different texture but still taste good. You could also mix sugars. For example, half brown sugar and half white sugar work well together. Just keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor, while white sugar is drier and lighter. To check if your blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready. You can also look for a golden-brown top. The edges should pull away slightly from the pan. If the top looks shiny or wet, give them a few more minutes. Absolutely! You can make these blondies a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, the flavors meld together. If you want to make them even earlier, consider freezing them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw and enjoy! In this post, we covered how to make delicious blondies. We explored key ingredients like butter, apples, and nuts. I shared step-by-step instructions to brown butter and mix your batter. You learned tips for the best texture and flavor. I also provided variations to suit your taste and storage tips to keep them fresh. Now, grab your ingredients and start baking! You will enjoy every bite of your warm, sweet treats. Trust me, these blondies will be a hit every time.

Bakery-Style Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Indulge in the delicious taste of Bakery-Style Brown Butter Apple Blondies! This easy recipe combines nutty brown butter with sweet apples and warm cinnamon for a comforting treat. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, these blondies are sure to impress. Ready in just 45 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. Click through to get the full recipe and enjoy a delightful baking experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter

1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

¼ cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter foams and turns a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma—approximately 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

      Mix sugars and butter: Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool for a minute. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar with the warm butter, stirring until smoothly blended.

        Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

          Sift and combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

            Fold in apples and nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

              Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Cool and drizzle: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle maple syrup over the top for an added touch of sweetness.

                  Slice and serve: Cut into squares and serve as a delightful dessert or snack.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 16 squares