Description

Crisp-edged, chewy-centered blondies infused with nutty brown butter and diced apples. This easy one-bowl dessert is perfect for autumn and requires no apple peeling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) dark brown sugar, packed
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced into ½-inch cubes
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: ½ cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter foams, settles, and turns dark amber with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
To the cooled brown butter, add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Do not skip browning the butter as it provides the signature nutty flavor. Ensure the butter cools for 5 minutes before adding sugar to prevent a greasy texture. Do not overbake; the center should look slightly underdone as it will continue to cook in the pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 280
Sugar: 30
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: brown butter, apple blondies, fall dessert, easy baking, one bowl dessert, autumn treats, chewy bars