Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Oh, you’re going to absolutely adore these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe! I love this recipe because it perfectly balances that deep, nutty richness from the brown butter with the cozy, warm spices and the fresh zing of real apples. Whenever I bring these to gatherings or bake them for a cozy weekend treat, they always steal the show — and you’ll find they’re just the right blend of sweet, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

What makes this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe so special is how the apple butter and browned butter work their magic together, infusing every bite with layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug. They’re perfect anytime you want a dessert that’s a bit rustic but still elegant — think fall get-togethers, brunches, or just treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all year round.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work in harmony to give you tender, flavorful bars with just the right amount of apple sweetness and spice. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll gather before we get baking!

• Salted butter: Using salted butter balances the sweetness perfectly and helps develop that glorious brown butter flavor.
• Apple butter: Adds moistness and intensifies the apple flavor in a subtle, almost caramelized way.
• Light brown sugar: Gives sweetness plus moisture, which means soft and chewy blondies.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and make the texture luscious.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and adds depth.
• All-purpose flour: The structure of the blondies comes from this — feel free to use gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking powder: Adds just enough lift so your bars aren’t dense.
• Cinnamon: The soul of this recipe — warming and fragrant.
• Nutmeg: A pinch gives a perfect spicy undertone.
• Kosher salt: Sharpens the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Honeycrisp apples: These juicy gems add fresh crunch and bite — peeling is optional if you don’t mind a bit of texture.
• Maple syrup: Sweetens the glaze naturally with that signature maple flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth, dreamy glaze consistency.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top of the glaze, it adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.

Variations

I love making this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking it based on the season or my mood. You can easily swap things around to suit what you have on hand or special dietary needs — it’s super forgiving and always turns out scrumptious.

• Gluten-Free Version: I switched to Cup4Cup gluten-free flour one time, and honestly, you can’t tell the difference — it’s still moist and soft.
• Nut Add-Ins: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives an amazing crunchy texture that complements the apples beautifully.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to amp up the cinnamon or add a dash of ground ginger for a little extra warmth.
• Apple Varieties: Fuji or Granny Smith work nicely too — just adjust sweetness accordingly.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve experimented with vegan butter and flax eggs, which work well, though the flavor shifts slightly without real brown butter.

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-inch pan with parchment paper — trust me, parchment makes cleanup a breeze and makes it so easy to lift the bars out. Then, melt your butter in a medium pot over medium heat. This part is fun: watch as it foams, then begins to brown and smell nutty and toasty — about 2-3 minutes. Stir often so it browns evenly and doesn’t burn. Once it smells irresistible, remove from heat, then whisk in the apple butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Let this cool for about 5 minutes before whisking in the eggs and vanilla — this keeps the eggs from scrambling.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Spread the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Slowly mix this dry blend into the wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix or the blondies can turn out tough. Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. It’ll look dense and rich here, which is exactly right!

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Apples

Peel your apples if you prefer, and chop them into about 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon — this cinnamon sugar coating enhances their natural flavor. Evenly sprinkle the apples on top of the blondie batter. When you bake them, the apples soften but still keep a little bite, balancing the sweet, tender batter beneath.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your blondies for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the center — you want it set but still moist. If you notice liquid pooling, swirl it around gently with a knife and pop it back in for 5 more minutes. Let them cool before moving on to the glaze step, because pouring glaze on hot bars might make it runny.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze and Finish

While the bars cool, make your glaze by browning 3 tablespoons of butter in a small pot — again, 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed for thickness), cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled blondies, then let it set for 5 minutes before cutting into bars. There’s nothing like this spice-sweet finish — it’s what takes these blondies from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt or some chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for an extra pop of texture and a subtle crunch. Sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon powder or even a few edible flowers adds a little whimsy when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for an indulgent treat. When we have brunch, I love serving them alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee — the spice pairing is just dreamy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve arranged these blondies on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of cinnamon sugar for dipping. Another fun idea is to cut them into mini squares and serve them on dessert skewers with a drizzle of extra maple glaze — perfect for easy munching!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep well at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, stored in an airtight container. I usually pop mine in the fridge because I like the texture a bit firmer, and honestly, it helps the glaze stay looking fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these blondies successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before glazing or reheating.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftover bars in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that melty, fresh-from-the-oven warmth, especially if you’re adding a scoop of ice cream. Microwaving works too but watch carefully to avoid rubbery edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration in every bite — perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). I’m pretty certain once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your baking rotation, especially when you want something cozy, flavorful, and just a bit special. So, grab those ingredients and let’s get baking — trust me, your kitchen will smell like a dream and your taste buds will thank you!

Print