If you’re craving something delightfully chewy, warmly spiced, and downright decadent, these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of apple and infused with nutty brown butter, this dessert offers a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. The rich cinnamon maple glaze drizzled on top adds that irresistible sweet finish that makes it a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Whether you’re baking for the family or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly balanced flavors: The nutty brown butter and tart apple pieces create a deliciously harmonious taste experience.
Chewy and moist texture: These blondies stay soft and chewy thanks to the brown butter and fresh apples.
Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh fruit, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile treat: Enjoy these blondies warm, cold, or paired with ice cream for a special dessert.
Gluten-friendly option: Easily adaptable to gluten-free flours without losing its magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients together is the foundation of these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Each item plays its part in creating the delicious texture, balance of sweetness, and the golden color that makes this dessert so appealing.

Brown butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste beyond regular butter.
Apples: Fresh, crisp apples add moisture and a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the blondies tender and chewy.
Baking powder: Gives a light rise without making the blondies cakey.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavors and pairs beautifully with the maple glaze.
Maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness and enhances the glaze’s depth.
Brown sugar: Offers moisture and rich caramel tones for that classic blondie taste.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with its fragrant notes.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy consistency.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Variations for Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on what’s in your kitchen or your personal dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and complementary flavor.
Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth in the flavor profile.
Dairy-free modification: Use vegan butter to brown and make the recipe completely dairy-free.
Fruit swap: Replace apples with chopped pears or even diced peaches for seasonal variations.

Irresistible Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step builds the depth of flavor that makes these blondies so special. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

While the butter cools, peel, core, and chop your apples into small, bite-size pieces. Toss them lightly with a pinch of cinnamon to infuse early spice into the fruit.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for your blondie batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold the apple pieces into the batter, evenly distributing them without breaking down the fruit.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency if needed.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

Once the blondies have cooled slightly, drizzle the cinnamon maple glaze across the top for a shiny, sweet finish. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Use fresh apples: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well and complement the sweetness perfectly.
Don’t overbake: Pull the blondies out when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to keep them chewy, not dry.
Brown the butter carefully: Watch for a nutty aroma and light golden color, remove promptly to avoid burning.
Cool before glazing: Allow blondies to cool slightly to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, even batter.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Top your blondies with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for an elegant touch that enhances both texture and aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the chewiness and add a creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange blondie squares on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping to create a beautiful, rustic dessert spread perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful.

Freezing

Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm blondies briefly in the microwave or oven to revive their chewy texture and soften the glaze for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for these blondies?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best by holding texture and balancing sweetness, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also add interesting flavor twists.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by using dairy-free butter to brown and replacing eggs with flax eggs or other vegan substitutes, you can make delicious vegan Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dry blondies, so keep an eye on the time.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Sure! The cinnamon maple glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just whisk it before drizzling to keep it smooth.

What is the best storage method to keep blondies fresh?

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them wrapped tightly for longer storage while maintaining their chewy goodness.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. They bring together the best of fall flavors with a texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how comforting each bite feels. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, these blondies add warmth and sweetness to any moment.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Print Recipe

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are chewy, moist, and warmly spiced treats featuring nutty brown butter and tender apple chunks, topped with a sweet and aromatic cinnamon maple glaze. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these blondies are easy to make with simple pantry staples and fresh fruit, offering a versatile and comforting experience loved by all.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 blondie squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Blondie Batter

1 cup unsalted butter (to be browned)
2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus a pinch for tossing apples)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature

Cinnamon Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1–2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative), to desired consistency

Instructions

Brown the Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into small bite-sized pieces. Toss with a pinch of cinnamon to infuse early spice flavor.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and creamy, forming the batter base.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to avoid overmixing and keep the blondies tender.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the fruit.
Bake the Blondies: Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Glaze: While blondies bake, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as needed.
Glaze and Cool: After blondies have cooled slightly, drizzle the cinnamon maple glaze over the top. Allow glaze to set before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith for best texture and flavor balance.
Remove blondies from oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to maintain chewiness and avoid dryness.
Brown butter carefully by watching for a nutty aroma and light golden color; remove immediately to prevent burning.
Allow blondies to cool slightly before glazing to avoid glaze melting and running off.
Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth and consistent batter.
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
To make vegan, use dairy-free butter to brown and substitute eggs with flax or other vegan egg alternatives.
Optional spices like nutmeg or allspice can be added for extra warmth.
Try fruit variations such as pears or peaches in place of apples.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in microwave or oven to refresh texture and soften glaze.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blondie square
Calories: 210
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: brown butter, apple blondies, cinnamon maple glaze, chewy dessert, fall dessert, gluten-free blondies, easy blondie recipe