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To make these blondies, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup These ingredients work together to create a rich and sweet treat. The apples add moisture, while the spices bring warmth. The brown butter gives a nutty flavor, raising the dessert to another level. You can add more depth with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Nuts add a crunchy texture. They also enhance the flavor profile. If you like nuts, feel free to toss them in. If you prefer a nut-free version, skip this step. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. - Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well in baking. - Sugars: Go for fresh brown sugar. It should feel soft and moist. - Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for a rich taste. Avoid imitation syrup. Fresh ingredients lead to a better texture and taste. Always opt for the best quality you can find. Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep an eye on it as it heats. The butter will foam, then turn golden brown. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells nutty and sweet. Remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in your browned butter. Add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth. This step helps create a nice base for your blondies. Now, add the eggs one by one. Beat well after each egg. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is creamy. Take a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures even mixing. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay. Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in your diced apples carefully. If you want, add in chopped nuts too. Mix just enough to combine everything. Then, pour the maple syrup over the top of the batter. Use a spatula to swirl it in lightly. This creates a pretty marbled effect. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour your blondie batter into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or have a few crumbs. Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up. After cooling, slice them into squares or rectangles. For a delightful treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get the best flavor, use fresh apples. I like to choose crisp varieties, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness adds a great balance to the sweet blondies. Brown your butter slowly. This step is key! Stir it often until it turns a rich, golden brown. This adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes your blondies special. Also, don’t skip the maple syrup. It gives a sweet finish that ties all the flavors together. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. You want to mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing makes the blondies tough, and we want them soft! Another mistake is not cooling the butter enough. If it’s too hot, it can cook the eggs. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the sugar. Lastly, be careful with the baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. For even baking, preheat your oven fully before putting in the blondies. A hot oven helps them rise evenly. Use a light-colored baking pan if you can. Dark pans can cook the edges too fast. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. If the edges look set and the center is slightly soft, it’s a good sign. After baking, let them cool in the pan. This helps them firm up before slicing. {{image_4}} You can easily make these blondies nut-free. Just skip the chopped nuts in the recipe. You won’t lose flavor or texture. Instead, try adding more apples or a bit of chocolate chips. This change keeps the blondies rich and tasty for everyone. Apples are great, but you can switch things up. Try using pears or peaches for a unique twist. Chop them into small pieces like you do with apples. You can also mix fruits, like adding some cranberries for a tart contrast. These small changes can bring new flavors to your blondies. Think about adding spices or extracts to boost flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. You could also try allspice for a cozy taste. If you want a hint of almond, swap vanilla extract for almond extract. These simple swaps can create a new taste sensation in your blondies. Store your blondies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, the fridge is best. The cool air helps them last up to a week. To freeze blondies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the blondies in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F. This warms them up nicely while keeping them soft. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in 10-second bursts until warm. Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for extra delight! Yes, you can! To make these blondies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter. Use flax eggs or applesauce instead of regular eggs. Flax eggs are made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Applesauce works well too; use one-quarter cup for each egg. If you need a substitute for all-purpose flour, try using almond flour or oat flour. Almond flour adds a nutty taste. Oat flour is light and fluffy. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. To check if the blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake them a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be slightly golden. Absolutely! Flavored maple syrup can add a fun twist to your blondies. Try using cinnamon or vanilla-flavored syrup. Just remember that it may change the final taste, so choose a flavor you love. Leftovers can last for about three to five days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. For best taste, eat them within a few days! You learned how to make delicious brown butter maple apple blondies. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, plus tips to pick the best ones. I shared steps from browning the butter to baking and cooling. You now have tricks to avoid common mistakes and ways to store or freeze them. For great blondies, keep trying new flavors. Experiment with fruits and spices. Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with friends and family. They will impress everyone!

Brown Butter Maple Apple Blondies

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Brown Butter Maple Apple Blondies! These soft and chewy treats, made with rich brown butter, sweet apples, and a hint of maple syrup, are perfect for fall baking. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover a new favorite that will brighten your autumn gatherings!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (approximately 2 medium apples)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir the butter continuously until it turns a rich golden brown color and exudes a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

    Mix in the Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add the browned butter along with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

      Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is creamy and uniform.

        Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

          Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter, taking care not to overmix.

            Swirl in Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the batter and make a few gentle swirls with a spatula to create a marbled effect.

              Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, and pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

                Bake the Blondies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

                  Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving experience, serve the blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. Enjoy every bite!