Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

If fall had a flavor, it would taste just like these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Picture this: rich, nutty browned butter blending with the sweetness of salted apple butter, a cozy sprinkle of cinnamon, and the warmth of nutmeg. What comes out of your oven is nothing short of magic—a batch of soft, gooey blondies that practically melt in your mouth. And let’s talk about that glaze. Sweet, thick, and creamy, with just the right hint of maple and cinnamon, it takes these blondies to the next level.

The best part? These autumn-inspired bars are as easy to make as they are to devour. With minimal effort, you'll have a tray of blondies that are sweet, a little salty, and packed with that perfect apple-cinnamon flavor combo. Each bite is a delicious reminder that fall has arrived, and trust me—your kitchen has never smelled better!

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Photo By: Half Baked Harvest

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.

Recipe from Half Baked Harvest

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Cooling Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter

• 1/2 cup apple butter

• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled (if desired), and chopped (about 2 cups chopped apples)

Cinnamon Maple Butter Glaze

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/2 – 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Add the butter to a medium pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown, until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir often. Remove from the heat and stir in the apple butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Let cool 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until just combined. Spread the dough out into the prepared dish.

3. In a bowl, toss the apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle the apples over the dough. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, just until set in the center. If there is liquid in the center, swirl it around the pan, then bake another 5 minutes. Let cool.

4. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Add the butter to a small pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown lightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the glaze over the bars. Let set for 5 minutes. Cut into bars…snack and enjoy!

Notes

• To Make Gluten Free: Use an equal amount of your favorite gluten free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flourr.

• Storing: these bars keep well for 3-4 days at room temperature or in the fridge. 

• To cool the bars quickly for frosting: place in freezer for 15 minutes. Remove and glaze.