If you crave a dessert that perfectly captures fall vibes, trust me, you’re going to love this one! The Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is one of those treats that feels cozy and indulgent all at once. I absolutely love how these blondies come out soft and gooey, with tender chunks of apple and a glaze that’s bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet maple goodness. Keep reading—I’ll share all my tips so you can nail this recipe every time and have your kitchen smelling like autumn bliss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Nutty Flavor: Browning the butter adds a deep, toasted note that makes these blondies really special.
Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spiced: Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple glaze create a warm, cozy flavor combo.
Soft & Gooey Texture: These blondies are incredibly moist and tender, with juicy pockets of baked apple.
Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy baking skills—just follow the steps and you’ll get amazing results.

The image shows two triangular bars leaning against each other on a wooden board with a cinnamon stick nearby. Each bar has a thick, light brown base with a slightly crumbly texture, filled with visible chunks of nuts and possibly dried fruit, giving darker brown and creamy white spots inside. The bars are drizzled with a light tan glaze in thin lines across the top and sides. Next to the bars is a white cup with a red rim containing a dark liquid and two cinnamon sticks inside. The background is blurred but shows more bars on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, fall dessert recipes, apple blondie recipes, cozy autumn desserts, easy apple blondies

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found this specific lineup of ingredients really lets all the flavors shine—especially the salted butter and the warming spices. Using fresh Honeycrisp apples gives a nice crunch and sweetness, but feel free to swap with your favorite variety.

Flat lay of golden browned butter in a small pool, glossy apple butter in a jar, light and dark brown sugars heaped with cinnamon sticks resting beside, chopped Honeycrisp apples with their red and yellow skin peeking through, whole eggs with smooth shells, warm maple syrup glistening in a shallow puddle, a sprinkle of fine powdered sugar dusted delicately nearby, and a few nutmeg seeds scattered artistically, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, fall dessert recipes, apple blondie recipes, cozy autumn desserts, easy apple blondies

Salted Butter: Browning it brings out a nutty aroma that’s key to the flavor.
Apple Butter: Adds an extra layer of apple flavor and moisture to the blondies.
Light Brown Sugar: Keeps things sweet but with a touch of molasses depth.
Large Eggs: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure without weighing down the blondies.
Baking Powder: For a little lift and lightness.
Cinnamon: Both in the blondie batter and glaze—a total warming star.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives depth without overpowering.
Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Honeycrisp Apples: Chopped for bursts of juicy, crisp apple goodness.
Maple Syrup: In the glaze for natural sweetness with a hint of woodsy flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Adds smooth sweetness and makes the glaze silky.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top, it contrasts the sweetness beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love swapping things up to keep this recipe fresh depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be shy about making it your own—it’s forgiving and works well with tweaks!

Swap Apples for Pears or Cranberries: I once tried diced pears when apples were out of season, and the result was just as deliciously tender with a hint of floral sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works great, just watch the texture to make sure it’s not too dry.
Vegan Adaptation: You can use flax eggs and vegan butter, and swap maple syrup for the glaze—it still tastes fabulous!
Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture I sometimes toss in for extra contrast.

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

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Build Flavor

This is where the magic starts! Melt your butter over medium heat and keep stirring as it bubbles. You’ll notice it foaming at first, then the color will change to a golden-brown and release this incredible nutty aroma. That toasty smell tells you it’s good! Be careful not to burn it—usually about 2-3 minutes does the trick. Once browned, take the pan off heat and whisk in the apple butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Let it rest for a few minutes so it’s not too hot when you add the eggs.

Step 2: Mixing the Batter with Spices and Flour

Next, whisk in your eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Now, add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together gently, just until combined—don’t overmix or the blondies will be tough. This part always reminds me of making cookies, where soft batter means soft results.

Step 3: Toss Apples and Bake

In a bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. This step helps to evenly coat the apples and draws out a bit of juice that keeps your blondies extra moist. Spread your blondie batter in a parchment-lined 9×13 pan, then sprinkle the apple mixture on top. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. If the center still looks liquidy, I’ve learned to gently swirl it around and bake another 5 minutes for a perfect set.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze and Finish

While your blondies cool, melt butter again until lightly browned, then whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This glaze is my favorite part—it adds a shiny, sticky top layer with that irresistible cinnamon-maple combo. Drizzle it over the blondies and let it set for about 5 minutes before cutting.

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

Watch Your Butter: Browning butter quickly can go from perfect to burnt; keep stirring and watch for that nutty aroma as your cue.
Don’t Skip Tossing the Apples: Coating apples in cinnamon and sugar before adding them gives sweeter, juicier pockets that contrast beautifully with the dense batter.
Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and ensures those blondies come out effortlessly.
Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool fully before glazing or the glaze might melt off and make a mess.

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

The image shows three square bars stacked vertically on a wooden surface with a single bite taken from the top bar. Each bar has a thick, crumbly base layer in light brown with small white nut pieces embedded inside. On top of the base, there is a layer of darker brown chunks with a soft texture, drizzled with thick, pale caramel-colored frosting in thin, uneven lines. A cinnamon stick is placed near the bottom left corner, and a white mug with a red rim and two cinnamon sticks inside is partially visible to the right. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, fall dessert recipes, apple blondie recipes, cozy autumn desserts, easy apple blondies

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a few extra cracks of flaky sea salt on top after glazing—it adds this lovely contrast that punches up all the sweetness. Sometimes, I like serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially when I’m serving guests. The contrast of warm blondies and cold cream? Absolute dream.

Side Dishes

Since these blondies scream fall comfort food, I like pairing them with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider. They’re also wonderful alongside a simple green salad if you want a light meal with something sweet for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday get-togethers, I arrange the blondie bars on a wooden serving tray with a scattering of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. It’s festive and invites everyone to dig in. I’ve also wrapped individual bars in wax paper tied with twine for cute grab-and-go treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is an option—just bring them back to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

These blondies freeze beautifully. I usually cut them into bars first, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When I want a snack, I just thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop a blondie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This revives that gooey texture without drying them out. If you want a crispier top, a quick toast in a toaster oven works wonders too.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples add a nice crispness and sweetness, you can substitute with Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra juiciness. Just make sure to chop them evenly to ensure consistent baking.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be golden and set, and the center just firming up but still slightly soft. If there’s liquid apple juice pooling in the center, gently swirl it around and bake for a few extra minutes. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
Can I make the cinnamon maple glaze ahead of time?

It’s best to make the glaze fresh to get that perfect smooth drizzle. However, you can prepare it a day ahead and gently warm it before using. Stir well if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep or gifting?

Definitely! These blondies keep well, freeze nicely, and make gorgeous homemade gifts—especially with the pretty cinnamon maple glaze finish. Wrapping individual bars with twine adds a special touch.

Final Thoughts

When I first made these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, I was hooked by the incredible layers of flavor and cozy fall vibes baked into every bite. It’s a recipe that always feels like a treat but is easy enough to whip up for a weeknight dessert or holiday potluck. I hope you give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes friends and family will ask you to make again and again. Seriously, once you taste that brown butter and warm cinnamon maple glaze combo, you’ll understand why it’s a new seasonal favorite for me!