Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a decadent twist! Our Favorite Caramel Apple Blondies with Browned Butter Frosting are not just your average dessert; they’re a heavenly blend of gooey caramel, tender apples, and rich, nutty frosting that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee, these blondies are sure to become your new favorite recipe. Don’t miss out on the chance to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat—let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 blondies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the blondies.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well until the sugars are fully incorporated into the butter.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of diced apples, 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (if using) into the batter. Ensure that the apples and pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the blondies are cooling, prepare the browned butter frosting. In a small saucepan, melt another 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown, similar to the first step, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk (or more as needed) to achieve a smooth frosting consistency. Mix until well combined.
- Once the blondies are completely cooled, spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra flavor.
- Cut the blondies into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple blondies with browned butter frosting!
Tips
- Perfectly Browned Butter: When browning the butter, keep a close eye on it! Stir frequently to prevent burning and to achieve that nutty aroma that elevates the flavor of your blondies.
- Apple Choices: Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. Dicing them into small pieces ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra touch, use homemade caramel sauce if you have the time. It adds a richer flavor compared to store-bought options.
- Pecan Optional: If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit the pecans or substitute them with walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Cooling Time: Allow the blondies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, use less milk; for a pourable glaze, add more.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
