Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies: The Ultimate Fall Treat
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of autumn with these delightful Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies. Packed with a double dose of sweet apple goodness and a luscious caramel drizzle, they are the perfect dessert for the season.
Embrace the Autumn Harvest: A Perfect Excuse for Baking
The crisp air, the vibrant changing leaves, and the joyous tradition of apple picking – it’s officially fall, and that means it’s time to bring out all our favorite apple recipes! If you’ve recently found yourself with a bountiful basket of freshly picked apples, or simply crave a dessert that encapsulates the very essence of autumn, then you’ve come to the right place. These Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies are not just a recipe; they’re an experience, a warm hug in bar form that will quickly become your new seasonal obsession.
I had planned a completely different recipe for today, but then these incredible Apple Butter Blondies came into existence, and honestly, it was an instant game-changer! From the very first bite, I knew I had to share this masterpiece with you all immediately. There’s something truly magical about a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and that undeniable fresh apple flavor. This recipe captures all of that and more, making it an essential addition to your fall baking repertoire.
The Secret Ingredient: What is Apple Butter?
A few days ago, while browsing my local farmer’s market, I stumbled upon a display of homemade apple butter. I couldn’t resist picking up a jar, and I’m so glad I did! For those unfamiliar, apple butter is a highly concentrated, intensely flavored form of applesauce. It’s essentially apples that have been cooked down slowly for hours with spices until most of the water has evaporated, resulting in a thick, smooth, and deeply caramelized spread. It’s not actually butter in the dairy sense, but its rich, spreadable consistency gives it that name. Think of it as “fall in a jar” – bursting with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes, and a profound apple sweetness.
Apple butter is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic stirred into your morning oatmeal, adding depth to a fall-themed cheese board, or as a flavorful spread on toast and sandwiches. Its natural sweetness and complex spice profile make it an exceptional ingredient for baking, and it truly shines in these blondies, contributing to their extraordinary moistness and unparalleled apple flavor. If you can find locally made apple butter, grab it! Otherwise, good quality store-bought apple butter will work beautifully too.
Double the Apple, Double the Deliciousness!
These blondie bars boast a spectacular double dose of apple flavor. We’re not just relying on the apple butter; we’re also incorporating finely chopped Honeycrisp apples into the batter. This combination creates an incredible depth of flavor and a delightful texture contrast. The apple butter infuses the blondies with a soft, moist crumb and a warm, spiced apple essence, while the fresh Honeycrisp pieces add bursts of crisp, tart sweetness, ensuring that every bite is an apple lover’s dream.
You are absolutely going to adore these bars, and here’s why. First and foremost, their texture is beyond compare – incredibly moist and tender, almost melting in your mouth. You’ll understand exactly what I mean once you bake a batch for yourself. That luscious mouthfeel will be one of the first things you notice, followed swiftly by the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and the rich, authentic apple flavor that’s truly off the charts! It’s a symphony of fall flavors, perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible.
The Decadent Caramel Glaze: A Sweet Crown
And let’s not forget that sensational caramel glaze! Oh my goodness, it’s nothing short of divine. This homemade caramel is buttery, smooth, and exquisitely decadent, elevating these blondies from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. You can generously drizzle the caramel glaze over the cooled blondies for a classic touch, creating beautiful sweet ribbons across the top. Or, for an extra indulgent experience, serve the bars warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, then lavishly drizzle the caramel over the top. The choice is yours, but whichever way you decide to enjoy them, I guarantee these Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies will quickly become your absolute favorite new fall dessert. Prepare to fall in love!
Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Servings: 9 (3-inch bars)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup apple butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Add the apple butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped Honeycrisp apples.
- Spread the blondie mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden pick or toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before lifting the bars out by the parchment paper overhangs and cutting into individual bars.
- For the Caramel Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and add the pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously.
- Once boiling, cook for exactly 2 minutes, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the caramel glaze cool for about 20 minutes to thicken slightly before using.
- Drizzle the cooled caramel glaze generously over the completely cooled blondie bars, or serve it warm atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the blondies.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Blondies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the flour can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter, fresh eggs, and flavorful apple butter makes a significant difference.
- Honeycrisp Apples: While other apples can be used (like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness), Honeycrisp offers a great balance of flavor and texture that holds up well during baking.
- Cool Completely: It’s crucial to let the blondies cool completely before cutting and glazing. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut and ensuring the caramel doesn’t melt off immediately.
- Parchment Paper Slings: Don’t skip the parchment paper overhang! It makes removing the blondies from the pan incredibly easy.
Flavor Variations and Customizations
While these Caramel Glazed Apple Butter Blondies are perfect as is, you can certainly get creative with additions:
- Nuts: Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.
- Extra Spices: If you love a more robust spice flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a simple streusel topping (flour, sugar, cold butter, cinnamon) over the batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Storing Your Apple Butter Blondies
To keep your blondies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warm climate or prefer them chilled, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, individual bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make my own apple butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Making your own apple butter is a rewarding process, and it allows you to control the spices and sweetness. There are many fantastic recipes available online for homemade apple butter. Just be sure it’s cooled completely before incorporating it into the blondie batter.
What if I don’t have Honeycrisp apples?
No problem! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their ideal texture and balance of sweetness and tartness, you can substitute them with other firm, crisp apple varieties. Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, or even a mix of Granny Smith (for more tartness) and a sweeter apple would work well.
Can I skip the caramel glaze?
You certainly can, but the caramel glaze adds an irresistible layer of buttery sweetness and decadence that truly completes these blondies. If you prefer to skip it, the blondies will still be incredibly flavorful on their own, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
How can I tell if my blondies are fully baked?
Blondies should be moist and chewy, so you don’t want to overbake them until they’re dry. Insert a wooden pick or toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter), they are done. The edges might look slightly golden brown, and the center should be mostly set.