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Cozy Caramel Apple Blondie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Treats

caramel apple blondie bars - featured image

These cozy caramel apple blondie bars combine the nutty richness of brown butter with tart apples and crunchy pecans for a perfect fall-inspired treat. They are quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup (packed, 200 g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (227 g) of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts, then starts to foam. Watch closely as it changes color to a deep golden brown with toasty bits forming on the bottom, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy bar removal.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and shiny.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  7. Fold in the finely chopped 2 medium peeled Granny Smith apples and 3/4 cup (75 g) toasted chopped pecans. The batter will be thick but moist.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  9. Drizzle 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter, creating marbled pockets of caramel.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
  11. Let the blondie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Use a light-colored saucepan to better monitor the butter browning process. Pat apples dry if very juicy to avoid soggy bars. Cool bars completely before cutting to prevent sticky caramel mess. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free caramel sauce. Toast pecans fresh for best flavor. Swirl caramel gently to avoid overly sweet or gooey bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple blondies, brown butter blondies, pecan blondie bars, fall dessert, easy blondie recipe, homemade caramel bars, cozy dessert