Something Sweet For Autumn

   There is something so sweet about the transition into the holiday season. What is better than something sweet AND tasty this time of year? My favorite part about this recipe is that you don’t need to be a professional baker to make these deliciously EASY homemade treats. I like to call this savory treat the Apple Cinnamon Blondie Bar. 

     Just the ingredients needed to create this yummy recipe screams autumn. Made with nutty browned butter, nutmeg, salted apple butter, and topped with a creamy cinnamon maple glaze makes this flavorful blondie a MUST HAVE. So, I guess what I am trying to tell you is that you can’t go wrong with these. I’m excited to share this with you!

LET'S GET STARTED

   Start out by browning salted butter on the stove. Browning the butter really adds a rich nutty flavor to these bars and makes them just a touch cozier. Once the butter is browned, remove it from the stove, and dump in all the remaining ingredients.

   You'll first add the apple butter, eggs, vanilla, flour and spices (lots of cinnamon). This makes up the dough. It's so simple, trust me!  

   Spread the dough out into a pan. Now, take the chopped apples and toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the apples over the dough, then bake.  As the bars bake away, you’ll have incredible moments of smelling cinnamon, sweet apples, and butter in the air. I mean, come on! it’s the coziest.

WHILE THE BARS COOL, MAKE THE GLAZE

   Most blondie recipes are not glazed, but this one is a little extra special and a little over the top. Total and complete perfection. Also…if you bake these up this weekend, your house is going to smell like fall, and trust me, it’s going to be amazing. Better than a fall candle.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 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! 
  

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)

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt 

If you make these Apple Cinnamon Blondie Bars, be sure to leave a comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag the shop on Instagram @shopjessicajoy.