Description
These Apple Cider Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, infused with rich browned butter and a concentrated apple cider reduction for a warm, cozy autumn flavor. Topped with a spiced sugar crust, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for fall gatherings or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Browned Butter and Apple Cider Reduction
- 1 cup unsalted butter (8 ounces, cut into cubes)
- 3 cups apple cider
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (divided)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium, light-colored, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat while stirring frequently. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, as the butter foams and then subsides. Look for brown specks forming at the bottom and a nutty aroma, indicating it's browned. Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning and pour into a large heatproof bowl.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into the same empty pan carefully, as it may sizzle. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the cider reduces to ½ cup, about 35 minutes. Measure carefully, adding more cider if over-reduced.
- Combine Butter and Reduced Cider: Pour the reduced apple cider into the browned butter and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two long sides for easy removal, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix Sugar and Spice Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of the apple pie spice and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining apple pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda.
- Make the Batter: Once the butter and cider mixture has cooled, add the brown sugar and mix until mostly dissolved. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. Fold in the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the top and gently press it in to adhere.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and slicing into 16 bars.
- Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan for browning the butter to monitor the color accurately.
- The reduction of apple cider intensifies its flavor; do not rush or over-reduce.
- The parchment paper overhang makes it easy to remove the blondies from the pan without breaking them.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely for clean slicing and better texture.
- You can reheat the blondies slightly for a warm treat, but they are excellent served at room temperature.