When we think of Fall desserts maybe the first thing that comes to our mind is PUMPKIN but I know that some of you are not pumpkin lovers so apples and pears are a great way to celebrate this new baking season. If you follow me on Instagram @pastry_tales, you might have noticed that I host a baking  collab every month and this month September is all about apples and pears. It really took me some days to decide what to make and I did not want to make something too complicated because let’s be honest, we all like easy recipes! These blondies are super easy to make, chewy and soft. I just don’t know how to describe them because they remind me of apple pie but has the texture of a cookie and cake lol. They have a hint of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice and a light icing on top.

For this recipe, I am using Gala apples and I decided to make brown butter so it gives a nice nutty aroma and taste to these blondies.

Let’s start with the recipe.

Yield one 8×8 square pan

Ingredients

For the blondies

13 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 and 1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 small apples, peeled and cut in small pieces. I used Gala apples but you can use any other apple you prefer.

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, very cold

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon all spice

For the icing

8 tablespoons of powdered sugar (sifted, no lumps)

a tiny bit of water

Directions

For the blondies

1.-Preheat oven to 350 F. Line your pan bottom and sides with parchment paper. Set aside.

2.- In a medium size saucepan and medium heat, melt your butter. Now, just let it cook to create brown butter. First, this melted butter will start to sizzle a little, a couple of minutes later it will start to sizzle more and more, so be careful to not burn your hands, use a small spatula to stir, don’t forget to always stir. You will know is ready when your butter will start to change colors, you will see browned bits in the bottom of your pan, the sizzling sound will stop and you’ll get a nice nutty aroma. When you achieve all of this, add sugar, apples, spices and salt. Mix well and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes but do not forget to stir. It will be ready when the apples stick to the sugar mixture and it will get thicker. Pour this mixture into a heat proof bowl and let it cool for a bit until you touch the bowl with your hands and it is not longer super hot.

3.- Add your egg (just right out from the fridge) and mix super fast. Add flour and mix until everything is well combined.

4.- Pour your batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges are slightly golden.

5.- When it is all baked, take it out from the oven and let it cool completely. After it is all cooled. Take it out from the pan and remove the parchment paper.

For the icing

1.- In a small bowl mix powdered sugar (sifted) and 1 teaspoon water , mix well and see if you need to add a tiny bit of water. You need a thick glaze and it should have a nice white color, if it is a bit clear or thin, add more powdered sugar.

2.- Using a spoon, fork or a small spatula, drizzle this icing on top of your cooled blondies and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This icing should harden up.

3.- Finally, you can cut the hard edges of your blondies and cut squares.

Serve and enjoy!