Apple Blondies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall with a delightful twist, these Apple Blondies are exactly what you need. Rich, chewy, and loaded with tender chunks of tart apples and a hint of warm cinnamon, Apple Blondies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that makes them irresistible any time of year. Once you take a bite, the combination of buttery goodness and fresh fruit will have you hooked for life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making Apple Blondies that burst with flavor and have a wonderful texture. Each item plays a special role, from the melted butter that adds richness to the crisp apples that provide bursts of freshness throughout.

• 3/4 cup butter, melted: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the blondie batter.
• 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the blondies.
• 1 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a lovely chewy texture.
• 3 eggs: Acts as a natural binder and adds to the fudgy consistency.
• 3 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and enhances flavor complexity.
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens other flavors.
• 3 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a nice rise and light crumb.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for a tender blondie structure.
• 3 cups apples, diced: Tart baking apples, like Granny Smith, add moisture and tart bursts that cut through the sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and an earthy contrast for added texture.
• 1 Tablespoon white sugar: For sprinkling on top to create a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with the sugar topping for an extra cinnamon kick that seals the deal.

How to Make Apple Blondies

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. This ensures your Apple Blondies will bake evenly and come out easily when it’s time to slice.

Step 2: Mixing the Sugars and Butter

Combine the melted butter with both the brown and white sugars in a bowl. This blend creates a luscious base that will lend your blondies a chewy, caramelized flavor and texture you’ll adore. Stir it well until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 3: Adding Eggs, Vanilla, and Spices

Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder next. These ingredients build flavor depth and structure, transforming the mixture into a beautifully aromatic batter that’s just the right balance of sweet and spiced.

Step 4: Incorporating the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The batter will be thick at this stage, but don’t worry—that’s perfect! The flour offers the sturdy but tender crumb your Apple Blondies are known for.

Step 5: Folding in Apples and Walnuts

Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts if you’re using them. As you mix, the batter starts to thin into a more brownie-like consistency, thanks to the moisture released by the apples. This step ensures every bite is packed with fruit and crunch.

Step 6: Finishing with the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the surface to add a final sweet and spicy crunch that caramelizes beautifully while baking.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Bake your Apple Blondies for 40 to 45 minutes until they hold the classic brownie consistency—set on the edges but soft in the center. Once out of the oven, let them cool before slicing to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Blondies

Garnishes

Let your Apple Blondies shine by topping them with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast in temperature and creaminess, adding an extra layer of indulgence that is simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a hot chai latte, or even a smooth caramel sauce drizzle on the side. The warm beverages contrast with the sweet dessert, making for a cozy treat perfect for chilly afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Apple Blondies in small squares alongside fresh apple slices or chopped nuts to highlight the ingredients inside. Alternatively, layer them in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and cinnamon for an elegant and inviting presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their chewy texture. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick treat without the fuss of baking again.

Freezing

Apple Blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to two months, giving you a delicious homemade dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the blondies in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until soft and warm. This refreshes their soft texture and helps revive that fresh-baked aroma, perfect for enjoying anytime.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts in Apple Blondies?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or leave out nuts altogether for a nut-free treat that’s just as delicious.

Are Apple Blondies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs, though texture may vary slightly.

What type of apples work best for Apple Blondies?

Tart baking apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape and add a bright contrast to the sweet batter, but feel free to experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter note.

Can I make Apple Blondies vegan?

With some substitutions like using flax eggs and dairy-free butter alternatives, you can create a vegan version that’s still flavorful though some texture differences might occur.

How long do Apple Blondies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these blondies stay fresh for about three days at room temperature and retain their best flavor and moisture during this time.

Final Thoughts

Apple Blondies bring together the best of fall flavors in a rich and chewy dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you bake them for a cozy family gathering or just to brighten your day, these blondies make every bite special. Give this recipe a try and watch as Apple Blondies become a new favorite you’ll return to again and again!

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