There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of apples and warm spices wafting through the kitchen. Recently, I found myself craving a treat that was both satisfying and simple, something that could bring a smile to my face after a long day. That’s when I stumbled upon this delectable Apple Blondies recipe, a sweet blend of caramel-rich goodness and tender apples that’s impossible to resist.
What makes these blondies so special? They’re not just easy to whip up—taking under an hour from start to finish—but their flavors are a hug in dessert form. The depth of brown sugar, buttery warmth, and a hint of fall spices create a delightful experience for both your taste buds and your home.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious evening at home, these Apple Blondies will find their way into your heart and kitchen. Grab a fork, warm up that caramel sauce, and let’s make some magic happen!
Why are Apple Blondies a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of common ingredients, you’ll have these blondies baking in no time!
Warm, Cozy Flavors: The perfect blend of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Decadent Caramel Drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel takes these treats over the top—it’s pure bliss!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, these blondies are sure to be a hit, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or at room temperature for a sweet snack any time of day!
Apple Blondies Ingredients
For the Blondies
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups, this forms the base for your delightful Apple Blondies.
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons, gives the blondies that light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, infuses warm, autumnal flavors that complement the apples.
- Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon, adds a touch of spice that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter – 1 ¼ cups, melted and cooled; this provides rich moisture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups, sweetens the blondies to perfection.
- Light brown sugar – 1 cup, adds depth and a caramel-like flavor to the mix.
- Eggs – 3 large, these help bind all ingredients together for a cohesive treat.
- Vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon, enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
- Apples – 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced; these provide juicy bites and a fresh contrast.
For Serving
- Caramel sauce – for drizzling, this decadent addition elevates your Apple Blondies to indulgent heights!
How to Make Apple Blondies
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, butter a 9×13-inch baking pan generously to ensure easy release.
-
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This step enhances the flavors and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
-
Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and creamy—this creates a lovely batter base!
-
Mix in the flour mixture, stirring until it’s thoroughly combined. Fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter, making sure you have those delightful apple bites in every square.
-
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer for a consistent bake.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A light golden hue will indicate they are perfectly baked, so keep an eye on them!
-
Cool the blondies for a minimum of 15 minutes before slicing them into squares. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner cuts if you can resist the delicious smell!
-
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the squares just before serving for that extra touch of indulgence—your taste buds will thank you!
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Blondies
-
Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, juicy apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your Apple Blondies.
-
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies, while a gentle touch guarantees a light and fluffy result.
-
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the blondies to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set properly, resulting in perfect squares without crumble.
-
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean; slight moist crumbs are okay, but liquid batter means more baking time is needed.
-
Caramel Sauce Timing: Warm your caramel sauce just before serving. This ensures a beautiful drizzle that melts into the blondies, enhancing every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Blondies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by following the first four steps and then covering the bowl tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can bake the blondies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their delicious quality, make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them away. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm them briefly in the oven for about 5-10 minutes and drizzle with caramel sauce for that warm, gooey goodness—making your dessert experience just as delightful as if you made them fresh!
Apple Blondies Variations
Feel free to customize these delicious treats and make them your own with these enticing twists!
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful version everyone can enjoy.
-
Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor to your blondies.
-
Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewiness that complements the apples perfectly.
-
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and depth, perfect for those cozy evenings.
-
Vegan Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly treat.
-
Cinnamon Swirl: Create a ribbon of cinnamon sugar by mixing ¼ cup brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and swirling it into the batter before baking.
-
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent blend of flavors that will have chocolate lovers swooning!
-
Maple Drizzle: Swap caramel sauce for a warm maple syrup drizzle after baking for a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Blondies
Room Temperature: Store your Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh!
Fridge: For extended freshness, place the blondies in the fridge. They will stay good for up to a week; just ensure they’re covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag. These Apple Blondies can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply let the blondies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving with caramel sauce.
What to Serve with Apple Blondies?
Nestled in the heart of your kitchen, these sweet squares are a treat worth showcasing alongside delightful companions.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cooling contrast to the warm blondies—a match made in dessert heaven!
-
Spiced Apple Cider: Sip on comforting spiced apple cider to amplify those autumnal flavors. The warmth and aroma will wrap you in cozy vibes.
-
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious finish and balances the sweetness of the caramel drizzle.
-
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea enchanting your taste buds create a lovely pairing with the warm flavors of the blondies.
-
Pecan Praline: Crunchy pieces of pecan praline introduce a delightful texture contrast while deepening the flavor experience with buttery sweetness.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Go ahead and drizzle some rich chocolate over the blondies! It adds an irresistible touch for those who adore the chocolate and caramel combination.
-
Milkshake: A creamy milkshake—perhaps caramel or vanilla—is a fun and indulgent drink that creates a nostalgic pairing, making dessert feel like a special occasion.
-
Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote brightens the palate, serving as a delightful counterpoint to the richness of the blondies, enhancing their flavor profiles.
Apple Blondies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for Apple Blondies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars and spices, making each bite a delightful experience.
How should I store Apple Blondies?
You can store Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, keep them in the fridge, where they will last about a week. Just ensure they are covered to avoid drying out—the last thing you want is stale blondies!
Can I freeze Apple Blondies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Cut the blondies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
What if my Apple Blondies are too dry?
If you find your blondies are too dry, it might be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always check for doneness at 30 minutes; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. If you do overbake them, serve with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce for moisture!
Can I make these Apple Blondies gluten-free?
Very much! To make gluten-free Apple Blondies, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Most blends are fantastic at mimicking the texture of traditional flour. Just be sure to check other ingredients for possible gluten sources, especially your baking powder!
Are there any allergen considerations for this recipe?
Indeed! This recipe contains eggs and dairy (butter). If you need to make it dairy-free, you can substitute with a plant-based butter alternative, and for eggs, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes). Always check labels for any pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs!
Irresistible Apple Blondies with Caramel Drizzle Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan generously.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.
- Mix in the flour mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the blondies for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the squares just before serving.