Apple Blondies Recipe
Apple Blondies are an absolute treasure for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of fall baked right into a bar you can hold in your hand. Imagine the tender chewiness of blondies combined with the sweet-tart bite of fresh apples and a gentle dusting of cinnamon sugar on top that gives just the right touch of spice. These bars are moist, packed with diced Granny Smith apples, and sprinkled with walnuts for an optional crunch that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re looking for a cozy homemade dessert or a snack to brighten your day, these Apple Blondies bring together simple ingredients that make stunning results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for Apple Blondies are straightforward ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role, from buttery richness to that perfect hint of cinnamon warmth, making the final bars irresistibly flavorful and textured.
- 3/4 cup butter, melted: This adds buttery moisture that keeps the blondies rich and tender.
- 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep caramel flavor and adds to the chewy texture.
- 1 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the blondies bake with a lovely crust.
- 3 eggs: Eggs provide structure and bind everything together for that perfect bar consistency.
- 3 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a sweet, floral nuance.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and brighten flavors.
- 3 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough without losing their fudgy quality.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates the dense, chewy texture of your bars.
- 3 cups apples, diced (Granny Smith recommended): Adds juicy tartness and natural moisture – the star of the show.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- 1 Tablespoon white sugar + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Creates a sweet, silky cinnamon sugar crust on top.
How to Make Apple Blondies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. This prep ensures even baking and makes it easy to release your bars later without any sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter
Combine the melted butter with the brown sugar and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar in a mixing bowl. This mixture becomes the sweet, rich heart of your blondies. Mixing these thoroughly helps incorporate air, which keeps the bars tender yet dense.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Spices
Crack in the eggs, then add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Beat these well to create a smooth, fragrant batter. The cinnamon here layers the warm spice flavor right through the blondies without overpowering the fresh apple pieces.
Step 4: Stir in the Flour
Introduce the flour to your wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter feels thick – that’s exactly the texture you want before adding the juicy apples.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if using, chopped walnuts. This step transforms your dense batter into a more fluid dough, and those apple pieces promise juicy bites in every square.
Step 6: Spread and Sprinkle
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then mix together the tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle this sugary dust over the top for an irresistible cinnamon crunch once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a brownie-like consistency inside. Let the blondies cool completely before slicing so they hold their shape and you experience the full tender texture with each bite.
How to Serve Apple Blondies
Garnishes
Apple Blondies are already a star on their own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top elevates the experience to new heights. A light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch and a bit of extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pairing Apple Blondies with a hot drink like spiced chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk balances the sweetness effortlessly. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic bar shape by cutting your Apple Blondies into bite-sized pieces and serving them on a dessert platter with nuts and dried apples sprinkled around. You could also layer them into parfait glasses with yogurt and cinnamon for a breakfast twist or turn them into a base for a warm apple crumble parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep Apple Blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their moist texture holds up wonderfully, making them a fantastic treat to grab on the go or pack in lunchboxes.
Freezing
If you want to make them ahead of time or save some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy Apple Blondies anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to eat frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives their soft, gooey texture and lets the warm apple spice flavors shine through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the best tart contrast, you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier bite. Just watch the baking time as sweeter apples might soften faster.
Are Apple Blondies gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free baking mix to make these blondies gluten-free without sacrificing much texture or flavor.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, the walnuts are completely optional. Leaving them out will make the bars softer and less crunchy, which some people actually prefer. You can also swap them for pecans or skip nuts altogether if you have allergies.
How do I know when the Apple Blondies are done baking?
Look for a golden surface with a lightly crisp top and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to check a bit early.
What’s the best way to dice apples for this recipe?
Cubing the apples into small, even pieces (about 1/2 inch) ensures they cook evenly and distribute throughout the blondies so every bite gets a juicy apple surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in search of a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the best of chewy blondies and fresh apple goodness, Apple Blondies are your new go-to dessert. They are simple to make, beautifully flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a whirl—once you taste that cinnamon-spiced apple magic paired with buttery sweetness, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this with you.
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Apple Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Blondies are a delicious twist on traditional blondies, combining the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar with tart diced apples and optional crunchy walnuts. Perfectly moist and chewy, they can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugars and Spices
- 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Fruits and Nuts
- 3 cups apples, diced (a tart baking apple such as Granny Smith)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Topping
- 1 Tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until the batter thickens. It will be quite thick, which is normal.
- Incorporate Apples and Walnuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts, if using. The batter will loosen slightly and resemble a brownie batter consistency.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top to ensure uniform baking.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of white sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create a sweet, aromatic crust.
- Bake: Bake the blondies in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy immediately on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the sweet batter.
- Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Make sure not to overbake; the blondies should be moist and chewy.
- For added richness, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2 x 2 inches)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: apple blondies, blondie recipe, apple dessert, cinnamon dessert, walnut blondies, fall dessert, easy blondies
