Apple Blondies

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that will make everyone smile, you’ve found it in these Apple Blondies! This recipe is a delightful treat that captures the cozy flavors of autumn with its warm spices and sweet apples. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these blondies are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they are so easy to whip up—your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar in no time!

What makes these Apple Blondies truly special is their soft, tender texture and rich flavor. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a comforting dessert that feels like home. And believe me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying one of these blondies with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare these Apple Blondies in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweetness of apples and the warm spices, making this a favorite for all ages.
• Versatile Treat: These blondies are great for dessert but also work well as an afternoon snack or even breakfast!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily bake them ahead of time and store them for later—if they last that long!
• Deliciously Cozy Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples creates a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Apple Blondies. With just a few staples from your pantry and one fresh apple, you’ll be ready to bake!

For the Blondies

• 1 apple
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 grams)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (melted)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (156 grams) (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Substitute the apple with pears or even berries for a fruity twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves for an extra kick.

How to Make Apple Blondies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your blondies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. If you prefer not to use parchment paper, lightly grease the pan. This will help you lift out the blondies easily when they’re done baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core your apple before slicing it into small chunks. You want about 3/4 to 1 cup of diced apple. Toss those chunks with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; this adds wonderful flavor right from the start!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. You should see no pools of melted butter—this means it’s mixed just right! Then add in your egg and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Stir the dry mixture into your butter mixture until no lumps remain—don’t overmix! Gently fold in those delicious cinnamon apples; this is where the magic happens!

Step 7: Bake

Spoon your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes. The top should look set, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow your blondies to cool completely before slicing them into squares. If you used parchment paper, simply lift them out using the overhang; if not, slice them directly in the pan. Enjoy every bite of these warm Apple Blondies!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies

Making the perfect apple blondies is all about a few key techniques that ensure your treats turn out soft and flavorful. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples will provide the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Don’t overmix the batter: To keep your blondies soft and tender, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough blondies.
• Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens vary, start checking your blondies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. Look for a set top and insert a toothpick to ensure they come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your blondies to cool fully before cutting helps them to firm up and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
• Store properly: Keep your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness. This helps maintain their soft texture.

How to Serve Apple Blondies

Serving apple blondies can be as simple or as elegant as you like! Here are some fun ideas to enhance your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Caramel sauce drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet touch that complements the apple flavor beautifully.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top can provide a light contrast to the rich blondie texture.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds crunch and elevates the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm apple blondies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor, making for an indulgent treat.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits brings brightness and balance, perfectly complementing the richness of the blondies.
• Hot tea or coffee: Serving with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee enhances the cozy, comforting vibe of these delicious treats.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering some yogurt with granola and fruit provides a healthy side option that’s also visually appealing.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade apple blondies! Whether it’s a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these treats are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple blondies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or serve them at gatherings. Here’s how to keep your delicious treats fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Item Store the cooled apple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Item For longer freshness, place them in the refrigerator where they will last for about a week.

Freezing

• Item Allow the apple blondies to cool completely before freezing.
• Item Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Item They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the container with the date!

Reheating

• Item To reheat from frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Item If you prefer them warm from the oven, preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making apple blondies!

Can I substitute another fruit in Apple Blondies?

Absolutely! You can use pears or peaches instead of apples for a delightful twist on this recipe.

How do I make Apple Blondies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free apple blondies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for best results.

What makes these Apple Blondies so special?

These apple blondies stand out due to their soft texture and rich flavor profile enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Blondies?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter along with the apples for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these apple blondies as I am sharing them with you! They’re not only easy to prepare but also filled with comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your meal prep, these treats are sure to delight. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!