Apple Blondies

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug, these Apple Blondies are just the ticket! They are soft, tender, and bursting with the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples. I love making these when I have friends over or during family gatherings because they disappear faster than you can say “apple pie!” Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that even on the busiest weeknights, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a deliciously sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a potluck or just need a little something sweet after dinner, these Apple Blondies will surely become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These blondies come together in about 44 minutes from start to finish—perfect for when you’re short on time!
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavor and soft texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake these ahead of time and enjoy them warm or at room temperature throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that feels like a warm embrace.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them plain, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Apple Blondies! You probably already have many of these items in your pantry.

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 flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out the apple for pears or peaches for a seasonal spin!

How to Make Apple Blondies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your blondies bake evenly as soon as they hit the hot oven. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it; this helps you remove the blondies easily later on.

Step 2: Prepare Your Apples

Peel and core your apple before slicing it into small chunks. You want about 3/4 to 1 cup of diced apple. Tossing them with cinnamon enhances their flavor, making sure each bite is infused with warmth. Set those aside while we work on the batter!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, additional cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. This step allows all the dry ingredients to blend well together before mixing them into the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and light brown sugar using a whisk until it’s smooth. The goal here is to create a creamy base without pools of melted butter remaining—this helps achieve that fudgy texture we love in blondies!

Step 5: Whisk in Egg and Vanilla

Next up is adding in your egg and vanilla extract. Whisk them into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined; this adds moisture and flavor to our blondies.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Stir the dry mixture into your wet mixture until there are no lumps visible. It’s okay if there are some tiny streaks; over-mixing can make your blondies tough instead of tender.

Step 7: Fold in Cinnamon Apples

Gently fold those cinnamon-coated apple chunks into your batter. This step is important because it ensures every bite has delicious apple goodness mixed throughout.

Step 8: Bake Your Blondies

Spoon your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in that preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye out—the top should look set, and if you test it with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. If you greased the pan instead of lining it, simply slice them right there! Trust me; waiting will be worth it when you take that first bite of warm apple goodness.

Enjoy every soft square of these Apple Blondies—your taste buds will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies

Making the perfect apple blondies is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some pro tips to ensure your blondies turn out wonderfully every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only provide the best flavor but also maintain their texture during baking, adding delightful bites of fruit.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep your blondies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture that isn’t as enjoyable.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your blondies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. You want them set but still moist!
• Let them cool completely: Patience pays off! Allowing your blondies to cool fully will help them firm up and make slicing easier without them falling apart.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on flavor. It can enhance the warm, cozy notes of the cinnamon and nutmeg.

How to Serve Apple Blondies

These apple blondies are not just delicious but also quite versatile when it comes to presentation. Here are some fun ideas to serve and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting gives a lovely aesthetic contrast and makes for an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm blondies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a light and fluffy pairing that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the blondies while adding a burst of color and nutrients.
• Chai tea: The spices in chai tea complement the flavors of the blondies beautifully, making it an excellent beverage choice for serving alongside.

Enjoy these delightful apple blondies at your next gathering or cozy night in—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Blondies are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can easily be made ahead of time, making them a delightful treat whenever you need one.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the blondies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled blondies into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Remove the desired number of blondies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• For a warm treat, microwave each blondie for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 350F (180C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Apple Blondies!

Can I use different types of apples in Apple Blondies?

Yes! While any sweet apple works well, varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp add a wonderful flavor. Just make sure they aren’t too tart!

How should I store Apple Blondies?

Store your Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I make Apple Blondies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I serve with Apple Blondies?

These treats pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also a delightful addition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these scrumptious Apple Blondies! Their soft texture and delightful apple spice flavor truly make them special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these blondies are sure to please. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings! Happy baking!