If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the cozy warmth of fall flavors with the comforting chew of a classic bar dessert, this Apple Blondies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chunks of fresh apples and infused with spice notes like cinnamon and nutmeg, these blondies are rich, buttery, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a satisfying snack, this recipe promises a luscious balance of fruit and sweetness that feels both indulgent and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Blondies Recipe is in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor— from the aromatic spices to the tender apple pieces that keep every bite fresh and vibrant.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb for the blondies.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a slight rise to keep the bars light, not dense.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle depth and cozy aroma.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1/2 cup): Creates a rich, moist base with a luscious buttery flavor.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings caramel undertones and sweetness that blend perfectly with the fruit.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors with its smooth, fragrant notes.
- Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients for a tender yet satisfying texture.
- Medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (2): The star of the recipe, adding moisture, freshness, and bursts of flavor.
How to Make Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. While it warms up, line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your blondies won’t stick, making cleanup easier and the bars easier to lift out.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these ingredients now means every bite has an even, well-rounded spice and texture. It’s the small touches like this that make this Apple Blondies Recipe truly shine.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully incorporated. This mixture forms the rich, buttery foundation that makes these blondies so addictive.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; the slight pockets of flour that remain at this point will disappear once you fold in the apples. This careful mixing ensures your blondies stay tender and chewy, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Taking care not to smash the apple pieces helps maintain the texture that makes biting into these blondies such a joy—soft, sweet, and a little crisp.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Bake
Spoon the thick batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just fantastic.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan. This resting time lets them set perfectly, making slicing into 16 squares a breeze. Once cut, serve up warm or at room temperature—you’re in for a treat every time.
How to Serve Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Top your blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top. These garnishes offer a lovely contrast to the soft, fruity bars.
Side Dishes
Apple blondies are fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a breakfast twist, serve with a warm cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your apple blondies into bite-sized bars and serving them on a dessert platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a stunning presentation. You can also layer small blondie pieces in a parfait glass with Greek yogurt and granola for a deliciously different dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover apple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist texture and fresh apple flavor, so they stay just as delicious as when you first baked them.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or leave at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Reheat your blondies in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300° F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and enhances the comforting aroma of the apples and spices.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala work wonderfully too. Just choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples ensures a smoother texture in your blondies, but if you love the added fiber and slight chew from the skins, feel free to leave them on. Just make sure to wash the apples thoroughly.
Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and deeper flavor, but you can substitute with white granulated sugar. The blondies might be a bit less moist and have a lighter flavor, so consider adding a tiny bit of molasses if you have it.
How do I know when my apple blondies are done baking?
Use the toothpick test; insert a toothpick in the center, and when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your blondies are perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy and tender.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make excellent additions that introduce new textures and flavors. Fold them in with the apples for a personalized twist on the classic Apple Blondies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully heartwarming about baking Apple Blondies Recipe from scratch—the aroma, the texture, and the sweet-spiced apple surprise in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends, indulging in a quiet moment, or looking for a dessert that feels like a hug, this recipe checks all the boxes. I can’t wait for you to try this and make it a cozy staple in your baking rotation!
Print
Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Blondies combine the chewy sweetness of light brown sugar with fresh, tender bits of apple in a spiced, buttery blondie bar. With warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting treat. Baked to golden perfection in an 8×8 pan, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (142 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1 stick or 113 g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch squares
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar until smooth and fully blended, about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing; small pockets of flour are okay as they will blend in when apples are folded in.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing to maintain texture.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Spoon the thick batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the blondies are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Serve as a delicious snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender.
- Make sure the butter is cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg when mixed.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
