Apple Blondies Recipe

I’ve got to tell you about this Apple Blondies Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want a cozy, comforting dessert with a bit of a twist. What makes these blondies truly special is the way the tender apple chunks bake right into the batter, giving each square a juicy burst of fresh fruit amidst the chewy, buttery base. If you love the flavor of classic blondies but want something a little different, this is exactly the recipe you need.

Honestly, I turn to this Apple Blondies Recipe year-round, but especially in the fall when apples are at their peak. You’ll find that it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fruity, and makes for an incredible snack or treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, it’s pretty straightforward to make — so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll feel confident giving it a try.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Apple Blondies Recipe come together for a simple but flavorful dessert, where warm spices and fresh apples shine. Be sure to pick apples that hold up well during baking to keep that nice texture without turning mushy.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure; sift if you want a lighter texture.
• Baking powder: Helps your blondies rise just enough for a nice chew without being cakey.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with apples.
• Nutmeg: Just a touch to deepen the spice profile, but don’t overdo it.
• Unsalted butter: Use melted and cooled for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Gives the blondies that caramel-like taste and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings everything together with subtle sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they keep their shape and have the right balance of tart and sweet.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Apple Blondies Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up to match your taste or dietary needs. I often tweak the spices or add mix-ins that my family enjoys.

• Nut-free version: Simply omit nutmeg or replace with extra cinnamon if you want to avoid any nuts or similar spices.
• Swapped fruit: I’ve tried diced pears or even diced dried cranberries instead of apples for a different flavor note — both work wonderfully.
• Adding nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch; my family loves this textural addition.
• Gluten-free twist: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; just keep an eye on the texture as some blends absorb more moisture.

How to Make Apple Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper — this little step makes sure the blondies come out cleanly and you don’t have to worry about sticky edges. Plus, having the parchment hanging over the sides makes lifting the whole block out super simple for cutting.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps distribute all those spices nicely and prevents clumps, which is key for even flavor.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

Now grab a large bowl and whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar until it’s smooth and well blended — about 2 minutes should do it. Add in the vanilla extract and your room temperature egg, then mix everything until it’s incorporated. You’ll notice the batter starts looking glossy here, which is a good sign.

Step 4: Bring it all together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir gently until just combined. Don’t sweat it if you see a few patches of flour here and there — I discovered this trick keeps the blondies tender instead of overworked and tough. Next, fold in those quarter-inch diced apples until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Scrape your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top (the batter will be a bit thick, that’s normal). Bake for 25 to 28 minutes — start checking around 25 to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Once done, let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

How to Serve Apple Blondies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple when serving these—sometimes just dusting a little powdered sugar on top is enough to add a pretty touch and a hint of extra sweetness. On special occasions, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream really elevates the flavor without overpowering the apples.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of warm apple cider to keep that cozy vibe going. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a mug of cinnamon-spiced tea or even a creamy latte for a breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, I like to cut these blondies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of caramel for dipping. It turns a simple dessert into a fun finger food that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple blondies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I usually keep mine on the kitchen counter wrapped tightly, and they stay just as moist and flavorful as the day I baked them.

Freezing

These blondies freeze really well! I highly recommend freezing any extras by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and then placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready for a quick treat, thaw the blondies on the counter or gently warm them in the microwave.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your apple blondies warm, I reheat single squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. That melty, soft texture is just like fresh from the oven, and it brings out the buttery, apple flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Blondies Recipe turns out every time — it feels like a little slice of fall comfort you can enjoy any time of year. Sharing these with friends and family always brings smiles, and I think you’ll experience the same joy when you bake them yourself. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for a sweet treat with a fruity twist.

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