Apple Blondies
Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, merging the rich, buttery flavor of these classic treats with the sweet and tart notes of apples and warm spices. The result is a soft, chewy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a cozy dessert after dinner, or a sweet treat at a gathering, these blondies offer comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Apple Blondies is not only easy but also rewarding. They highlight seasonal apples, making them a perfect treat for autumn or whenever you find yourself with a surplus of ripe apples. The combination of brown sugar and apples lends a delightful flavor and moist texture that will keep your taste buds satisfied. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in no time, making them an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
How to Make Apple Blondies
Making your very own Apple Blondies is simple with this straightforward recipe. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious desserts in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (additional)
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang around the sides. Alternatively, lightly grease the pan.
- Peel and core the apple, then slice it into small chunks. You should end up with about 3/4 to 1 cup of sliced apple. Toss the apple chunks with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside. (Do not use more than 1 cup of chopped apple.)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, additional 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until no pools of melted butter remain.
- Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until no lumps or streaks of flour are visible.
- Gently fold the cinnamon apples into the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely. When ready to slice, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. If you greased the pan, slice the blondies in the pan.
How to Serve Apple Blondies
Apple Blondies can be served warm or at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm flavors. You could also dust them with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
How to Store Apple Blondies
To keep your Apple Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3-4 days this way. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they should stay good for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them—wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Apple Blondies
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour, as this can result in denser blondies.
- For added texture and flavor, consider folding in nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- If you enjoy a bit of extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the blondies before serving.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the apple for other fruits like pears or even add chocolate chips for a richer dessert. If you enjoy spices, try incorporating a pinch of ginger or a bit of allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any firm apple variety you like. Avoid overly soft apples as they can become mushy during baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
The blondies are done when the top looks set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 piece apple Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon For apple mixture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Plus 2 tablespoons (for a total of 141 grams).
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Additional for the batter.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted (112 grams).
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar Packed (156 grams).
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, or lightly grease the pan.
- Peel and core the apple, then slice it into small chunks, yielding about 3/4 to 1 cup. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until no pools of butter remain.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and whisk until combined.
- Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined without lumps.
- Gently fold the cinnamon apples into the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing.
