I absolutely love this Apple Blondies Recipe because it brings that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and just a hint of warming spice—all packed into one delicious square. When I first tried making apple blondies, I was amazed at how the tender apple pieces keep the bars moist and fresh, giving them a flavor that feels both cozy and refreshing. You’ll find these blondies work wonderfully as an afternoon treat or a comforting dessert anytime, especially during fall when apples are at their best.
What makes this Apple Blondies Recipe truly special is its simplicity and how quickly it comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients. Plus, the tender chunks of apple add such a lovely texture that makes every bite interesting—you won’t just taste the usual sweetness but also that fresh fruity zing. Trust me, your family will go crazy for these, and you’ll love how easy they are to customize and store for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in under 35 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Moist & Flavorful: The apples keep the blondies moist and add a fresh dimension to the flavor profile.
- Easy to Customize: Swap apple varieties or spices to match your taste or the season.
- Family Favorite: These blondies disappear fast at my house, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients blend perfectly to bring you the classic, moist, and tender texture you’re after in an apple blondie. When shopping, I recommend fresh apples that are firm, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well during baking and add just the right touch of tartness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure; measuring carefully ensures perfect texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds warming spice to complement the apples.
- Nutmeg: Gives just a subtle earthiness and depth.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled to mix easily—this is where the rich, buttery flavor shines.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor for depth.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with its warm, fragrant sweetness.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Apples: Peeled, cored, and diced; fresh apples bring that signature fresh fruit bite.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Apple Blondies Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the kitchen. It’s so flexible—you can easily swap in a few ingredients without losing that cozy, moist texture you and your loved ones expect.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger really amps up the warmth for chilly days—my family especially loves this twist around the holidays.
- Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch; I often do this when I want a bit of texture contrast.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—you’ll get nearly the same tender texture without the gluten.
- Apple Varieties: Try Fuji or Gala for a sweeter blondie, or Braeburn for a nice balance.
How to Make Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This step is a lifesaver because the parchment makes it so easy to lift out the blondies when they’re done—no crumbling, no mess!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, so every bite has that subtle warmth and rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly lightened in color. Adding the egg and vanilla next, beat them in until just incorporated. This step helps build a soft, velvety batter, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with Apples
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently just until combined—don’t overmix here; a few pockets of flour are okay! Then fold in the chopped apples, which will naturally moisten the batter and give your blondies that signature fruity texture.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Transfer your batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top gently; it will be a bit thick, and that’s perfect. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool fully in the pan before cutting into squares—this keeps them from falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: I always go with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp since they hold their shape and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing makes the blondies dense; gentle folding preserves a tender crumb with pockets of fluffy texture.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan this way is my best time-saver; no sticky blondies and super easy cleanup.
- Watch the Baking Time: Start checking at 25 minutes because overbaking dries them out—look for a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
How to Serve Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top right after they’ve cooled to add a touch of elegance and sweetness. Sometimes, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream transforms these blondies into a dessert fit for guests. For a cozy touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm blondies is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
I like pairing these blondies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, they go surprisingly well with a side of Greek yogurt and honey or even alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. These blondies stand out as a sweet note that complements savory dishes like roasted pork or chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve had friends over, I’ve served apple blondies on wooden boards with assorted fresh apple slices, a small bowl of caramel for dipping, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts around the plate. Candied ginger or a cinnamon stick on the side adds a festive touch. You can also cut them into mini squares and serve as bite-sized treats at parties or bake them in cute muffin tins for individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly moist for up to 5 days. If you leave them out uncovered, they tend to dry out quickly, so sealing is key. My family often enjoys them as a grab-and-go snack during the week.
Freezing
Freezing works great with this Apple Blondies Recipe! I slice them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a blondie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and warm softness, almost like they were just pulled from the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of apple in this Apple Blondies Recipe?
Yes, you can, but I recommend firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their texture well during baking and offer a great balance of sweet and tart flavors. Softer apples might turn mushy and affect the blondie’s texture.
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How do I avoid dry apple blondies?
Don’t overbake! Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Also, folding in fresh apples adds moisture, so be gentle when mixing so you don’t break them down too much. Storing in an airtight container keeps them from drying out after baking.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum included for the best texture. The blondies will still be tender and delicious.
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How should I store leftover apple blondies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped squares and thaw when ready to enjoy.
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Can I substitute brown sugar with something else?
You can use coconut sugar or white granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor that really boosts this Apple Blondies Recipe. If using white sugar, expect a slightly less rich, drier outcome.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Blondies Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts when I want something homey and satisfying without a fuss. I love how the tender apples add a natural sweetness and moisture that keeps each bite delightful. If you’re craving something that’s easy to make, a little different from the usual brownies, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing, give this a try—you won’t be disappointed, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your household too!
PrintApple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully moist and flavorful apple blondies made with tender apple chunks, warm spices, and a buttery brown sugar base. These easy-to-make blondies are perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup 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
Fruits
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch squares
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures the spices and leavener are well distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar for about 2 minutes until well blended. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently and just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender. Small pockets of flour remaining are acceptable.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring they are cooked through but moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy this spiced apple treat!
Notes
- For best results, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, which hold their texture and flavor well during baking.
- When mixing in the flour, it’s okay to leave small pockets of flour as these disappear when the apples are folded in.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg