If you love cozy, sweet treats that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Blondies Recipe. Perfectly soft and chewy with tender chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and a delightful crunch from walnuts, these blondies blend comforting autumn flavors with a buttery, caramel-kissed base. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a casual afternoon snack, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of these apple blondies. The combination of melted butter and sugars gives them incredible moistness and sweetness, while cinnamon adds that essential hint of spice. Fresh apples and crunchy walnuts bring a lovely contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and moistness to the blondies’ base.
- 1 ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel flavor and tenderness.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the blondies’ structure.
- 3 large eggs (room temp): Bind everything together while keeping the texture soft.
- 3 teaspoons vanilla: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a subtle spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the blondies just enough for a tender crumb.
- 3 cups flour: The sturdy foundation that holds the blondies together.
- 3 cups apples (Granny Smith, diced): Adds fresh tartness and moisture that pairs beautifully with the sweet batter.
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to each bite.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: For sprinkling on top, creating a lightly sweet crust.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with the sugar to enhance the topping’s flavor.
- Baking spray: Ensures easy removal from the pan without sticking.
How to Make Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with baking spray. Dice the Granny Smith apples into small, even pieces to ensure they bake evenly inside the blondies. Chop the walnuts if they aren’t pre-chopped. Having everything prepped upfront makes the batter come together smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until glossy and combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a silky texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will lend a sweet warmth that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. This helps keep any lumps at bay and ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your blondies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently but thoroughly until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Now, carefully fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. These mix-ins add moisture, texture, and bursts of flavor that make these blondies truly special. Be gentle so you don’t crush the apples but ensure they get evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Transfer and Sprinkle Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of white sugar with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This sweet and spicy topping will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the blondies in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown but the center tender. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to keep their structure intact.
How to Serve Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your apple blondies, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the perfect finishing touch, especially when serving warm blondies.
Side Dishes
Apple blondies are fantastic on their own, but they also shine with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more festive dessert spread, pair them with spiced cider or even a tart fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve apple blondies as mini squares on a dessert platter with sprigs of fresh mint for color. You can also layer them in a trifle with cinnamon-spiced custard and whipped cream, turning this humble treat into an impressive showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple blondies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more, making your second-day blondies especially delicious and moist.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these blondies later, slice them into squares and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw your apple blondies at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer a crispier edge, pop them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the fresh-baked feel anytime you want!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in the Apple Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, making them ideal for baking, but you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, softer texture. Just keep the dice size consistent for even baking.
Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds extra texture, nutrients, and a bit of color contrast, but if you prefer a smoother bite, peeling the apples works fine too.
Can I substitute nuts or omit them altogether?
Yes, walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor but feel free to swap them with pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. If you have nut allergies, simply omit the nuts; the blondies will still be deliciously tender.
Is this Apple Blondies Recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends—just be mindful that the texture might change slightly.
How sweet are these blondies? Can I reduce the sugar?
These blondies strike a nice balance of sweetness complemented by the tart apples. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the white sugar slightly, but keep the brown sugar as it contributes moisture and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Apple Blondies Recipe. It wraps up all the best parts of fall into one cozy, chewy, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. I hope you’ll try baking these soon and share the joy—they’re perfect for holidays, casual get-togethers, or just when you need a little homemade magic in your day.
Print
Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Apple Blondies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples and the crunch of walnuts. These moist, chewy blondies are perfect for a fall dessert or a sweet snack any time of year.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples, diced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Topping
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Baking spray for greasing pan
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray to ensure the blondies don’t stick.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and white sugar. Stir well until smooth and blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples and chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of white sugar with the ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to make a cinnamon sugar topping.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 20 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a nice tart contrast that complements the sweet blondies.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to mix more evenly.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
- Store blondies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you use a different size pan.
