If you’re searching for a comforting and uniquely delightful dessert, these Apple Blondies are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the tender chewiness of classic blondies with the fresh, bright flavor of tart apples and a warm hint of cinnamon, this recipe offers a blissful twist that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, Apple Blondies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and fruity freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Blondies come together with a handful of common pantry ingredients and fresh apples, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of melted butter to the tenderizing effect of cinnamon, every item here is thoughtfully chosen to create a balanced, moist, and irresistibly flavorful bar.

3/4 cup butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture to keep the blondies soft and luscious.
1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement the apples beautifully.
1 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and enhances the blondie’s tender crumb.
3 eggs: Acts as the binding agent for structure and adds richness.
3 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice that harmonizes perfectly with the apples.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being cloying.
3 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the blondies rise just enough for a tender texture.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy canvas that holds everything together beautifully.
3 cups apples, diced: Tart baking apples like Granny Smith add freshness and natural moisture.
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you choose to include them.
1 Tablespoon white sugar: Used for topping to create a sweet, slightly crispy crust.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top with sugar for an aromatic finishing touch.

How to Make Apple Blondies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking. Taking this simple first step makes the whole baking process smoother and your blondies easier to remove.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination forms a rich, caramel-like base that’s essential to the moist texture and flavor that define fantastic Apple Blondies.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Spices

Crack in the eggs, then pour in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mixing these in thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavor and provides the necessary lift in the blondies, giving them the perfect balance between chewy and tender.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing well after each addition. The batter will become thick, which is completely normal at this stage. This thickness is what helps the blondies hold their shape once baked, giving them their signature chewiness.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts

Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts if using. The fruit adds delightful bursts of tart juiciness, while the nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Once mixed in, the batter will loosen slightly, taking on more of a brownie-like consistency that’s easy to spread in the pan.

Step 6: Spread Batter and Add Topping

Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the remaining tablespoon of white sugar with the 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle this over the batter. This topping bakes into a beautifully sweet, slightly crunchy crust that adds texture and a hint of spice.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Apple Blondies in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan to set before slicing. This step is key for clean, gorgeous bars.

How to Serve Apple Blondies

Garnishes

Serving Apple Blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream instantly turns them into a decadent dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for an elegant touch that brightens the flavors and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These blondies stand beautifully on their own but pairing them with a cup of warm spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee creates a cozy, comforting snack. For brunch, consider serving alongside cinnamon-spiced yogurt or fresh fruit for a complete, satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try cutting Apple Blondies into bite-sized cubes and serving them on skewers with apple slices and marshmallows for a fun, interactive treat. Alternatively, sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two blondies for a luscious twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting, making them even more delicious when enjoyed the next day.

Freezing

Apple Blondies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for advance prep. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months—great for spontaneous cravings!

Reheating

To enjoy frozen Apple Blondies, thaw at room temperature and warm them gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for crisp edges and a soft center. Reheating revives their freshly baked appeal, especially when paired with ice cream or cream.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal to balance the sweetness, you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just keep in mind the sweetness level and water content, which may slightly affect texture.

Are walnuts necessary in the recipe?

Walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but they are totally optional. Feel free to omit them or substitute with pecans or almonds if you prefer or have allergies to consider.

Can I make Apple Blondies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust moisture slightly, but the apples help keep the bars moist and delicious.

How should I tell when the blondies are fully baked?

Look for golden edges and a firm top. Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures the blondies are cooked through but remain chewy.

Can I substitute apples with another fruit?

While apples bring a unique texture and flavor, you could experiment with pears or even dried cherries. Just be mindful of differences in moisture and sweetness to keep the balance right.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about Apple Blondies; they manage to be both familiar and refreshingly different. Their tender, cinnamon-kissed crumb studded with bright apples will quickly become a must-bake favorite in your household. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a wonderful way to bring a little extra warmth and joy to any day. Happy baking!

Apple Blondies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously moist and flavorful Apple Blondies featuring tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla in a rich buttery batter, perfect as a dessert or snack, with optional crunchy walnuts for added texture.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
Prepare Pan: Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, packed brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly. The batter will be thick at this stage, which is expected.
Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and optional chopped walnuts. The batter will start to thin, resembling brownie batter consistency.
Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon white sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the blondies have set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve alone or with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

For best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor; pecans can be substituted.
Do not overbake; the blondies should be moist and chewy, not dry.
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements the warm cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 16 pieces)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple blondies, cinnamon blondies, apple dessert bars, fall dessert, apple walnut blondies, easy baking recipe