How to Make Delicious Apple Blondies: A Sweet and Spiced Fall Treat

Make the ultimate spiced fall treat of delicious apple blondies. These are a fun and different way to enjoy fall apple goodness.

Apple blondies are a rich, buttery dessert with warm fall flavors. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy blondie loaded with spiced apples and topped with a maple glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering, a special occasion, or simply for a sweet snack at home, these apple blondies are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to make apple blondies, share tips for variations, answer common questions, and offer storage and make-ahead options. With this detailed recipe, you’ll have no trouble creating these delicious bars that celebrate the best flavors of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Perfect Fall Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, these apple blondies are it. The combination of browned butter, apple butter, and fresh diced apples creates a deep, rich flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy touch, making every bite taste like autumn.

Plus, the addition of the maple glaze elevates these blondies to a whole new level of indulgence. They’re a crowd-pleaser at any fall event, from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dinners.

Easy and Quick to Make
These apple blondies may taste gourmet, but they’re incredibly simple to whip up. With just 20 minutes of prep time and basic pantry staples, you’ll have them baking in the oven in no time. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Even the glaze, which adds a delightful finishing touch, comes together quickly with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients for Apple Blondies

To make these scrumptious apple blondies, gather the following ingredients:

For the blondies:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup apple butter (So easy to make with this recipe but will need to be mad ein advance)
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 medium apples, diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala recommended)

For the glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Apple Blondies

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later. Set the pan aside.

2. Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook the butter until it begins to brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the butter to cool for about 10 minutes.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter has cooled slightly, stir in ¾ cup of apple butter and 1 cup of the brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

5. Prepare the Apples

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Ensure the apples are well-coated in the mixture.

6. Assemble and Bake

Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the apple mixture over the top of the batter, making sure the apples are evenly distributed. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are just starting to brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Make the Glaze

While the blondies cool, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook until the butter begins to brown, then remove from heat. Whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

8. Drizzle and Set

Once the blondies have cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the blondies into squares and serving.

Places to Take or Use These Apple Blondies

Apple blondies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings:

• Fall Gatherings: Bring a batch of apple blondies to a fall-themed party, pumpkin carving event, or Thanksgiving feast. They make for a fantastic dessert that fits perfectly with the season’s flavors.
• Bake Sales or Potlucks: These blondies are easy to transport and serve, making them an ideal treat for bake sales, potlucks, or church events.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy apple blondies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also a great after-school snack for kids.

Variations for the Apple Blondies Recipe

Want to mix things up and put your own twist on this apple blondie recipe? Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Pecan Apple Blondies: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the blondie batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the apples and spices.
2. Caramel Apple Blondies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the blondies after they come out of the oven for an extra layer of sweetness. You can also stir some caramel bits into the batter before baking.
3. Gluten-Free Apple Blondies: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour for best results.
4. Apple Cranberry Blondies: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the apples and maple glaze.

Can These Blondies Be Stored or Made Ahead?

Yes, these blondies can easily be made ahead and stored for later. Here’s how:

• Storage: Once the blondies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
• Freezing: Apple blondies freeze well. After baking, allow the blondies to cool completely, then cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.
• Make-Ahead: If you’re prepping for a busy event, you can make the blondies a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add the glaze right before serving for the freshest taste.

Common Questions About Apple Blondies

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer, though Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness. If you like a sweeter blondie, opt for a sweeter apple variety like Fuji or Pink Lady.

Do I have to peel the apples before adding them to the blondies?
Peeling the apples is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture in your blondies, peel the apples before dicing them. If you don’t mind a bit of texture, you can leave the skins on for added fiber.

Can I make these blondies without the glaze?
Yes, the blondies are delicious on their own, but the maple glaze adds a lovely finishing touch. If you prefer to skip the glaze, you can dust the cooled blondies with powdered sugar for a simpler, yet equally tasty, presentation.

Can I substitute apple butter in the blondies?
Apple butter adds a concentrated apple flavor and moisture to the blondies. While you can substitute applesauce, keep in mind that applesauce has a higher water content and may result in a slightly less dense texture.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Apple blondies are the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall season. They’re packed with apple flavor, warm spices, and topped with a delicious maple glaze that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just for a sweet treat at home, these blondies are sure to be a hit.

Now that you know how to make these delightful apple blondies, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the comforting aromas of apples and cinnamon fill your kitchen. If you try this recipe, be sure to share your experience and let us know how you liked it. And don’t forget to check out our other fall-inspired recipes for more delicious ideas!

More Fall Apple Recipes to Try:

• Apple Crumble Pie
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Caramel Apple Cookies
• Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread
• Air Fryer Apple Bites

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