Apple Blondies Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Blondies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between a classic blondie and a fruity surprise. The chopped apples add a subtle moistness and natural sweetness that lifts this treat beyond your usual dessert bar. Whenever I bring these to a gathering, people are always asking for seconds — and honestly, I can’t blame them!

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully as an afternoon snack or a cozy dessert after dinner. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients — just a few pantry staples and some fresh apples will do the trick.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to create a delicious batch of Apple Blondies.
  • Moist & Fruity Texture: The addition of real apples keeps these blondies tender and flavorful every time.
  • Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s for a family dessert or a potluck, these blondies always impress without fuss.
  • Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Blondies come together with a handful of ingredients that work well to create that rich, buttery base alongside cozy fall spices and fresh apples. Here’s what to look for when shopping.

  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of your blondies — opt for good quality for better texture.
  • Baking powder: Helps give a slight lift without making the blondies cakey.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
  • Cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives a lovely depth to the spice mix.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, so it mixes smoothly without cooking the eggs.
  • Light brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
  • Egg: Room temperature eggs blend better and add structure.
  • Apples: Peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Apple Blondies Recipe versatile by playing around with add-ins and tweaks depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the joy of baking!

  • Add Nuts: I often throw in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch, which adds a lovely contrast to the soft apples.
  • Spice it Up: Try extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of ground ginger if you want a spicier, more autumnal flavor.
  • Healthier Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat or oat flour. The texture changes a bit but still delicious.
  • Apple Variety Swap: Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Fuji creates a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. I always make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides a bit so I can easily lift the blondies out when they’re done. This little trick saves you from wrestling with sticky, crumbly bars later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, so you get a consistent flavor in every bite. Put this aside for a moment while you tackle the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the packed brown sugar for about 2 minutes until well combined — this helps dissolve the sugar a bit and creates a silky texture. Then add in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract and whisk again until smooth and glossy. This step is key for blondies that are nicely textured and rich.

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; leaving a few pockets of flour is fine because the apples you fold in will soften everything out. Speaking of which, gently fold in your diced apples at this stage to keep their shape and texture in the final bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 28 minutes. The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares — it makes cutting cleaner and keeps everything together.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: I learned that adding cold eggs can cause the butter to seize up, which affects the batter texture.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few flour streaks are okay because overmixing leads to tough blondies, and apples will soften the texture anyway.
  • Choose the Right Apples: I always stick to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their bite and add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness.
  • Cool Completely Before Cutting: This step helped me avoid crumbly bars and keeps your blondies looking neat and pretty.

How to Serve Apple Blondies Recipe

A white marbled surface holds a set of 16 square cake pieces arranged in a 4 by 4 grid on a white parchment paper, with one piece separated from the grid and placed slightly lower left. Each piece has a golden brown top that looks soft with small textured cracks and light spots of white inside, indicating bits of fruit or nuts. Below the cakes at the lower left corner is a round apple with red and yellow skin. Near the apple is a light gray striped cloth casually placed on the surface. The whole setting is bright and simple with soft, natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these apple blondies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look. Sometimes I drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for a touch of indulgence — it pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this into an instant dessert party!

Side Dishes

These blondies are fantastic on their own but also go well alongside a fresh cup of tea or coffee. For a brunch spread, I’ve paired them with a sharp cheddar cheese platter, which surprisingly balances the sweet flavors nicely. They’re also a hit with apple cider or a warm chai latte for cooler days.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or family gatherings, I like to cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary. Another fun idea is to stack them like little brownie towers and stick a cinnamon stick in each for a festive touch. It always gets compliments and boosts the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover apple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. If you’re keeping them longer, I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep them looking fresh.

Freezing

Freezing these blondies is a great option if you want to prep ahead. I slice them first, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked texture, I reheat leftover blondies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This helps bring back a bit of that melty butter feeling without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute the apples with other fruits in this Apple Blondies Recipe?

    Definitely! While apples are classic and hold up well during baking, you can try pears or firm peaches for a similar texture and sweetness. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces and consider the moisture content, as juicier fruits might make the batter wetter and affect baking time.

  2. What is the best type of apple to use for apple blondies?

    From my experience, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the best choices. They hold their shape wonderfully and have a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the rich blondie base without turning mushy.

  3. How can I make these blondies gluten-free?

    You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ideally one that’s designed to replace wheat flour one-for-one. Keep an eye on the texture, as some blends absorb liquid differently—adding a little extra moisture or adjusting baking time may be helpful.

  4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

    Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the kosher salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the blondies. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning, but salted butter works fine in a pinch.

  5. How do I know when the apple blondies are perfectly baked?

    The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies moist and tender with that soft apple texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Blondies Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it brings together the warmth of fall flavors and the comfort of a classic blondie in such a simple, delightful way. I hope when you try it, you experience the same joy my family and I do every time — there’s just something so satisfying about biting into those tender, apple-studded squares. So go ahead, grab some apples, and get baking; I promise you’ll want to make these again and again!

Print
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Apple Blondies Recipe

Apple Blondies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Blondies, a perfect balance of tender cake and fruity apple chunks. Made with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened with brown sugar, these blondies offer a cozy treat ideal for autumn or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Easy to prepare and bake, they feature fresh diced apples for a naturally sweet and juicy twist on a classic blondie.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups 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
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch squares

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if small pockets of flour remain as these will disappear once the apples are folded in.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without crushing them, to keep the texture in your blondies.
  6. Transfer to Pan and Bake: Spoon the thick batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the blondies are cooked through.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Serve as a delicious snack or dessert.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples as they hold their texture and flavor well when baked.
  • When mixing the flour into the wet ingredients, some pockets of flour may remain – this is normal and they will disappear when you fold in the apples.
  • Store the 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

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