Cinnamon Apple Blondies are like a cross between a cookie bar and a spice cake-rich, fudgy, and chewy. A simple recipe that is bursting with the flavors of fresh crisp apples and warm cinnamon. These apple brownies are simply irresistible and make the perfect fall treat for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Why you'll love this apple cinnamon blondies recipe
A cross between a cookie bar, a chewy brownie, and a spice cake. They're dense, chewy, and bursting with chunks of apples and warm cinnamon spice.
Fall flavor of fresh apples. It brings the warm and yummy flavors of the season into your home.
It's like a Caramel Apple in brownie form. A fudgy brownie consistency that's bursting with apple flavor, warm notes of cinnamon, and little chewy bits of sweet caramel.
Easy to make. Just a handful of simple ingredients. No need for a fancy glaze as they are sweet and flavorful just as they are!
Ingredients: simple goodness!
This apple blondie recipe comes together with basic pantry staples and a couple of fresh ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to give the blondies a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, which pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apples.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the blondies their chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our blondies which gives them structure without making them too dense.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch to help the blondies rise slightly.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg: The classic spices that make these blondies so warm and comforting. Opt for apple pie spice if you have it on hand.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Apples: Peeled, diced apples bring moisture, sweetness, and a little tartness. Any variety works, but I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their flavor and texture.
- Caramel Chips: Give these brownies extra richness and a bit of chewiness which is a nice contrast to the soft blondies. Caramel Bits work as well but they should be softened slightly prior to adding to batter.
How to make apple blondies
Making these blondies is quick and easy-no need for a mixer, although you can use one, or any other special equipment. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious batch of blondies in no time!
- Place melted butter and brown sugar into a medium bowl.
- Whisk until combined. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, and spices to wet ingredients.
- Stir until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped apples and chopped caramel bits, if using.
- The batter will be thick.
- Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with cooking spray. Scoop the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack at least 2 hours before cutting. I like to refrigerate mine as it is easier to make clean cuts.
These apple bars are a rich afternoon snack and the perfect fall dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy!
Recipe tips: Get the best results every time!
Don't Overmix the Batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to keep the blondies soft and tender.
Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples give the best texture and flavor. Avoid using pre-sliced apples as they can be too wet and may make the batter too runny.
Cool Before Cutting: Patience is key! Let the blondies cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape and don't crumble.
Refrigerate for Cleaner Cuts: If you want perfectly neat squares, refrigerate the blondies for about an hour before cutting.
Recipe Variations: Make These Blondies Your Own!
Toppings: A cinnamon glaze is delicious, but you can also try a cinnamon buttercream frosting, maple cream cheese frosting, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If using frosting, be sure to spread it on the blondies before cutting them into squares.
Crunchy Nuts: Add pecans, walnuts, or almonds to give these blondies a nice crunch.
Add a Little Extra Spice: If you love spice, try adding a pinch of cloves to the batter for an extra kick.
Apple Variety: Any apple variety works, but if you want a little tartness, go for Granny Smith or Pink Lady. Fuji, Gala, or Honey crisp apples will make the blondies sweeter.
Serving suggestions: Perfect pairings for these blondies
These blondies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Warm with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm blondie and cold ice cream is heavenly!
With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These blondies make a perfect snack or breakfast treat. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy, satisfying combo.
Holiday Dessert Table: These blondies are a great addition to any holiday dessert spread. They're easy to transport and always a hit with friends and family.
How to store and reheat leftovers
These blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will be very soft and gooey. If you keep them in the refrigerator, my preferred choice, they will have a firmer texture and keep for up to a week.
To freeze, simply let them cool completely, cut them into squares, and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm and gooey blondies.
More apple recipes
- Air Fryer Apples
- Apple Bundt Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- Apple Dumplings
- Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bread
- French Apple Pie
Find lots of easy recipes for desserts right here on 2CM!
Cinnamon Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Blondies
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (can opt for 1 ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice instead of spices given)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 medium to large apple (diced into ¼" chunks (peeled)
- ½ cup caramel chips or chopped caramel bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the parchment paper overlap the edges to make it easier to lift out. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray; set aside.
- Melt the butter in the microwave. Add the brown sugar and whisk until combined.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until mixed. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies in the pan for about 2 hours before cutting. Cut into 16 squares.
- TIP: To make them easier to cut, refrigerate them for an hour or so.
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