If you’re looking for a cozy treat that combines the warmth of fall spices with a sweet, chewy bite, this Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe is absolutely perfect. These blondies are packed with tender apple chunks and cinnamon, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every square.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The combination of apple and cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: All common pantry essentials come together in a straightforward way to create something so special.
- Chewy & Moist Texture: Tender apples keep these blondies moist, while the light crumb adds a delightful chew.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday treat or a weekend gathering, these blondies always fit the bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role. From the fragrant cinnamon that dances with the sweet apple chunks to the brown sugar that brings depth and a touch of caramel flavor, you’re going to love how they work together.
- Apple: Use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tang.
- Cinnamon: Divided into two portions, this spice is essential for that warm, spicy note.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without overwhelming the tender crumb of the blondies.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and warming aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight lift, keeping the blondies soft and tender.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor overall.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to blend beautifully with the sugar for a rich base.
- Light brown sugar: Packed for moisture and its subtle molasses flavor that complements the apple.
- Large egg: Binds the batter for that perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you have dietary preferences or just want to add your personal twist, these variations will keep this recipe exciting and tailored just for you.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep these blondies accessible without sacrificing texture.
- Add Nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apple and cinnamon.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth and fall-inspired spice complexity.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and dairy-free butter substitute to make these blondies vegan-friendly and just as delicious.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apple
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apple into small chunks—aim for about 3/4 to 1 cup. Toss these pieces with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to coat them evenly. This step infuses the apples with cinnamon flavor and makes sure every bite is bursting with that iconic apple-cinnamon cheer!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. These will be the body and subtle spice undertones of your blondies, so get them combined and ready to mingle with the buttery mixture.
Step 3: Whisk Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, mix your melted butter and light brown sugar, whisking until smooth and uniform with no puddles of butter left. The sugar dissolving into the butter is key for a moist, rich texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is silky and well incorporated. This helps keep the blondies soft and adds that familiar vanilla warmth that complements the apples and cinnamon so beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you no longer see any streaks of flour. Then, carefully fold in the cinnamon-coated apples so they’re evenly distributed without breaking up too much. This step balances texture and flavor perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a prepared 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper or greased lightly, smoothing it out evenly. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 22-25 minutes, until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely before cutting into those luscious squares!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe
- Use Fresh Apples: For the juiciest and most flavorful blondies, always use fresh, crisp apples rather than canned or pre-cut.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold the flour and apples in gently to avoid tough blondies and keep that tender, soft texture.
- Watch Your Oven: Baking times can vary, so start checking at 22 minutes to prevent overbaking dry blondies.
- Cool Completely: Let your blondies cool fully before slicing so that they cut cleanly and hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of caramel sauce over your blondies for a little extra sweetness and presentation flair. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates them instantly for a perfect treat.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even spiced apple cider to complement the apple cinnamon notes wonderfully. Fresh fruit or a light salad can balance the richness if you’re enjoying them as part of a dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the blondies into rustic, uneven shapes for a charming homemade look or use mini cookie cutters for bite-sized treats perfect for parties. Layer them in a dessert jar with whipped cream and apple compote for an elegant parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful perfectly well without refrigeration if your kitchen isn’t too warm.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies for longer storage by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat blondies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven wrapped loosely in foil for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the soft texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balanced flavor and texture, you can substitute with Fuji or Gala if you prefer a sweeter blondie. Just cut the apple into small pieces to ensure even distribution.
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How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
The blondies are ready when the top looks set without wobbling, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.
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Can I make these blondies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
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What’s the best way to cut blondies without them crumbling?
The key is to let the blondies cool completely in the pan. Then use a sharp knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, lift the whole block out first before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe is truly a delightful way to bring comfort and sweetness to your kitchen. Easy to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing, I hope it becomes one of your go-to treats whenever you want a little slice of happiness.
PrintApple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe
Deliciously soft and chewy Apple Blondies featuring warm cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a buttery brown sugar batter. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, these blondies combine the flavors of fall with a tender cake-like texture, yielding nine large squares that satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 9 large squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced into small chunks (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (divided as 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams), melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (156 grams), packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan if you prefer.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apple, then slice it into small chunks, aiming for about 3/4 to 1 cup. Toss the apple slices with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to evenly coat them. Set aside, but be careful not to exceed 1 cup of chopped apple.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until thoroughly combined with no visible pools of butter. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Batter: Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture. Stir gently until there are no lumps or streaks of flour remaining, forming a smooth batter.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apple chunks into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Prepare to Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the top appears set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. If you used parchment paper, lift the blondies out using the overhang and transfer to a cutting board before slicing into 9 large squares. If the pan was greased, slice the blondies directly in the pan.
Notes
- Do not use more than 1 cup of chopped apple to maintain the right batter consistency.
- Ensure the melted butter and brown sugar are well combined to prevent greasy blondies.
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and clean slicing.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check doneness with a toothpick test starting at 22 minutes.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
