Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe marries two fan favorites: apple pie and blondies. The addition of tart apples adds a fresh, fruity twist, while the rich brown sugar and cinnamon give the bars their signature warmth and sweetness. Topped with vanilla ice cream, these blondies offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and ideal for gatherings or an afternoon snack, these Apple Blondies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
3 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups apples, diced (a tart baking apple like Granny Smith works best)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 Tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Blondies

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar.
Add eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to the mixture, and mix well.
Gradually add in the flour and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
Stir in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if desired). The batter should loosen to a more brownie-like consistency.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the blondies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into bars and enjoy on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16-20 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Apple and Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the blondies for a rich, gooey twist.
Nut-Free Version: If you prefer nut-free blondies, simply omit the walnuts for a smooth, apple-packed dessert.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.
Coconut: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the apples and cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: You can enjoy the blondies cold, or warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. A scoop of ice cream is a great addition when reheating!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, but Granny Smith apples tend to work best for their firmness and tart flavor.

Can I freeze these Apple Blondies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the blondies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

Yes! You can mix in other fruits like pears or cranberries, but remember to adjust the amount based on the size and juiciness of the fruit.

Are these blondies very sweet?

The balance of brown sugar and white sugar gives them the perfect level of sweetness, but if you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the white sugar by 1/4 cup.

Can I make these gluten-free?

To make these Apple Blondies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute.

How can I make these bars more gooey?

For a gooier texture, slightly underbake them, checking the center with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark. It should come out a little sticky for that soft, chewy center.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you do, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to avoid making the bars too salty.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes! You can easily halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish if you’d prefer a smaller batch.

How do I know when the blondies are done?

The top will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

Can I top these with something else besides ice cream?

Sure! Whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be great alternatives.

Conclusion

These Apple Blondies are the perfect combination of tender, apple-filled bars with a spiced cinnamon flavor that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Apple Blondies

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These Apple Blondies are a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Combining the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the soft, chewy texture of blondies, these bars are topped with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate treat. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or a sweet dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16-20 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar.
Add eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to the mixture, and mix well.
Gradually add in the flour and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
Stir in the diced apples and chopped walnuts (if desired). The batter should loosen to a more brownie-like consistency.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the blondies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into bars and enjoy on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can use any tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, but Granny Smith apples work best for their firmness and tart flavor.

If you prefer nut-free blondies, simply omit the walnuts.

For a gooier texture, slightly underbake the blondies and check for moist crumbs with a toothpick.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Freeze the blondies for up to 3 months if needed, and enjoy with whipped cream or caramel sauce as a topping.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe
Calories: 300
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg