If you’re craving something richly comforting with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, you’re going to love this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe. Imagine a soft, chewy blondie with tender chunks of juicy apple, enveloped in warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger spices that evoke all the cozy vibes of fall. This dessert offers more than just flavor — its delightful texture and inviting aroma make it an absolute showstopper for casual family gatherings or an indulgent afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try these blondies, they’ll instantly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect chewy texture, warm flavor profile, and golden color of your blondies.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb for that signature chewiness.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the blondies moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives structure to your blondies.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides gentle lift for a tender texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with browning and balances acidity from the apples.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the blondies with a classic, comforting spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, nutty undertones complementing the apple.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a subtle zing that brightens the spice mix.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Peeled and diced apples (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient – juicy, tender pieces add moisture and fresh flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a crunchy contrast and nutty depth.
How to Make Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the blondies won’t stick and will be easy to lift out once baked. Setting up your pan and oven first helps everything flow smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir or whisk until the mixture is silky smooth with no clumps, creating a luscious base that guarantees both chewiness and caramel flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This step enriches the batter, helping unify the flavors and giving the blondies a glossy, tender texture as they bake.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This blend of leavening agents and spices is the magic behind the blondies’ rise and warm flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the batter can make the blondies tough rather than chewy and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Now, delicately fold in the peeled and diced apples along with your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans if using. The apples bring juiciness and a fresh bite, while nuts add delightful crunch and enhance the autumnal flavor.
Step 7: Transfer and Bake
Pour the blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is gloriously golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures the blondies stay perfectly chewy without being overly cakey.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential for the blondies to set firmly, making them easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.
How to Serve Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle warm caramel sauce over each blondie square for a little extra indulgence. For a fresh touch, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully and adds creaminess to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or fresh brewed coffee to complement the warm spices. A simple fruit salad with hints of citrus can also brighten the plate, balancing the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe into an elegant dessert by stacking squares layered with mascarpone and a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. Alternatively, cut them into small bite-sized bars for parties or pack them individually in pretty wax paper for easy gift-giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making a perfect grab-and-go snack anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to save your blondies for longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen blondies keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and they’ll taste just as delicious as freshly baked.
Reheating
To enjoy your blondies warm, pop a square in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. The heat brings back that chewy softness and makes the spices come alive with aroma, almost like they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the blondies?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp provide sweetness and crisp texture. Just be sure to peel and dice them evenly for the best distribution throughout the blondies.
What can I substitute for nuts if I have allergies?
You can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. Alternatively, adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can introduce a different texture and flavor twist.
Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful about the blend’s ingredients and consider adding a small amount of xanthan gum if it’s not already included to maintain structure.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
Look for a golden brown top and use the toothpick test: insert it into the center, and it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid baking too long or the blondies will dry out and lose their chewiness.
Can I make mini blondies or bars instead of a full pan?
Definitely! Use a mini muffin tin or smaller baking dish, but reduce the baking time accordingly and keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. Mini blondies are perfect for portion control and sharing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe enough for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful sweets that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. The combination of tender apples, aromatic spices, and that perfect chewy texture creates a dessert experience that will bring smiles every time you serve it. So grab your ingredients and bake up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!
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Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, infused with warm spices and packed with fresh diced apples. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a chewy texture and optional crunchy nuts, ideal for a cozy dessert or snack during fall or any time you crave a fruity, spiced treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well-blended, creating a rich, sweet base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and homogeneous batter.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until evenly combined to distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the blondies are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares for serving, which helps them set and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier bite or sweeter varieties like Fuji for more sweetness.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch; feel free to omit for a nut-free dessert.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat gently in a microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
