If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances soft, chewy texture with warm, cozy flavors, this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe will truly steal your heart. Imagine tender blondies packed with cinnamon-sprinkled apples and a hint of nutmeg and ginger, creating layers of autumnal goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making a treat for friends or just indulging yourself, these blondies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as it sounds, each ingredient in this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and inviting texture. From melted butter to fragrant spices, you’ll find everything adds a special touch that transforms everyday ingredients into something magical.
- Unsalted butter: Using melted butter keeps the blondies moist and tender with a rich buttery flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for the perfect sweetness without overpowering.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the blondies with a warm, aromatic note that complements the spices.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the blondies, giving them just the right density.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to ensure a light and tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: These spices bring comforting warmth and depth, turning simple blondies into a flavor-packed treat.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Peeled and diced apples: Fresh apples add moisture, fruity bursts, and a tender chew throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft apples and tender cake.
How to Make Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your blondies come out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend forms the sweet, buttery base that will give your blondies incredible chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. The eggs bind the mixture, and the vanilla adds that special hint of warmth that complements the apple and spices perfectly.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This step ensures all the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix to keep your blondies tender and chewy, rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold the diced apples and optional chopped nuts into the batter, making sure they’re evenly spread. The apples bring juicy freshness while the nuts add a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This golden crust is your first hint at the chewy bliss inside.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Cooling helps them set perfectly, giving each piece that ideal chewy texture.
How to Serve Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that makes your blondies look as stunning as they taste, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will elevate the cozy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This blondie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich latte. The warm spices in your drink complement the apple and spice notes in the blondies for a harmonious flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving these blondies in individual ramekins or topped with caramel sauce and roasted nuts for a dessert that feels indulgent yet homey. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a crumbly, chewy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay moist and chewy for up to 3 days. They’re a perfect grab-and-go snack or a quick dessert anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the blondies for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, heat individual blondie squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven. This quick step will revive the chewy texture and enhance the aroma of spices and apples.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the blondies.
What if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
You can easily skip the nuts or substitute with your favorite nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. If you prefer no nuts at all, the blondies will still taste fantastic with just the apples and spices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and gently insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The blondies will firm up more as they cool.
Can I add more spices or flavor variations?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger amounts to your liking, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile. You can even mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade dessert that combines ease, warmth, and comfort all in one bite, and this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe checks every box. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or simply to fill your kitchen with the scent of warm apples and spices, these blondies never fail to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your sweet repertoire!
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Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, blending warm autumn spices with tender, juicy apples for a chewy, flavorful dessert. Perfectly sweet and aromatic, they’re ideal for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack.
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
Add-ins
- 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.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and optional nuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Using tart apples like Granny Smith adds a nice tang to the sweetness of the blondies.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute half the unsalted butter with applesauce.
- Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
