Embracing the Cozy Comfort of Fall
Crisp leaves crunch underfoot, the air smells of cinnamon, and warm kitchens invite gathering. These are the cherished memories of autumn. During this season, food plays a central role in creating these comforting moments. Imagine a simple, delicious treat that captures all these feelings.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Blondies
Unforgettable Flavor Combination
These blondies offer a perfect marriage of sweet caramel and tart apples. The warm, comforting spices enhance every bite.
Easy to Make, Impressive to Share
These blondies are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a simple indulgence for yourself. The baking process is straightforward, making them easy to create.
The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Caramel Apple Blondies are a quintessential autumnal treat, perfect for any occasion. They are versatile, serving as a delicious dessert, a delightful snack, or a welcome potluck contribution.
how to make Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
Creating these delightful blondies involves a few simple steps, from preparing the apples to crafting the batter and baking them to perfection. You will enjoy the process as much as the result.
Ingredients of Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
For the Blondie Base
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Swirl
- 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional but Recommended!)
- ½ cup pre-made caramel sauce (or ingredients to make homemade caramel: 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream)
Directions of Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
Preparing Your Apples
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
- In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside.
Crafting the Blondie Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Assembling and Baking
- Spread about two-thirds of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spoon the prepared apple mixture over the batter.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining blondie batter over the apples.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the apple mixture and the top layer of batter together.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
The Caramel Finish
- Let the blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled (or slightly warm), drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. If using homemade caramel, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
how to serve Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
Warm & Wonderful
Serve these blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly comforting experience.
A Dollop of Delight
Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.
The Perfect Coffee Companion
Enjoy these blondies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cider for a delightful autumnal snack.
how to store Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
Store leftover Caramel Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.
tips to make Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
The Art of Apple Selection
Choose firm, slightly tart apples for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape and provide a good flavor balance.
Don’t Overmix!
Mix the blondie batter until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough blondies.
Cooling is Key
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows them to set properly, resulting in cleaner cuts and optimal texture.
Variation
Nutty Additions
Fold ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the blondie batter for added crunch and flavor.
Spice It Up!
Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple mixture for extra warmth.
Chocolate Dreams
Incorporate ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the blondie batter for an additional layer of sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also use a dairy-free whipping cream for any homemade caramel.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for Caramel Apple Blondies?
Baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a pleasant balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make these Caramel Apple Blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days when stored properly. This makes them perfect for preparing for gatherings.
My Caramel Apple Blondies are too soft/crumbly. What went wrong?
If your blondies are too soft or crumbly, it could be due to several factors. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately. Overmixing the batter can also lead to a poor texture. Additionally, make sure you bake them long enough; underbaking can result in a soft, crumbly center.
Classic Caramel Apple Blondies for Fall
Equipment
- small saucepan
- oven
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- large bowl
- whisk
- knife
- skewer
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Blondie Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Swirl:
- 2 medium apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional but Recommended!):
- ½ cup pre-made caramel sauce
Instructions
Prepare Your Apples
- Combine diced apples with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape, then remove from heat and set aside.
Craft the Blondie Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly spray. In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
Assemble and Bake
- Spread about two-thirds of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the prepared apple mixture over the batter, then drop small spoonfuls of the remaining blondie batter over the apples. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the apple mixture and top batter together. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
The Caramel Finish
- Let the blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled (or slightly warm), generously drizzle the pre-made caramel sauce over the top.