Get ready for a delightful treat with these chewy apple blondies. This easy apple dessert recipe creates a soft, flavorful square that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how simple they are to make and how wonderfully they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for chewiness and depth of flavor.
- Butter: Use unsalted for best control over saltiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard baking flour.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift your apple blondies out later.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This forms the rich, chewy base for your apple dessert recipe.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If using, add the cinnamon and nutmeg to this mixture. This ensures even distribution of your dry ingredients.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Bake Your Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the apple blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy this wonderful apple dessert recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with a simple caramel sauce after baking and cooling.
- Oatmeal Boost: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for added texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover apple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use different types of apples for this apple dessert recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
Q: How do you prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
A: Coating the diced apples lightly with a teaspoon of flour before adding them to the batter can help prevent sinking.
Q: Can you freeze apple blondies?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooled blondies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: Is it necessary to peel the apples?
A: While optional, peeling the apples generally results in a smoother texture for your apple blondies.
Q: What if you don’t have parchment paper?
A: You can grease and flour your baking pan thoroughly, but parchment paper makes removal much easier.
Q: Can you add chocolate chips to this apple dessert recipe?
A: Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with the apples for a delicious addition.