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Apple Cinnamon Blondies offer a delightful twist on the classic brownie, combining the rich, buttery flavor of blondies with the sweet, spicy notes of apples and cinnamon. With a chewy texture that melts in your mouth, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, where the aroma of warm apples and spices fills the air. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, and you can’t wait to sink your teeth into a freshly baked piece.

I first discovered this recipe on a crisp autumn afternoon when I had an overflow of apples from a recent orchard visit. I was looking for a way to incorporate this seasonal favorite into a dessert that would impress my friends at a gathering. The resulting blondies were an absolute hit! They bring together the warmth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apples in a way that feels nostalgic yet fresh. So, ready your taste buds—these Apple Cinnamon Blondies are begging to be made!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute treat.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm apples and cinnamon creates a heavenly experience in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With a beautiful golden-brown color, these blondies are as pretty as they are tasty.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast with your morning coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be customized for gluten-free by using almond or coconut flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped apples (½” pieces): Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture. For a budget-friendly swap, use frozen apples—just thaw and drain excess moisture.
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This spice enhances the apple flavor and warms up the dish.
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar: It adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor. Light brown sugar can work in a pinch but will yield a milder taste.
1¼ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your blondies. For gluten-free options, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
¾ teaspoon baking powder: Essential for helping the blondies rise slightly, giving them that classic chewy texture.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: It enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: To be added to the batter for that delightful spice.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a warm, cozy flavor without overwhelming the cinnamon.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter provides richness and moisture. Use unsalted for more control over the sweetness.
¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed: It gives a rich, molasses-like flavor and helps keep the blondies moist.
1 large egg, room temperature: This binds the ingredients together. Use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor and enhances sweetness.
1 cup powdered sugar: This is for the icing, providing a sweet finishing touch.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): It rounds out the flavor in the icing.
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for icing): Ties the icing flavor to the blondies.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the icing. Use almond milk for a non-dairy option.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Cook the Apples: Add the prepared apples, 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon to a frying pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the apples soften. Transfer the apples to a plate and allow them to cool.
Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and parchment-line an 8×8” pan, leaving some overhang to make it easier to remove the blondies later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Bring It Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold together with a rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the cooled apples and any accumulated juices.
Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. Be cautious not to overbake them; you want that chewy texture.
Cool Completely: Let the blondies cool on a wire rack completely before adding the icing. This helps the texture set and ensures they don’t become soggy.
Make the Icing: In a bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust with more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Finish the Blondies: Drizzle the icing over the cooled apple blondies. Once the icing sets, remove the blondies from the pan using the overhang and cut them into squares.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Apple Cinnamon Blondies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week, making sure they are in a resealable container to maintain freshness. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly; a brief time in the oven can help restore that fresh-baked quality.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help them incorporate smoothly into the batter.
Avoid overmixing once the wet and dry ingredients are combined; this helps keep the blondies chewy and tender.
Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or coarse sea salt on top of the icing before it sets.
These blondies can be made ahead of time; they actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.

You can easily customize these Apple Cinnamon Blondies to suit your taste, whether you’re adding nuts or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist. So don’t be shy—experiment a little! These blondies bring together the comforting flavors of fall, making them an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of apple you like; however, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully. If you prefer a tart flavor, Granny Smith is a fantastic choice to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Will the blondies turn out if I substitute the egg?

Yes! If you want to make this recipe egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients together without compromising texture.

How should I store my blondies for the best freshness?

For optimal freshness, store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them unless necessary, as this can make them dry. If you must refrigerate, make sure they’re well wrapped.

Can I add any mix-ins to the blondies?

Of course! These blondies are versatile—chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips would be delightful additions. Just be sure not to add too many mix-ins, as it could alter the baking time or texture. Enjoy your creation!

Apple Cinnamon Blondies