If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances warmth, spice, and that irresistible chewy texture, you have to try this Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe. These blondies bring together tender chunks of fresh apple, a hint of cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, and a rich buttery base that melts in your mouth. Every bite tastes like autumn wrapped up in a square, with enough sweetness and spice to satisfy your cravings any time of year. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a homemade classic, these chewy spiced apple blondies are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, heartfelt ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a crucial role—from the melted butter that builds richness, to the perfectly spiced flour mixture that brings those comforting autumn flavors to life.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter adds a luscious, moist texture and buttery flavor.
- Light brown sugar: 1 cup packed, gives the blondies their deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, balances sweetness and enhances browning for a golden crust.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs bind the batter and contribute to the rich, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, elevates the flavor with a warm, fragrant aroma.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups for structure, giving the blondies that soft yet sturdy base.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, helps the blondies rise just enough for a light chewiness.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon works with the brown sugar for a perfect golden color.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, injects that signature spiced warmth you crave.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, adds depth and complexity to the spice blend.
- Ground ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, gives a subtle zing for extra flavor punch.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Peeled and diced apples: 1 1/2 cups (about 2 medium apples), bring natural sweetness and tender bursts throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup for nutty crunch and texture contrast.
How to Make Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep 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. This simple setup ensures your blondies come out perfectly and makes cleanup easier—trust me, that step never gets old!
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with both the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir these together until everything is smooth and well-integrated. This mix is what creates that chewy, caramelized base that defines this recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and flavor, making the blondies tender and rich without heaviness.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Getting the spices evenly mixed here means every bite will have consistent warmth and personality.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined—overmixing can make the blondies tough, and we want chewy, tender bliss here.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. This is where texture and bursts of fresh fruit come alive, turning the blondies into something truly special and irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean—this signals it’s baked perfectly through.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling allows them to set up just right, making it so much easier to cut neat squares without crumbling or sticking.
How to Serve Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce instantly takes these blondies to another level. You could also place a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside hot apple cider or a spiced latte for the ultimate cozy treat. Their chewy texture and warm spices complement seasonal beverages beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing these blondies into smaller bite-sized squares and arranging them on a wooden serving board with fresh apple slices and nuts for a charming fall-inspired dessert platter. Or pack them in mason jars layered with whipped cream for a delightful picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture. If you want to extend freshness, refrigerating them in the same way can last about a week.
Freezing
This Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked feeling, warm the blondies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes. This softens the apple pieces and boosts the buttery aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice tang, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp bring extra sweetness and juiciness. Just make sure to peel and dice them uniformly for even baking.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip them?
Yes! The nuts are totally optional in this recipe. Skipping them won’t affect the chewy texture or flavor, so feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds if you prefer.
How do I make these blondies more festive for the holidays?
Adding a handful of dried cranberries or cinnamon chips to the batter can brighten things up for the holidays. A drizzle of white chocolate on top after baking adds a beautiful, festive touch as well.
Can I use a different flour?
All-purpose flour gives the best structure, but you can try substituting with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture, though you may need to adjust baking time slightly.
Will the blondies be chewy if I bake them longer?
Baking beyond the recommended time can result in drier, cakey blondies. For that hallmark chewy texture, stick closely to the 30 to 35 minutes, and test with a toothpick toward the end.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a warm square of chewy, spiced apple blondie fresh from the oven. This Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe is one I find myself returning to again and again—not just for the flavors but for the cozy memories it sparks. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and bake yourself a batch. I promise your kitchen will smell like a slice of happiness, and every bite will be worth it!
Print
Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12 to 16 blondie squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Spiced Apple Blondies combine the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with tender diced apples for a deliciously moist dessert. Perfectly soft and chewy, these blondies boast a rich buttery base enhanced by brown and granulated sugars and optionally include nuts for added crunch. Baked to golden perfection, they make an ideal treat for fall or any time you crave a comforting sweet with a spiced twist.
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. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well-blended to create a rich, sweet base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth, helping to incorporate air for a light texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter to distribute evenly without breaking up the fruit.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it uniformly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares to allow the texture to set perfectly.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, walnuts or pecans can be added; omit for nut-free option.
- Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith balances sweetness and adds a pleasant tang.
- Ensure not to overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough blondies.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
