Apple Blondies
Sweet and spiced apple blondies feature tender apples, warm ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, complemented by walnuts and chocolate chips for a rich, flavorful treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 large firm apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Combine softened butter and dark brown sugar in a large bowl and beat on low speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until very creamy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg onto a sheet of waxed paper.
- Sift the flour mixture again.
- Add the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture and beat on low speed until combined.
- Core the apples without peeling and coarsely chop them.
- Fold the chopped apples, chopped walnuts, and chocolate chips into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds. For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices like cardamom. Ensure the apples are firm for the best texture, and don't overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep blondies soft.
Serving Suggestions
These apple blondies make a delightful dessert on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also complement a warm drink like chai or spiced cider. Serve them alongside an English Muffin Sandwich for a brunch spread or pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Blondies contains roughly 563 calories, with 4g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure the apples are firm and hold their shape during baking. Each type will add its unique flavor, making the blondies deliciously diverse.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you're looking for a change, try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. These alternatives will provide a different sweetness and texture while still complementing the apples.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again, as oven times may vary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).