Save Buttery, chewy blondies loaded with caramelized apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy streusel topping are perfect for autumn or any sweet craving. These bars combine nostalgic flavors in an irresistible treat everyone will love.
The first time I made these blondies, my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and everyone kept sneaking bites while they cooled. They quickly became a requested favorite to bring for fall gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), melted and slightly cooled
- Light brown sugar: 1 ½ cups (300 g), packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) for blondies, plus ½ cup (65 g) for topping
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp for blondies, plus ¼ tsp for topping
- Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ tsp for blondies, plus 1 tsp for topping
- Peeled, diced apple: 1 cup (130 g), firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup (120 g), plus extra for drizzling
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g) for topping
- Light brown sugar for topping: ¼ cup (50 g), packed
- Unsalted butter for topping: ¼ cup (55 g), melted
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) pan with parchment paper and leave overhang for easy removal.
- Make Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
- Mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until clumps form. Set aside.
- Prepare Blondie Batter:
- Whisk melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Apples:
- Fold in diced apples.
- Layer Blondie Batter:
- Spread half the batter into pan. Drizzle with half the caramel sauce. Add remaining batter, then drizzle with the rest of the caramel. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Add Topping and Bake:
- Sprinkle cinnamon crunch topping evenly over blondies. Bake for 33–37 minutes, until center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool completely in pan. Lift out and cut into squares. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving, if desired.
Save My kids love helping swirl the caramel and sprinkle the crunchy topping, making it a fun baking project to share together as the weather cools down.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, 9x9-inch baking pan, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, and a sharp knife for cutting the blondies.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Always check caramel sauce ingredient lists for possible dairy allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 265 calories, 12 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy these blondies with a cup of coffee or as a festive fall dessert. The layers of flavor and crunch make them impossible to resist.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of apples work best?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their texture and offer balanced sweetness in baked bars.
- → Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes, stir in ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for additional texture and nutty flavor.
- → Is homemade caramel sauce required?
Store-bought or homemade caramel both work well. Choose your favorite for best taste.
- → How do I know when it's baked?
Bake until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- → Can these be served with ice cream?
Yes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm apple and cinnamon flavors.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian; check labels for caramel sauce and butter if needed.