Caramel apple blondies are the ultimate fall treat—chewy, buttery blondie bars bursting with warm cinnamon, juicy apple chunks, and gooey caramel swirls. They combine everything we love about a caramel apple in an easy-to-make dessert bar. Unlike brownies, blondies are flavored with brown sugar and butter instead of cocoa, which makes them rich, chewy, and slightly caramel-like on their own. Add fresh apples and soft caramel, and you’ve got a dessert that’s perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just cozying up with a warm drink.
These blondies are easy to whip up and can be baked in one pan, sliced, and shared with family or friends. The texture is soft and chewy in the center with golden edges, and the apples bring moisture while the caramel melts into little ribbons of sweetness. This dessert feels nostalgic, comforting, and ideal for autumn gatherings when apples and caramel are at their peak.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 cup soft caramel candies (or caramel bits)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (if melting caramel candies)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Add Apples and Caramel
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- If using caramel candies, melt them with heavy cream in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth. Swirl the caramel into the blondie batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Blondies: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the caramel for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Nutty Blondies: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Spiced Blondies: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Glazed Blondies: Drizzle extra caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze over cooled blondies before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness to balance the sweetness of caramel.
- If using homemade caramel sauce instead of candies, swirl ½ cup directly into the batter.
- Do not overbake—blondies are best when slightly soft in the center.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai latte for a cozy fall dessert.
- Slice into small squares for holiday dessert trays or bake sales.
- Wrap individually for gifts—perfect autumn treat bags.
Tips
- Chill blondies before slicing for clean squares.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Warm leftovers in the microwave for a gooey caramel center.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate or white chocolate over the top.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, approx. 16 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 170mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make caramel apple blondies ahead of time?
- Yes! They can be baked a day before and stored covered. The flavors deepen overnight.
Q2: Can I freeze these blondies?
- Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q3: What apples are best for blondies?
- Tart apples like Granny Smith balance sweetness best, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work.
Q4: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
- Yes. Just swirl ½ cup into the batter and drizzle more on top after baking.
Q5: How do I keep blondies chewy?
- Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container. The brown sugar also helps retain moisture.
Conclusion
Caramel apple blondies are the perfect blend of chewy blondie bars, sweet caramel, and tart apple chunks, creating a dessert that feels cozy and indulgent. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven with ice cream or pack them into a dessert tray for fall gatherings, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. This recipe is easy, versatile, and a must-have for anyone who loves caramel apples but prefers a simpler way to enjoy the flavor.