Craving a warm, delicious treat? My Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Blondies bring fall flavors to your table. These sweet and simple blondies combine rich caramelized apples and cozy cinnamon for a delightful dessert. Whether it’s for a party or a cozy night in, you’ll love how easy they are to make. Follow this guide for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations. Let’s dive into the world of sweet bliss!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Substitutions for Ingredients
You can swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you want less sugar, use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. For eggs, you can use flax eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Optional Add-ins
Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for extra sweetness. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewier texture. If you like spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. These changes can make your blondies even more exciting!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to take the blondies out later.
Making the Blondie Batter
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the mix is smooth and well combined. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Stir well after each egg. Then, add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined.
Caramelizing the Apples
To caramelize the apples, take a medium skillet. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 2 medium apples that you have peeled, cored, and diced. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. The apples should become soft and caramelized. Let them cool slightly before adding to your blondie batter.
Now, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to keep them fresh. Gently fold the caramelized apples into the batter. If you like, add in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
Baking Instructions
Baking Temperature and Time
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the blondies bake evenly. Pour your batter into a greased or lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown.
Testing for Doneness
To check if your blondies are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan. This step helps them set up nicely. Once cool, cut them into squares. For a sweet touch, drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve them on a wooden board for a lovely presentation.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get the best texture, use room temperature eggs. They mix in better. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. This helps keep your blondies soft and chewy. Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine.
Enhancing Flavor Combinations
To boost flavor, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These add warmth and depth. You can also swap out the apples for pears or peaches. They work well too! If you like nuts, use walnuts or pecans for crunch. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Storage Recommendations
Store your blondies in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each blondie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to three months this way.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
You can easily make these blondies nut-free. Simply skip adding walnuts or pecans. The blondies will still taste great. The caramelized apples add enough flavor. You might miss the crunch, but the softness will shine through.
Different Fruit Options
If you want to try other fruits, go for it! Pears work well in place of apples. They caramelize just like apples. You can also use berries for a juicy twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if you use sweet fruits.
Vegan Alternative
To make these blondies vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use flax eggs or applesauce instead of real eggs. You can make one flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Use a plant-based caramel for drizzling to keep it vegan.
FAQs
How to store caramelized apple cinnamon blondies?
To store your caramelized apple cinnamon blondies, place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them up.
Can I freeze blondies, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze blondies! First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
What’s the difference between blondies and brownies?
Blondies and brownies are both delicious, but they have some key differences. Blondies are made with brown sugar, giving them a butterscotch flavor. Brownies use cocoa powder, which gives them a rich chocolate taste. Blondies are usually lighter and chewier, while brownies are denser and fudgier. Both are great treats, but they satisfy different cravings!
This article covered how to make delicious caramelized apple cinnamon blondies. We discussed the key ingredients and their substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy baking. You learned tips for the right texture and flavor. Variations include nut-free and vegan options.
To wrap up, these blondies are a simple treat. You can adapt them to fit your needs. Enjoy baking and sharing this sweet delight!
