Fall desserts don’t get much better than Caramel Apple Blondies. With their soft, buttery base, juicy apple chunks, and a luscious caramel glaze drizzled over top, these blondies are the perfect balance of warm spices and rich sweetness. Whether you’re looking for an easy treat for a crisp autumn day or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a holiday table, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.
Caramel apple blondies have surged in popularity thanks to their nostalgic flavor, reminiscent of apple pie, with the ease of a one-bowl bar dessert. They’re the ideal treat for anyone who wants to enjoy the essence of fall without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Blondies Recipe
- Super Easy to Make – No mixer needed, just one bowl and simple ingredients.
- Perfect Fall Flavor – Cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel make it irresistibly cozy.
- Great for Sharing – These bars are easy to slice and serve at parties or potlucks.
- Customizable – Add nuts, use different apples, or swirl in extra caramel.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead and enjoy them later with just a quick reheat.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Caramel Apple Blondies
Here are the key players that bring these gooey bars to life:
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and a rich, buttery base for the blondies.
- Brown Sugar – Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
- Egg – Binds the batter and gives it structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warm, dessert-like flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the blondies with their classic soft bite.
- Chopped Apples – Adds natural sweetness, texture, and fall flavor.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm spices that pair beautifully with apples and caramel.
- Caramel Glaze – A buttery, brown sugar topping that sets into a shiny, sweet finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Caramel Apple Blondies
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Blondie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in Apples: Gently stir in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the blondies cool in the pan before adding glaze.
- Make the Caramel Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Add milk and simmer briefly, then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Glaze & Set: Pour the glaze over the cooled blondies and spread evenly. Let it set before slicing.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use Firm Apples: Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up best when baked.
- Add Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Use salted butter or sprinkle sea salt on the glaze for a sweet-and-salty upgrade.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Extra Drizzle: For more decadence, drizzle extra caramel over individual bars before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften and bring out the flavor.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re as obsessed with all things caramel as we are, don’t stop at these blondies! Check out these other delicious caramel-packed treats:
- Caramel Apple Fudge – A rich and creamy fall-inspired fudge that melts in your mouth.
- Salted Caramel Butterscotch White Russian – A cozy cocktail that’s sweet, salty, and perfect for sipping fireside.
- Caramel Frappuccino – Your favorite café treat made easily at home, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
These recipes pair beautifully with your Caramel Apple Blondies for a full-on caramel celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make caramel apple blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These blondies store well and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What type of apples should I use?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work best. Avoid soft apples that may become mushy.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s not required if you prefer more rustic bites.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Is the caramel glaze necessary?
While optional, the caramel glaze truly elevates the flavor. If you’re short on time, a store-bought caramel sauce works as well.
These Caramel Apple Blondies are everything you want in a fall dessert—warm, gooey, spiced, and dripping with caramel. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking and special enough for holiday gatherings. Give them a try and let the comforting aroma of baked apples and caramel fill your kitchen.
Caramel Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
- 1 heaping cup chopped apples peeled, Honeycrisp or Fuji
Caramel Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 –3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in egg and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until set and golden. Let cool completely.
- For the glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour glaze over blondies. Let set, then slice and serve.