I have to admit, the first time I made these Caramel Apple Blondies Recipe, I was instantly hooked. There’s something magical about the warm, sweet aroma of apples and caramel filling my kitchen. Each bite is soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced between buttery blondie and tender baked apple.

I love that they’re simple to make but feel so decadent. Honestly, they’re my go-to treat whenever I crave something cozy and homemade. You can also enjoy similar comfort flavors in recipes like Baked Chipotle Cheddar Sweet Potato Chowder for a savory twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious blondies. I’ve included little tips to help you get the best flavor and texture.

1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter gives these blondies their rich, chewy texture. Make sure it’s melted but not browned.
2 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed – Using brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that white sugar just can’t match.
2 large eggs – Eggs bind everything together and make the blondies soft and tender.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Always use pure vanilla extract for a natural, rich flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour – Freshly measured flour works best; too much can make the blondies dry.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the blondies rise slightly while staying dense and chewy.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, autumnal touch that pairs perfectly with apples.
2 medium apples, peeled and diced – I recommend crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala; they hold their shape well.
1 cup caramel sauce – Homemade or store-bought works, just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl.
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft blondies, similar to the texture you get in Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Bacon for a savory nutty element.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with flavors:

For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based caramel.
For sugar-free, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol in place of brown sugar.
Mix in white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
Swap the apples for pears in the fall for a slightly different fruity twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s what to expect for prep and baking:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make these blondies:

9×13-inch baking pan – Perfect for even baking and easy slicing.
Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
Whisk or spoon – For mixing ingredients evenly.
Spatula – Great for folding in apples and caramel without mashing them.
Knife and cutting board – To dice the apples.

How to Make Caramel Apple Blondies

Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small, even pieces. I like to toss them lightly in cinnamon so every bite has flavor. This step ensures the apples stay tender but not mushy when baked.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. I usually whisk for a minute to make sure it’s smooth and glossy. This mixture forms the rich base for the blondies.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution.

Incorporate Dry Into Wet

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; I always stop when I see no flour streaks. Overmixing can make the blondies dense.

Add Apples and Caramel

Fold in the diced apples and half of the caramel sauce. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. I like to drizzle the remaining caramel on top for a beautiful marbled effect.

Bake the Blondies

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. I usually start checking at 30 minutes to make sure they don’t overbake.

Cool and Slice

Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. I find chilling them slightly makes them easier to cut and enhances the caramel flavor.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my own experience, these little tricks make a big difference:

I always use room-temperature eggs to make mixing smoother.
I like to swirl caramel on top with a knife to create a marbled look; it’s visually stunning.
Using fresh, crisp apples keeps the texture perfect and prevents sogginess.
I sometimes toast nuts before adding them; it brings out their flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Blondies

These blondies are versatile and look as good as they taste:

Cut into squares and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
Drizzle extra caramel or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.
Pair with hot apple cider or coffee for cozy autumn vibes.
For parties, arrange on a platter with fresh apple slices for a fun display.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview per serving, so you know what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 320 – They’re rich but totally worth a treat.
Protein: 3g – A small boost from eggs and flour.
Carbohydrates: 50g – Mainly from sugar and flour.
Fat: 12g – From butter and caramel, giving that luscious texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I like to keep blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months, and I just thaw them overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

I usually warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these blondies have become my favorite treat:

They’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The steps are straightforward and forgiving.
Flavor versatility – You can switch apples, add nuts, or swirl in chocolate without ruining the base.
Perfectly balanced sweetness – Not too sugary, just enough caramel goodness.
Cozy and comforting – The aroma alone makes your kitchen feel like autumn all year.
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves them, from kids to adults. I’ve never had leftovers!

Ash Tyrrell