These easy Apple Blondies are packed full of delicious fall apple flavors in a soft, cinnamon blonde brownie.
I had to make these easy apple blondies at least three times in order to take pictures of them. Each time I made them, they disappeared long before I could get their picture taken with no leftovers to be seen.
Just like these buttery sweet brown sugar blondies with candy corns tucked inside are a fun seasonal treat that kids and adults alike enjoy.
So one lazy Saturday afternoon, I decided to make them again just to get them photographed and on the blog. They’ve been a popular reader favorite ever since.
Apple Blondies
I originally published this recipe for Apple Blondies in November 2014, but I’ve since updated the pictures and the recipe to include a brown sugar frosting. I tried it once and will never go back.
The bars are delicious both ways, but that brown sugar frosting takes them right over the top!
If you’re looking for inspiration to figure out what to do with those bags of pretty apples on your counter. I have you covered with these blondies!
Not that there aren’t plenty of other ways to enjoy them – like Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza, Baked Apple Fritters, Apple Streusel Pie, or these Apple Oatmeal Cookies!
Blondies are one of the quickest baking ideas for apples and they’re amazingly soft and chewy with a perfect cinnamon flavor to compliment the apples.
Apple Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting
These are simple to make as they have a pretty standard blondie base.
They’re extra easy because it starts with melted butter and everything else is simply stirred in from there. No butter and sugar to cream together and the melted butter makes them extra chewy.
Whisk the dry ingredients and then gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet and add the apple and pecans if desired.
Apple Blondies Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large microwave-proof bowl, melt butter. Beat in sugar and eggs until fluffy. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Gently fold in apples and pecans, if desired. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Frost with the warm frosting about 2 minutes after they come out of the oven. Let cool completely before cutting.
Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
While the blondies are in the oven, you’ll make the brown sugar frosting.
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar heat until bubbly and let bubble for about 2 mins.
Add the milk and cook for another 30-60 seconds until no longer grainy. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
You will frost the blondies immediately when they come out of the oven. These bars are so good they don’t need the brown sugar frosting at all, but they are prettier with it and it adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
These blondies are the perfect dessert for a simple fall meal. Perhaps a meal of sausage and spaghetti squash casserole or a BBQ Meatloaf.
Easy Apple Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients
For the blondies
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups apples, finely diced
- 1 cup chopped pecans, optional
For the brown sugar frosting
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Blondie Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large microwave proof bowl, melt butter. Beat in sugar and eggs until fluffy. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Gently fold in apples and pecans, if desired. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Frosting Directions
- While they are baking, make the brown sugar frosting. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heat until bubbly and let bubble for about 2 mins.
- Add the milk and cook for another 30-60 seconds until no longer grainy. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to thin it out.
- Frost the bars with the warm frosting about 2 minutes after they come out of the oven. Let cool completely before cutting.
Nutrition
{originally published 11/1/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 7/6/21}
Here are some of my other favorite fall apple recipes:
Beth @ The First Year says
That is too funny that you had to make several batches just to get the photographs! My husband knows blog food is off limits until it’s been photographed!
Mallory says
I guess I need to get out my mean voice. Haha. Thanks for stopping by, Beth.
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
What an awesome idea, Mallory! I bet these blondies taste just as good as they sound. So apple-y and delicious!
Mallory says
Thanks, Jen.
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Apple blondies are a favorite around here! Your variation looks great!
Mallory says
Thanks, Jessica.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
MMM! Love the chunks of apples! Pinning!
Mallory says
Thanks for pinning, Amber.
Allie | Baking a Moment says
These look fabulous! I love that crackly brown-sugary crust on top!
Mallory says
Thanks, Allie.
Jennifer | Bake or Break says
I can’t get enough apples this time of year! These look delicious!
Mallory says
Me either, Jennifer!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
These blondies look delicious! You are such a trooper for making 3 batches for a photoshoot! My family often open the fridge to find it cluttered with things that are labeled “don’t touch” or “don’t eat”. 🙂
Mallory says
I should try that. Thanks for stopping by Thao!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These blondies look fantastic! I love all the apples in here! Mmm, they wouldn’t last long at my house either 🙂
Mallory says
Thanks, Kelly. They disappear in no time.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I see why you had to bake these THREE times!!! they look so good!!! Delicious fall apple flavors in a soft, cinnamon blonde brownie is just what I need!!! love and pinned!!
Mallory says
Thanks, Alice. They’re a favorite for good reason!
Amanda says
Delicious!!!
Mallory says
Thanks, Amanda.
Jaide says
Ah! These look amazing!! Mmmmm!
Liz says
Oh my! These look incredible! I love all the flavors of Fall!
Carmen says
yes I agree with you
Tt’s a genius, I’ve tried making these apple blondies and I think it’s too delicious for me 🙂
Jessica Burgess says
I mean for real… could these look any more delicious! I can’t wait to make these!
Chana says
Apple recipes are so good. These look so good, it’s making my mouth water!!
Sarah Walker Caron says
These are amazing! That brown sugar frosting puts them over the top.
Brian Ingram says
The instructions mention salt in the frosting but it’s not in the ingredients.
Mary says
Good catch! I use salted butter now and it’s unnecessary to add salt. I’ve corrected the recipe.
Christine L. Jefferies says
Something went wrong with mine. The flavor was good, but they were so flat. I just bought new baking soda and baking powder so I know that wasn’t the problem. I would like to try them again so any suggestions. They just kind of came out mushy on the bottom. Edges were starting to burn so I couldn’t bake them any longer. Not sure…
Mary says
That’s very odd, Christine. Without being in your kitchen with you, it’s difficult to guess what might have gone wrong. This is a fairly straightforward recipe and my best guess is that something simply might have been mismeasured. I’ve had that happen more than once before when I’m distracted while baking. Did you by chance substitute any ingredients? I can certainly appreciate your frustration!