Apple Cider Blondies

These easy Apple Cider Blondies are full of fall flavor. Topped with cider infused apples and icing, these are sure to be a fall favorite! 

Oh, blondies. The brownie's blonde sister! 

Homemade blondies are the perfect treat for birthday parties, potlucks, holidays, and much more. Not to mention, they are so quick to make!

I love a good dose of pumpkin spice, but my favorite fall flavor is without a doubt apple cider. The taste, the smell, and just the thought of apple cider warms me right up. So, naturally, I have an ever growing list of apple recipes for fall!

You know those seasonal recipes that you reach for at the same time every single year? This apple cider blondie recipe is just that! Not only are they deliciously rich and chewy, but they will make your kitchen smell divine. 

The chewy goodness of the blondie topped with cider infused apples makes for the perfect fall indulgence.

Let's make some!

apple cider blondie squares with glaze on white parchment paper

I know what you're wondering...

What does a blondie taste like?

A blondie has the chewy rich consistency of a brownie, but with a vanilla caramel flavor given by brown sugar. Where a brownies main flavor comes from chocolate, a blondies main flavor comes from the brown sugar. Because of this, I highly recommend using dark brown sugar, but if all you have is light brown sugar yours will turn out great too!

 

Are blondies supposed to be gooey?

Perfect blondies have a gooey middle! There is nothing more disappointing than an over baked hard blondie. To ensure a perfect chewy blondie you will want to take them out of the oven when the edges look browned, but the middle still looks a bit underdone. Due to the heat of the pan, they will continue baking some once removed from the oven. 

 

How can I store and freeze blondies?

Blondies are a wonderful dessert to make ahead. They store and freeze remarkably well! 

Once they are cooled, you can store blondies in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 6 days. If you prefer freezing, wrap the blondies in plastic wrap and keep in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to come to room temperature before serving. 

Use parchment paper in between each layer of blondies so they do not stick together when storing. 

 

apple-cider-blondies

Apple Cider Blondies Ingredients:

To make this apple cider blondie recipe, you will need the following ingredients. See the full recipe card below for detailed amounts and instructions! 

  • Apples - Two of your favorite apples peeled and chopped. Honeycrisp is always my choice!
  • Pure maple syrup - Love the adding maple flavors!
  • Apple cider - Of course! 
  • Butter - Unsalted is preferred
  • Flour - All purpose flour works best in this recipe
  • Baking Powder, salt, vanilla extract - Your baking essentials
  • Cinnamon & nutmeg - Nothing better than this combo!
  • Brown sugar - Dark brown sugar is preferred, but light will work if you're in a pinch. Got to get that perfect chew!
  • Eggs - Only two
  • Powdered sugar - P.S. Confectioners Sugar is the same thing as powdered sugar!

apple cider blondie squares with glaze on white parchment paper on gold baking sheet

How to Make Apple Cider Blondies:

To make this apple cider blondie recipe, simply:

  1. Prepare the apples: Add apples, maple syrup, and apple cider to a small pan. Stir and cook over medium heat until apples have soaked up most of the apple cider and have slightly softened. Should take about 5-10 minutes. Drain apples, saving the remaining cider for your glaze, and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the blondie batter: In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Your batter should be pretty thick.
  3. Prepare to bake: Evenly spread the batter in a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper (leave a little overhang on the sides to lift the finished blondies out post baking).  Evenly top the batter with the apples, gently pressing them into the top of the batter.
  4. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. An inserted toothpick should come out mostly clean. Let cool completely before adding the glaze.
  5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and one tablespoon of the set aside apple cider at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over blondies once they are cooled. 
To store: Keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a sealed container for up to 6 days. They are also delicious chilled if you prefer!
 
To freeze: Glazed or plain blondies freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to come to room temperature before serving.
 

apple cider blondie squares with glaze on white parchment paper on gold baking sheet

Variations:

  • Apples - Funny as it is, the flavor will change depending on which apples you use! If you want a sweeter blondie go with a sweeter apple such as Gala or Fuji. For a tarter blondie try a Granny Smith.
  • Nuts - Pecans or walnuts would make a great addition.
  • Caramel - Add it on top or in the batter if you're a caramel fan!

 

apple cider blondie squares with glaze on white parchment paper on gold baking sheet

More Fall Desserts You’ll Love!

 

apple-cider-blondies

Apple Cider Blondies

Yield: 12 blondies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

These easy Apple Cider Blondies are full of fall flavor. Topped with cider infused apples and icing, these are sure to be a fall favorite!

Ingredients

  • APPLES:
  • 2 peeled & chopped apples
  • ¾ cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • BLONDIES:
  • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ heaping teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ⅔ cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • GLAZE:
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider + more if needed

Instructions

    1. Prepare the apples: Add apples, maple syrup, and apple cider to a small pan. Stir and cook over medium heat until apples have soaked up most of the apple cider and have slightly softened. Should take about 5-10 minutes. Drain apples, saving the remaining cider for your glaze, and set aside to cool.
    2. Make the blondie batter: In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Your batter should be pretty thick.
    3. Prepare to bake: Evenly spread the batter in a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper (leave a little overhang on the sides to lift the finished blondies out post baking).  Evenly top the batter with the apples, gently pressing them into the top of the batter.
    4. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. An inserted toothpick should come out mostly clean. Let cool completely before adding the glaze.
    5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and one tablespoon of the set aside apple cider at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over blondies once they are cooled. 

Notes

  • To store: Keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a sealed container for up to 3 days. They are also delicious chilled if you prefer!
  • To freeze: Glazed or plain blondies freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to come to room temperature before serving.

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Did you make this recipe?

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Apple Cider Blondie recipe! When you make it, be sure to leave an amazing review in the comments below or tag #goingforgrace on social!

 

 

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I'm Lauren, creator here at by Lauren Cermak! My husband Michael and I live in Knoxville, Tennessee. I'm into classic style, British baking shows, TBR piles, and pretty finds. My motto is dress like Kate, work like Reese, and entertain like Martha. If you get that, consider us quick friends!

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