Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Name: Salted Caramel Apple Blondies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted & cooled); 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla or maple syrup; 1 egg; 1 cup flour; Dash of salt; 1 tart apple (peeled, cored, and chopped); 1/2 to 1 cup sea salted caramel chips

Published: July 11, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these blondies in no time.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples and rich salted caramel creates a mouthwatering treat.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy night at home; everyone will want a bite!
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of caramel chips or add nuts for extra crunch.
Great Storage Options: These blondies store well, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will ensure you can focus on creating these delightful blondies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
8×8 baking pan
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without mess.
Whisk: A good whisk is essential for mixing wet ingredients smoothly together.
Baking pan: Using an 8×8 pan ensures even baking and perfectly sized blondies.

Ingredients

These easy-to-make blondies are gooey, chewy, and loaded with apples and salted caramel chips.

For the Blondies

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted & cooled to room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla or maple syrup
1 egg
1 cup flour
dash salt
1 tart apple (peeled, cored, and chopped small)
1/2 cup to 1 cup Sea Salted Caramel Chips
optional: more Sea Salt on top of blondies

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
2. Add in the egg and vanilla (or maple syrup), mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add flour and a dash of salt into the wet mixture:
* Mix until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Caramel Chips

Gently fold in:
* Chopped apples
* Sea salted caramel chips

Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the mixture into your prepared baking pan evenly:
1. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
2. Check if the center is no longer wet and edges are slightly browned.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow bars to cool completely before cutting:
1. Lift the blondies out using the parchment paper ends.
2. Slice on a cutting board into squares.

For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce!

Step 7: Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover blondies sealed in a container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Blondies is a delightful experience that enhances their rich flavors. These gooey treats are perfect for various occasions, and creative serving methods can elevate your dessert presentation.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the blondies’ sweetness and adds a creamy contrast.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Enhances the caramel flavor, making every bite a sweet indulgence.

Drizzle with Sauce

Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle on top amplifies the caramel flavor and adds a glossy finish.
Chocolate Sauce: For those who love chocolate, this adds depth and richness to each bite.

Add Toppings

Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top creates a light, fluffy contrast to the chewy blondies.

Serve Warm

Warm Blondies: Heat them slightly in the microwave before serving for an irresistible gooey texture that melts in your mouth.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Perfecting your Salted Caramel Apple Blondies is easy with a few simple tips. These will help you achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your dessert.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to maintain a chewy texture; overmixing can make them tough.
Choose Tart Apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the caramel nicely.
Check for Doneness: Bake until edges are slightly brown and center is set; it should not look wet to ensure perfect blondies.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow them to cool fully for cleaner cuts and better shape retention.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Apple Blondies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement these sweet treats.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and freshness that balances the sweetness.
Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy, nutritious option offers a different texture while remaining light and refreshing.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a crunchy, creamy side dish that’s also healthy.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These warm donuts bring additional sweetness and spice that pairs wonderfully with blondies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess complements the rich flavors of the blondies.
Nut Butter Dip: A simple almond or peanut butter dip can add protein and a savory element alongside the sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Blondies, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using cold butter: Always use melted butter that has cooled to room temperature. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined after adding flour. Overmixing can make the blondies tough instead of chewy.
Not measuring apples properly: Chop apples into small pieces for even distribution. Large chunks can result in uneven baking.
Skipping the parchment paper: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Blondies should be golden brown around the edges but not wet in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
Ensure blondies are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Blondies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Microwave: Heat one blondie on high for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Stovetop: Place a blondie in a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Blondies that may help you perfect your baking experience.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

How do I know when my blondies are done?

Check if the edges are golden brown, and the center should not look wet or jiggly.

Can I substitute other chips for salted caramel chips?

Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips or butterscotch chips as alternatives.

How do I make gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Blondies?

Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for structure.

What can I serve with Salted Caramel Apple Blondies?

They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled caramel sauce.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Blondies are a delightful treat that combines gooey goodness with rich flavors. Their versatility allows for various adaptations; feel free to add nuts or swap out caramel chips for chocolate ones. Try this recipe today and enjoy these sweet treats!

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