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Salted Caramel Apple Blondies with Toffee Crunch

Salted Caramel Apple Blondies - featured image

These salted caramel apple blondies combine tender apple chunks, rich salted caramel, and a crunchy toffee topping for a cozy, easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (use European-style butter for richer flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) brown sugar, packed (preferably dark brown sugar)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract is best)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) toffee bits or crushed Heath bars

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Set aside to macerate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Make the blondie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined.
  4. Fold in apples and half of the toffee bits gently into the batter.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining toffee bits on top.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Edges should be golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then cook without stirring until deep amber color (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter until melted. Slowly add warm cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt. Allow caramel to cool slightly.
  9. Once blondies have cooled for at least 15 minutes, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for a smooth batter. Don’t overmix the batter to keep blondies tender. Watch the caramel closely to avoid burning. Firmer apples like Granny Smith hold their shape better. Add half the toffee bits into the batter and reserve some for topping to maintain crunch. Make caramel while blondies bake to save time. Let blondies cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. For cleaner slices, chill blondies for 30 minutes before cutting. Warm caramel gently before drizzling if it thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple blondies, toffee crunch, dessert, easy blondies, cozy treats, caramel sauce, fall dessert