These caramel apple blondies are topped with an easy caramel frosting and toasted pecans for a delicious autumnal treat. Recipe includes a gluten-free option.
Prep Time 25 minutesminutes
Cook Time 40 minutesminutes
Total Time 55 minutesminutes
Servings 9
Ingredients
1 ½cupsall-purpose flour or gluten-free flour mixsee below
1tablespoonground cinnamon plus 1/2 teaspoondivided
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch pan with a sheet of parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour (all-purpose or the gluten-free mix), 1 tablespoon cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Beat in the eggs, one by one, and stir just until combined.
Fold in the dry mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain.
Mix the peeled apple chunks with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and fold the cinnamon apples into the batter, making sure not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Set on a rack to cool.
Place the pecans on a rimmed cookie sheet and bake them for 4-7 minutes, stirring them halfway through, or until they smell roasted. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the brown sugar, butter, milk and salt.
Whisking continuously, bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute, while continuing to whisk continuously. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla (it will bubble).
Gradually whisk in 2/3 cup powdered sugar and mix until smooth and no lumps of sugar remain. Taste and add up to another 1/3 cup powdered sugar, if desired.
Pour the frosting over the warm blondies and spread evenly over the top. Top with the chopped pecans. Let the blondies finish cooling.
Notes
Can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.