Apple Spice Blondies

You all know how much I love a good blondie.  They are quick, easy, and delicious...all the things a recipe should be.  And while they aren't exactly a health food, they are rich and indulgent enough that a small serving can sooth even the most aggressive sweet cravings.

For fall, I've taken my basic blondie and appled it up a bit.  I give to you, the Apple Spice Blondie!

All the flavors of an apple pie, but in a thick, enjoyable, comforting blondie.  Here's what you do:



Heat your over to 350.  Grease an 8 by 8 baking dish.

Peel and finely chop 1-2 apples.  You want about a generous cup of chopped apples.  Any type will do, but of course, different apples will give you different flavors.  I like to use apples that have a little tartness to them, and that stay a little bit firm when baked.  Try varieties like Pippen, Jonagold, Empire, Gravenstein, or Cameo, if you can find them.  If your apple selections are limited, Granny Smith or Fuji will do just fine.

Melt 1 stick of butter.  When it's melted, take it off the heat and stir in 1 cup of dark brown sugar.

In a mixing bowl, mix 1 egg with the sugar/butter mixture.

Make your spice mix: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom.

Then add 1 cup of flour and the spice mix to your mixing bowl.

Stir in your apples.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan or dish, and bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes, until it's set.  Let cool slightly, and then cut into 16 small squares.

If you're feeling extra super indulgent and want to put things over the top, go ahead and drizzle some caramel sauce over the top and give it a light sprinkle with some sea salt.  Now you have Salted Caramel Apple Spice Blondies!

What are your favorite ways to use apples in the fall?