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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) This recipe creates a rich and flavorful treat. The unsalted butter gives the blondies a smooth texture. Using both brown sugar and granulated sugar adds depth to the sweetness. Eggs act as a binder, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt provide structure and help the blondies rise. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Apple cider gives a hint of fruitiness, and chopped apples add texture. Caramel sauce is key to that luscious finish. You can choose store-bought for ease or make your own for a personal touch. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a delightful dessert that bursts with flavor. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat for baking. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it well, then line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the blondies later. In a large bowl, add one cup of melted unsalted butter. Then, mix in one and a half cups of packed brown sugar and a quarter cup of granulated sugar. Whisk these together until they look smooth and creamy. Now, crack in two large eggs, adding them one at a time. Whisk well after each egg. Finally, stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for that rich flavor. In another bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. Now, slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Next, fold in half a cup of apple cider and half a cup of chopped Granny Smith apples. The batter will feel thick and hearty. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Now, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. This will give it a sweet touch. Carefully spoon the rest of the batter on top, spreading it with a spatula. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over this layer. Use a knife to swirl the caramel lightly into the batter. This adds a lovely design. Now, place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. To test if they are done, stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. To get the perfect texture in your Apple Cider Caramel Blondies, start with melted butter. This helps keep the blondies dense and chewy. Mix the sugars in well. This gives a rich flavor. Use room temperature eggs for a better blend. When baking, check at 25 minutes. If the edges are golden, they are likely done. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. You can swap out sugars for a different taste. Try coconut sugar or maple sugar for a unique twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. For apple cider, you can use apple juice in a pinch. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Chopped apples can be replaced with pears for a different flavor. To make your blondies look great, cut them into even squares. Serve them on a fun platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice touch. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. Consider using small apple slices as a garnish for a fresh look. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your blondies easily. Adding spices like nutmeg or cloves gives warmth. A dash of nutmeg adds a cozy feel, perfect for fall. Cloves bring a sweet, aromatic touch. These spices create layers of flavor and make the blondies extra special. Mix-ins can also change the game. Chocolate chips add richness and sweetness. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate for fun. For a fruity twist, try adding dried cranberries or walnuts. These simple changes keep each batch exciting. If you need gluten-free options, it's easy to swap out the flour. Use a gluten-free blend that works for baking. This keeps the blondies soft and chewy, just like the original. For vegan adaptations, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. This keeps the same creamy texture while making it vegan-friendly. You can still enjoy those rich flavors without any animal products. You can store your blondies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you plan to eat them soon, this method works well. Keep them away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. For longer storage, refrigerate the blondies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Refrigeration helps keep the caramel from becoming too gooey. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them sit at room temperature for a bit. This restores their soft, chewy texture. Want to save blondies for later? Freezing is a great option. Cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your sweet treat whenever you like! I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness. This contrast works well with the sweet caramel. Other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work. They bring a sweet flavor, but they are softer. Yes, you can make them ahead. Bake them a day before serving. Let them cool completely, then cover them tightly. This keeps them fresh. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. Look for golden edges and a firm center. A toothpick test is key. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. Absolutely! You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. You can also try flavors like salted caramel or chocolate caramel. Just remember, the flavor can change the taste of your blondies. These blondies are a great treat, packed with flavor and easy to make. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations. Remember, you can switch ingredients based on your taste or needs. These blondies are simple to store and perfect for sharing. Enjoy every bite, knowing you've baked something special!

Apple Cider Caramel Blondies

Indulge in the delightful taste of Apple Cider Caramel Blondies! This easy recipe combines warm spices, sweet apples, and rich caramel for a treat you won't forget. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, these blondies are a must-try. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch that friends and family will love. Click through now to explore this delicious recipe and satisfy your sweet cravings!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup apple cider

1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.

      Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

          Fold in the apple cider and chopped apples. The batter will be thick.

            Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer.

              Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer and gently spread it out with a spatula.

                Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel lightly into the batter.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

                    Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 blondies

                        - Presentation Tips: Cut the blondies into squares and serve on a decorative platter, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an attractive finish.