Name: Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 cups Brown sugar, packed; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Diced apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small 1/2-inch pieces (Use slightly tart apples for best flavor.); 1 cup Caramel sauce, room temperature (Reserve half for folding in and half for drizzling.)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, gooey, and bursting with juicy apple bites — these Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies are the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell like fall and gets everyone lining up for seconds. If you love caramel’s chewy sweetness paired with tender apple pieces folded into a buttery blondie, this recipe is your new go-to. Fun fact: caramel actually pairs best with tart apples because the contrast brightens the flavor — which is why I like to sneak in a slightly tart apple for balance.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for family nights, potlucks, or an indulgent weekday treat. If you enjoyed my Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake with Caramel Pecan Topping, you’ll see the same cozy fall vibe here but in handheld squares that are faster to make and easier to share. Don’t be intimidated — these come together in under an hour and taste like they took all afternoon. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!

What is Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies?

What exactly are Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies? Think blondies that decided to cozy up with apple pie and melted caramel — rich, buttery bars studded with tender apple chunks and ribbons of caramel that melt into every bite. Who named them? Maybe a baker with a sweet tooth — or someone who believes “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Could that be the origin story? Maybe. Either way, they’re named for their irresistible, gooey texture and obvious apple-caramel love affair.

Imagine cutting into a warm square and watching caramel ooze out around soft apple pieces — irresistible, right? Try them and you’ll see why this name stuck. Go on, give them a shot and share the results with your favorite people.

Why You’ll Love This

Gooey, caramel-drizzled centers are the main highlight: each bite delivers butter-forward blondie texture with soft apple chunks and sweet, slightly salted caramel that pulls everything together.
Cost saving and convenient: making caramel apple blondies at home is much cheaper than buying specialty bakeries or caramel-drenched treats, and you can control the sweetness and portion size.
Flavor-packed toppings and mix-ins: using real diced apples and good caramel sauce elevates simple pantry ingredients into a crowd-pleaser. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast.

These blondies are like a cozy cousin of classic brownies on the blog — same comforting dessert DNA, but lighter and fruit-forward. If you loved the crisp edges of my brownies, you’ll appreciate the tender interior of these blondies. Make a batch for dessert or bring them to your next gathering — they disappear fast.

How to Make: Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully easy and perfect for beginners. The batter is a simple wet-first method that yields a rich, buttery texture with soft apple pieces and ribbons of caramel. Preparation is straightforward: melt, mix, fold, and bake. Expect about 10 minutes active prep and 25 to 30 minutes baking time for a total of roughly 35–40 minutes from start to finish. The standout element is the contrast between a lightly crisp top and a gooey, caramel-laced center.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup diced apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup caramel sauce, room temperature (reserve half for folding in and half for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line with parchment if you want easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and slightly glossy. Use a whisk or a sturdy spoon.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Don’t overbeat; just combine.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
Fold in the diced apples and half of the caramel sauce, dragging gentle streaks through the batter to create pockets of caramel.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to the corners. Smooth the top gently.
Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top in a thin layer; use a knife to create swirls if desired.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs — avoid baking until fully dry to keep the blondies gooey.
Allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares and serving to let the caramel set slightly.

Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies

What to Serve With

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon gelato for a warm-and-cold contrast.
A drizzle of extra salted caramel or a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping.
Freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte to cut through the sweetness.
For a lighter pairing, a crisp green salad with toasted walnuts and a tart vinaigrette balances the richness — try pairing with my air-fried apple wedges recipe for an apple-themed spread: Air-Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, or mix sweet and tart for complexity. Cut apples into small, even cubes to prevent sinking.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour; overworking will make dense blondies. Stir until just combined.
If your caramel sauce is thick, warm it slightly so it swirls easily into the batter. Room-temperature caramel integrates best.
For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
Watch the baking time closely — the recipe is done when the edges are set and the center still looks slightly soft. It will finish setting while cooling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving for gooey texture.
Freezing: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm in a low oven.
Reheating: Warm squares in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick warm treat. If frozen, allow to thaw first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes. Store-bought caramel works great and speeds up the process. If it’s very thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to swirl into the batter.

What type of apples should I use?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well. Granny Smith adds tartness that balances the caramel.

Can I substitute oil for butter?
Butter provides flavor and the classic blondie texture, but you can substitute melted coconut oil in a pinch — expect a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Toss diced apples lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter; this helps suspend them during baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free. Texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

These Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies are an easy, comforting dessert that brings together buttery blondie richness, tender apple pieces, and caramel ribboned throughout for maximum gooey delight. They’re simple to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. If you’re craving variations or more caramel-apple inspiration, check out this take on caramel apple blondies for a salted twist and another delicious version for presentation ideas: Caramel Apple Blondies Brownies | Caramel Sauce Dessert Recipe, Caramel Apple Blondies | Cravings Journal. Give these a try and let the warm, gooey squares become your next crowd-pleaser.