Indulge in chewy apple blondies, caramel, fresh fruit, nuts, and sweets arranged for festive entertaining.
# What You'll Need:
→ Apple Blondies
01 - 1 cup melted unsalted butter
02 - 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples
→ Caramel Sauce
11 - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
→ Fruits
12 - 2 medium apples, sliced
13 - 1 pear, sliced (optional)
14 - 1 cup seedless grapes
→ Sweet and Savory Accompaniments
15 - 1/2 cup roasted, salted pecans
16 - 1/2 cup candied walnuts
17 - 1/2 cup mini pretzels
18 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
19 - 1/2 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
20 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold dry mixture into wet ingredients until just incorporated.
04 - Gently fold diced apples into the batter. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
05 - Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs. Allow blondies to cool completely in the pan.
06 - Using the parchment paper, lift cooled blondies from pan and cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange pieces on a serving board or large platter.
07 - Fill small bowls with caramel sauce and chocolate chips. Position sliced apples, optional pear, grapes, nuts, pretzels, dried cranberries, and filled bowls in an appealing pattern around the blondies.
08 - Serve immediately, inviting guests to dip apple slices and blondie squares in caramel sauce.
