It’s that time of year when everyone is heading out to go apple picking, and you probably came back home with a lot of apple cider! If you’re looking for a way to use it up, these apple cider blondies are perfect! These blondies are inspired by apple cider donuts! They have the same cinnamon-sugar topping that makes these treats so special.

Why You’ll Love These Blondies

These apple cider blondies capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet, buttery flavor. These blondies are buttery and have a sweet flavor from the apple cider, and the spices compliment the bars perfectly. Plus, they’re easy to make!

What You’ll Need

For the Apple Cider Blondies

• apple cider
• unsalted butter
• light brown sugar
• egg + egg yolk
• vanilla
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• cinnamon
• ground nutmeg
• ground cardamom

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• cinnamon
• granulated sugar

Instructions

STEP 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a sauce pan, heat 1.5 cups of apple cider over medium-high heat until simmering. Stir occasionally for about 25 minutes. Then increase the heat to high, and boil while stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the apple cider reduces to about 1/4 cup syrup, this should take about 5-8 minutes. Measure the reduction to ensure it has reduced to about 1/4 cup.

Transfer the reduced apple cider to a heat safe bowl, and allow to cool completely. The apple cider syrup will slightly thicken as it cools. Set aside.

STEP 2: Prepare for Baking

Preheat-oven to 350°F with the rack in the middle of the oven. Grease and line a square 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

STEP 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

Simply combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Mix until well combined and set aside.

STEP 4: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter with light brown sugar. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth. Then add all the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Do not over mix!

STEP 5: Bake

Transfer the batter to the prepared 8×8 square pan. Using a spoon or rubber spatula evenly spread out the batter. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar, and sprinkle the rest on the top of the blondies. Bake for 26-30 minutes or until edges are set and the toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

STEP 6: Sprinkle additional Cinnamon Sugar topping

Take out the apple cider blondies from the oven and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar topping on the blondies.

STEP 7: Allow to Cool

Allow the apple cider blondies to cool completely in the baking pan before cutting into squares.

Note: The bake time for my oven is 30 minutes, but it may vary for you depending on your oven and also your preference! For fudgier apple cider blondies bake less.

See the recipe card below for exact measurements!

Why Reduce Apple Cider?

Reducing apple cider is essential for this recipe! It intensifies and concentrates the sweetness and flavor, making the blondies taste amazing! It gives you a lot of apple cider flavor in a concentrated amount without effecting the texture of the blondies.

Common Questions

Can I swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar?

Technically, you can. BUT, I do not recommend doing so. When I was testing this recipe, I found that the dark brown sugar made the bars a little too sweet due to the higher molasses content. I found that the light brown sugar gave the blondies the right flavor and texture!

Do I have to reduce the apple cider?

Yes, reducing the apple cider is a must! It enhances the flavor and makes the blondies richer and more delicious. If you were to just put the apple cider as is without reducing it, the liquid would effect the texture and overall results of the blondies!

Can I use apple pie spice instead?

Absolutely! Apple pie spice can be a great substitute for the individual spices. Use 1 teaspoon apple pie spice instead of the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

If you’ve got extra apple cider form your apple-picking, give these blondies a try! These apple cider blondies are unique and provide a different flavor profile than you may be used to when it comes to traditional blondies.

I’d love to see you recreate this recipe! Be sure to tag me in your recreations @Sufratee on Instagram. Let me know in the comments what you think about this recipe!