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Apple Cider Blondies

Soft, buttery apple cider blondies with warm cinnamon flavor and a sweet spiced topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 189
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the blondie batter
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
For the topping
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted

Equipment

  • 1 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment
  • 1 small saucepan for reducing the cider
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 spatula

Method
 

Prepare the pan and reduce the cider
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Make the batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Whisk until well combined.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
  5. Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake and finish
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. While the blondies are still warm, brush the top with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
  3. Mix the granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  4. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and slice into 16 bars.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider for the best flavor and proper texture. Do not overmix the batter. For clean slices, cool the bars completely before cutting.