White Chocolate Apple Blondies

Get ready for fall with these white chocolate, cinnamon-apple blondies. Topped with a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

A yea ago today, I was standing in front of a crowd presenting and defending nearly 7 years of research. A part of my soul on display. And it earned me a PhD. Yes a year ago today I defended my 189 page dissertation in a 45-ish minute presentation followed by an hour of questioning in order to stamp Dr before my name. Unfortunately I have not been able to take advantage of using the title as much as I would have hoped in the past year but I’ve definitely enjoyed this unconventional time off, post-grad school.

Today is also national white chocolate day and I love white chocolate. In honor of my doctorate anniversary I decided to combine it with apples because an apple a day keeps the doctor away – unless you happen to be one and then there is no escape! That was a terrible joke, my apologies. But I will not apologize for how good these blondies are. White chocolate, chopped fresh apple and cinnamon come together to make one chewy blondie with flavors fit for the first day of fall.

One year ago: White Chocolate-Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Sandwiches & Name Change

Three years ago: Healthier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

WHITE CHOCOLATE APPLE BLONDIES

Makes 16 bars

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)

1/2 cup white chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly coat an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and blend until combined. Slowly add dry ingredients and beat until just combined. Fold in chopped apple and white chocolate.
3. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely on wire rack. Once cooled drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired, cut and serve.

Source: Adapted from Funfetti Stuffed Chocolate M&M Cookie Cake.