Delightful Peanut Butter Apple Blondie Bars: Your Ultimate #FlavorofFall Treat
Get ready to fall in love with these irresistibly chewy and utterly satisfying Peanut Butter Apple Blondie Bars! If your taste buds sing at the thought of crisp apples paired with creamy peanut butter, then this recipe is about to become your new autumnal obsession. Imagine a thick, fudgy blondie base, enriched with wholesome whole wheat flour, tender oats, and the comforting sweetness of applesauce. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, generously studded with vibrant peanut butter M&M’s, making it a spectacular celebration of the #FlavorofFall that your entire family will absolutely adore.
This sponsored content is brought to you by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions expressed are genuinely mine.
Embracing the #FlavorofFall: A Seasonal Shift in Our Kitchen
While bidding farewell to the abundance of summer berries and juicy stone fruits always brings a touch of melancholy, there’s an undeniable excitement in our household as the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp. My little ones, sensing the shift in seasons, started requesting apples and pears a few weeks ago, signaling their readiness for a change. And honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled! Autumn ushers in a new era of cozy flavors and heartwarming traditions, and stepping back into the glorious #FlavorofFall fills our home with warmth and anticipation.
Apples, in particular, hold a special place on our family’s menu, becoming an absolute staple during this time of year. From refreshing apple juice that quenches their thirst on busy afternoons, to individual apple sauce cups tucked into their lunchboxes for a nutritious mid-day snack, apples are everywhere. But the real highlight? Our beloved after-school ritual: fresh apple slices generously dipped into rich, creamy peanut butter. It’s a simple pleasure that perfectly encapsulates the comforting essence of autumn.
The Timeless Appeal of Peanut Butter and Apples
There’s a reason the combination of peanut butter and apples is so universally loved. The crisp, slightly tart sweetness of apples provides a perfect counterpoint to the salty, creamy richness of peanut butter. This dynamic duo isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits, offering a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Transforming this classic snack into a baked good was a natural evolution, allowing us to capture that beloved flavor profile in a new and exciting way. These blondie bars are designed to be more than just a treat; they’re a wholesome indulgence that brings joy with every bite.
Now that my children are (finally!) settling into their new school routines – and doing such an excellent job, I might add – I thought it was the perfect opportunity to offer them a special reward. As they step off the bus today, they’ll be greeted with a sweet homemade treat, lovingly baked and inspired by the very fall flavors we all cherish. It’s my way of celebrating their hard work and making the transition back to school a little bit sweeter.
A Sweet Reward: Crafting Our Blondie Bars with Fun Fall Flavors
During my last visit to Walmart, I couldn’t resist exploring their seasonal candy aisle. They had an intriguing selection of fall M&M’s flavors, including candy apple. While I was tempted, my heart ultimately led me to grab a couple of bags of our absolute favorite: the peanut butter variety. There’s just something about those crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery bites that nobody can resist! Of course, no trip is complete without stocking up on our usual apple essentials: fresh apples, apple juice, and plenty of applesauce. My kids would simply never forgive me if our pantry wasn’t constantly overflowing with these autumnal staples.
The Perfect Blend of Wholesome Ingredients for Unforgettable Blondies
Creating these delightful bars was an absolute joy. I started by adapting my go-to peanut butter blondie recipe, enhancing it with the natural goodness of applesauce. This not only added a wonderful moistness but also infused the bars with a subtle, fruity undertone. To boost the texture and make them even more satisfyingly chewy, I folded in a generous amount of old-fashioned oats. The oats provide a delightful rustic texture that complements the smooth blondie base beautifully. And for that ultimate touch of fun and flavor, I stirred in several handfuls of those irresistible peanut butter M&M’s. The bright, cheerful colors of the M&M’s are a surefire way to capture the attention of my kids – they’re completely drawn in by anything “rainbow,” and these vibrant candies certainly deliver that playful appeal!
Dive into Deliciousness: Your New Favorite Fall Treat
Oh, my goodness, these bars are simply divine! The apple flavor truly shines through in every bite of the peanut butter blondie base, creating a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and exciting. The chewy oats add a fantastic textural dimension, while the bursts of peanut-buttery M&M’s provide an extra layer of deliciousness and a satisfying crunch. These aren’t just good; they’re “omgdelish” – a phrase often heard in our kitchen! These Peanut Butter Apple Blondie Bars are definitely pin-worthy, destined to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. Don’t forget to use the convenient “Save Recipe” feature in the recipe card below to easily bookmark this fantastic treat for later. Whether you’re making them for a school snack, a potluck, or simply to enjoy a cozy evening at home, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Navigating Back-to-School with Sweet Success and Rewards
I truly hope you’re enjoying the vibrant #FlavorofFall as much as we are, and that you’re easing smoothly into the back-to-school rhythm! Just last week, I admit I was feeling like the whole routine was an uphill battle. Getting everyone adjusted to new schedules, homework, and early mornings can be quite the challenge. But I’m happy to report that things are *much* better now! Sometimes, all it takes is a little positive reinforcement to turn things around. We implemented a simple rewards system, and to my delight, yesterday they came home and jumped right into their homework without any begging or pleading required!
I am so incredibly pleased with their progress and behavior. It warms my heart to see them adapt so well, and I’m genuinely looking forward to rewarding them with this yummy batch of Peanut Butter Apple Blondie Bars. It’s a small gesture, but one that shows them their efforts are recognized and appreciated. Baking these treats is not just about the delicious outcome; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection, and reinforcing the idea that hard work is always celebrated. These bars are the perfect way to cap off a successful week and welcome the weekend.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of #CollectiveBias, Mars M&M’s, and Motts. All opinions expressed herein are straight from my heart and reflect my genuine experience.
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Peanut Butter Apple Blondie Bars
16
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, (1 stick), softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) dark brown sugar
- 1 egg, (large)
- 1/3 cup (81.33 g) applesauce
- 1/3 cup (86 g) peanut butter
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 cup (40.5 g) old fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (258 g) peanut butter M&M’s
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, lightly mist an 8×8-inch square pan with non-stick spray, and line with parchment paper.
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Cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light.
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Add the egg, mixing thoroughly until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
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Scrape the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl with a silicone spatula to ensure everything is well combined, then add the applesauce and peanut butter, mixing until smooth.
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Incorporate the flour, oats, cinnamon, and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
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Gently fold in most of the Peanut Butter M&M’s, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking.
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Spread the blondie mixture evenly into the prepared pan, then generously top with the reserved M&M’s.
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Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars for best texture.
Carbohydrates: 28g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 12g,
Saturated Fat: 6g,
Cholesterol: 27mg,
Sodium: 78mg,
Potassium: 93mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 19g,
Vitamin A: 221IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 33mg,
Iron: 1mg
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