As the temperatures set into minus figures and the snow begins to fall, you cannot help but realize that the festive season is fast approaching. This bake is the step into the Christmas season, the warm hug on a cold wintery day, the much-needed pause in the madness that December tends to be, where you can sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy this beautiful treat with your friends and family.

Ingredients:

YOU WILL NEED:

• 4 Braeburn Apples, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 150g caster sugar

• 200g light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 235g unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

FOR THE DRIZZLE:

• 25ml Baileys

• 25ml double cream

• 50g white chocolate

Method:

METHOD:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Prepare your pan (mine was approximately 20 x 20cm but 20 x 30cm would also be fine). Line with baking paper if needed.

2. Chop your apples into small bite-sized pieces and put them into a pan. Add 3tbsp maple syrup and ¼ tsp of cinnamon and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Set aside to cool.

3. Whisk 2 eggs, 150g caster sugar and 200g light brown sugar until pale, then add 235g softened butter, 1 tsp of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whisk on high speed for a further 1 minute.

4. In a bowl, mix 320g flour, 1tsp baking powder, 1tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger and ½ tsp ground nutmeg. Add half to the butter mix, gently fold in, then add the other half and fold in until fully incorporated. Add the apple mixture and gently fold in.

5. Spread the batter into your pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes until a skewer comes out almost clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

6. Make your drizzle by simmering the Baileys and double cream for a few seconds (depending on whether you’d like to keep the alcohol in your drizzle or evaporate it), then take it off the heat and add chopped white chocolate. Mix until the chocolate fully melts. Drizzle over your blondies, allow to cool completely and enjoy!