If you love the cozy flavors of fall, get ready to swoon for Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. These bars are a marriage of buttery brown sugar blondies, juicy apple chunks, and a silky maple glaze that will keep everyone reaching for “just one more.” Whether you need a quick dessert for a gathering or a sweet snack for a chilly afternoon, Maple Glazed Apple Blondies promise autumn comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies lies in a handful of simple, honest ingredients that create jaw-dropping flavor. Each one plays a key role, from the warm spice to the fresh apples and decadent maple glaze.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Melted butter brings out that signature chewy blondie texture and rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1 1/2 cups): It gives the blondies their golden hue, soft crumb, and irresistible caramel notes.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and add subtle richness to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla rounds out the sweetness and enhances all of the warm flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): This is the structure behind the blondie bar – the canvas for apples and spice.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Just a teaspoon is enough to lift the blondies and keep them from being too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and wakes up the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon brings a classic, cozy aroma that matches the apples perfectly.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint for a whisper of warmth – don’t skip it!
- Diced Apples, peeled and chopped (1 1/2 cups): Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for bursts of tart-sweet flavor and juicy texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): This is the base for the creamy, sweet maple glaze.
- Unsalted Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Melted butter keeps the maple glaze smooth and shiny.
- Pure Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Maple syrup infuses the glaze with rich, natural flavor that’s the star of the show.
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Just enough to make the glaze pourable – use more or less depending on your preferred consistency.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. A little extra parchment over the sides turns into handles for easy lifting and perfectly even blondie bars every time.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is super smooth, glossy, and caramel-hued. This step ensures your blondies have that fudgy, chewy texture. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is light and fully blended.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This makes sure those spices are distributed evenly throughout every bar – no surprise pockets of flour or spice!
Step 4: Mix and Fold in Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then, fold in your diced apples. If you’re a fan of a little crunch, now is the perfect time to add a handful of toasted pecans too.
Step 5: Bake the Blondies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the blondies are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan – patience makes for easier slicing and flawless glaze application.
Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze
Once the blondies are cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, pure maple syrup, and just a splash of milk. Aim for a drizzle-able glaze; it should run off your spoon in thick ribbons. Spread or drizzle this glaze all over the cooled blondies and watch them gleam.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the maple glaze sets, lift your giant blondie slab out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve! Each bar is dense, moist, and swirled with maple and apple in every bite.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Garnishes
Garnish your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies with a little extra ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy, elegant touch. A dusting of powdered sugar creates a snowy finish that’s especially pretty for fall parties or holiday dessert tables.
Side Dishes
These blondies are pure comfort on their own, but if you want to create a dessert board, pair them with a small scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. For a lighter pairing, fresh apple slices or a tangy fruit salad cut the sweetness and add a fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are stunning stacked on a rustic wooden tray or plated individually with a drizzle of extra maple syrup. For parties, try making them in mini muffin tins for poppable, bite-sized treats. Wrap a few bars in wax paper and twine for a lovely edible gift that’s guaranteed to win friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Maple Glazed Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze keeps them moist, and the flavors actually develop and deepen as they sit, making next-day slices even more irresistible.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Maple Glazed Apple Blondies weeks later? They freeze beautifully! Once sliced, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight at room temperature for best results.
Reheating
To restore that freshly-baked magic, reheat blondies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a couple of minutes. The glaze will glisten and the blondies turn soft and warm – just what you want on a chilly day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are favorites for their crispness and flavor, feel free to use Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. Just avoid overly soft varieties, as they can get mushy while baking.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeled apples create a tender, even texture in each bar, but leaving the peels on is fine if you like a little extra chew and color. Just make sure to wash your apples thoroughly before dicing.
Can these blondies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend (make sure it has xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it). Keep an eye on baking time, as texture can vary slightly.
Is there a way to make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies vegan?
You can try plant-based butter, flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, per egg), and a non-dairy milk in the glaze. Use a plant-based brown sugar and double-check your flour blend for vegan compliance. The texture will be a bit different, but still tasty.
Why did my blondies turn out dry?
This usually means they were baked a touch too long. Ovens can vary, so start checking with a toothpick on the early side. Also, make sure to measure your flour with the spoon-and-level method for the best, fudgy results.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after something cozy for a fall afternoon or need a crowd-pleasing dessert in a hurry, Maple Glazed Apple Blondies will surprise you with their flavor and simplicity. Give them a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your tastebuds will be begging for seconds!
Print
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. Moist and full of apple and warm spices, these blondies are topped with a sweet maple glaze that makes them irresistible. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack anytime!
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled and chopped)
Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add Apples: Fold in diced apples. Spread batter in pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Make Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, and milk. Drizzle over cooled blondies.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
- For added crunch, mix in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
