Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
The perfect dessert for cozy season, Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are chewy, golden bars studded with juicy apples and crowned with a sumptuous maple-sweet glaze. Imagine the inviting aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and melting butter wafting through your kitchen as these irresistible blondies bake to perfection. Each bite delivers that magical interplay of tender apples, caramel-like brown sugar, and a sweet maple finish, making this treat a must for anyone who loves easy fall baking or simply wants to delight friends and family with something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies lies in their simple yet beautifully balanced ingredients. Each component works together to create incredible texture and flavor, so don’t skip any — you’ll appreciate how even the smallest detail shines.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and gives these blondies their moist, tender crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a deep, caramelized flavor and gorgeous chewiness.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together for that classic blondie bite.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the warmth and enhances every other flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The essential structure that holds your blondies intact.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers just the right lift so the bars stay thick but not dense.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy spiced note that marries beautifully with apple and maple.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Peeled and Finely Chopped Apple (1 cup): Brings that bright, juicy pop—Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are perfect choices.
- Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 cup, for glaze): Delivers that signature maple sweetness for the crowning glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, for glaze): Ensures your glaze is silky-smooth and sweet.
- Melted Butter (1 tablespoon, for glaze): Adds richness and helps the glaze to set with sheen.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Elevates the aroma and flavor dimension in the glaze.
- Pinch of Salt (for glaze): Balances the glaze, keeping it pleasantly sweet without being overwhelming.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Get out an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper—this little step is a baker’s insurance policy, making removal and cleanup a breeze. Smooth out any wrinkles in the parchment, so your blondies bake up evenly and release cleanly later.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is the foundation for the moist, chewy texture that makes Maple Glazed Apple Blondies so irresistible. Next, add in the egg and the vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is fully blended and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt right over your wet mixture. Stir gently, using a wooden spoon or spatula, just until you can no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make blondies tough, so keep it light! Once combined, fold in the finely chopped apples, spreading them throughout for bits of juicy fruit in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it’s even from corner to corner. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The blondies are done when the top is golden, the edges are just set, and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. It’s important not to overbake—slightly gooey centers mean perfect chewiness later!
Step 5: Mix up the Maple Glaze
While your blondies begin to cool, it’s time to make that mouthwatering maple glaze. Whisk together the pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until absolutely smooth, glossy, and pourable. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a pancake breakfast and cozy autumn morning rolled together.
Step 6: Glaze and Set
Once the blondies have cooled for a bit and are barely warm, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Let everything sit for about 15 minutes, so the glaze settles into a shiny, sweet layer. Only then should you slice the blondies into neat squares—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Garnishes
For a beautiful (and flavorful) finishing touch, try sprinkling your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted pecans right after glazing. A little pinch of extra cinnamon can also highlight the spice and elevate the autumnal vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a totally decadent treat. If you’re serving a crowd, offer them alongside a warm mug of apple cider or coffee—the flavors play together so well, you’ll want to turn it into a seasonal tradition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or stacking slices and tying them with twine for a charming homemade gift. For an elegant dessert, you could layer chunks of blondie in jars with whipped cream and extra apple slices for a delightful parfait-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor actually deepens after a day, and the glaze stays beautifully set. For best quality, enjoy within three days—though, let’s be honest, they’re likely to disappear much sooner.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Once the blondies and glaze are completely cooled, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay lovely for up to 2 months; just let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a blondie (or a few) in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive the gooey texture and release all those wonderful autumn scents once again—just wait for the oohs and aahs around your table.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their firmness and bright flavor, feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Just be sure to peel them for the best texture in your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies.
What’s the secret to extra chewy blondies?
It’s all about not overbaking and making sure your ratio of fat and sugar is spot on. Pull the blondies from the oven when the center still has some moisture, and stick with the melted butter in the recipe for that perfect dense yet soft chew.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Fold 1/2 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter for a wonderful crunch. Dried cranberries or even a handful of white chocolate chips can add a fun twist to your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
How do I keep the glaze from being too runny?
If your maple glaze is a bit loose, add a tablespoon more powdered sugar and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken further as it sets atop the cooling blondies.
Can these blondies be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still enjoy all the deliciousness of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are put-your-feet-up, smile-with-every-bite goodness in a pan. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and savor every gooey, glazed morsel—don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a new favorite at your table. Your friends and family will thank you, and so will your future self when you sneak another square for breakfast.
Print
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. These chewy, sweet treats are packed with fresh apples and topped with a decadent maple glaze, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until just mixed. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes until golden.
- Make glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Glaze and cool: Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled blondies and let set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Store blondies in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
