If you’re on the hunt for a treat that tastes like a crisp autumn afternoon, look no further than these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies! Imagine chewy blondies packed with juicy apples, fragrant cinnamon, and topped with a glossy, maple-kissed glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy get-together or simply want to fill your kitchen with the scent of fall, this recipe always delivers smiles and requests for seconds. These bars are pure comfort with a touch of elegance—you’ll be reaching for another before you’ve finished the first!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies is in the simplicity of the ingredients—each one plays a starring role in taste, texture, or that lovely golden hue! Fresh apples bring bursts of fruitiness, maple syrup adds signature warmth, and classic pantry staples create the chewy bar we all crave. Here’s your ingredient lineup, with a helpful tip for each.
- Unsalted Butter (for blondies and glaze): Melting the butter creates that signature dense, gooey texture in every bar, plus deepens the flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses notes, it gives the blondies their rich caramel flavor and a soft, chewy crumb.
- Large Egg: The ultimate binding agent—provides structure and a silky, tender bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness with its aromatic notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: The ideal base for soft blondies that hold up to juicy apple pieces without getting cakey.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch ensures a gentle lift so the bars don’t turn out too dense.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in both the blondie and the glaze.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds that essential fall spice, blending perfectly with apples and brown sugar.
- Peeled and Finely Chopped Apples: A tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith keeps the sweetness in check and adds juicy texture.
- Pure Maple Syrup (for glaze): Use the real deal; it’s key for a deep, unmistakable flavor in the glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, pourable glaze without any grittiness.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little step saves you from sticky blondie corners and guarantees easy lifting and clean slices—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! While the oven heats, gather your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted butter and brown sugar. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and totally irresistible (no shame in a taste test). Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract—stir again, making sure the mixture is unified and shiny.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution, so you get a touch of cinnamon spice in every mouthful. Mixing the dry ingredients first also prevents overworking the blondie batter later on.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing is a blondie’s enemy! The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which means chewy, tender bars ahead. Gently fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly for juicy bites throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before glazing—this helps them firm up and prevents the glaze from melting right off.
Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze
While your blondies cool, whip up the maple glaze magic. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Remove from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until silky smooth. The aroma alone will have you swooning!
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Pour the luscious glaze over the cooled blondies, tilting the pan or spreading with a spatula to reach every corner. Give it about 15 minutes to set—the hardest part is waiting! Once the glaze is firm, slice into 16 bars and watch them disappear.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Garnishes
For a sprinkle of extra flair, dust your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies with a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also takes these bars over the top for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a steaming mug of chai, strong coffee, or spiced hot apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat. For dessert platters, they’re fantastic alongside lightly sweetened Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh apple slices for some refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack blondie squares in a rustic pile for a casual vibe, or cut them into triangles and arrange in a starburst on a platter for a fun twist. You could even serve them in parchment cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go party treat—Maple Glazed Apple Blondies look charming in any setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover blondies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so they stay soft and chewy—just the way you want them! If your kitchen runs warm, store them in the fridge to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
Freezing
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies freeze beautifully. Slice and layer them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat. The glaze may get a touch glossy, but the flavor is just as amazing!
Reheating
If you love your blondies warm, pop a square into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This gently softens the glaze and brings out the fragrance of apple and cinnamon all over again. For larger batches, a few minutes in a 300°F oven does the trick—just keep an eye out so the bars don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for Maple Glazed Apple Blondies because their tartness balances the sweetness, other firm varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady work well—as long as they don’t turn mushy when baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The bars will remain chewy and tender, especially if you double-check your baking powder is gluten-free too!
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of 8×8, and keep an eye on your bake time—these may take 5–10 extra minutes, but they’re just as delicious and perfect for sharing at parties or potlucks.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Chopped pecans or walnuts make a perfect addition, adding a little crunch that complements the apples and maple glaze. A handful of dried cranberries or even a few white chocolate chips can offer a tasty twist as well.
Do Maple Glazed Apple Blondies need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily—they stay freshest at room temperature for a couple of days. However, if your home is very warm or humid, you may want to refrigerate them to keep that glorious maple glaze intact.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are a celebration of fall flavors and simple pleasures. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, I promise this recipe will earn raves every time. Give them a try—you’ll be sharing the recipe with friends and family before you know it!
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Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously chewy apple blondies with a sweet maple glaze, perfect for fall desserts or anytime you crave a comforting treat. These blondies are packed with the flavors of cinnamon, apples, and a hint of maple sweetness.
Ingredients
For the blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the maple glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the blondie batter: In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, stirring until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Bake the blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan.
- Make the maple glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in maple syrup and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled blondies and let set for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Best with tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
