If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe. These blondies bring together tender, buttery cake-like bites studded with sweet, tender apples and warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, to finish them off, a luscious maple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and that signature earthy depth maple syrup is known for. It’s a treat that feels homemade yet special enough to share with friends or family any time you want a little pick-me-up or a dessert that truly sings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies just right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that play perfectly together. Each ingredient is important, from the richness of the butter to the spice blend that gives a hint of warmth and the fresh apples that provide pockets of juicy sweetness and texture.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup (115 grams), melted: Provides a rich, moist base that helps create the tender texture blondies are loved for.
- Light brown sugar, 1 cup (200 grams), packed: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel depth, making your blondies more flavorful and moist.
- Large egg, 1: Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, floral aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup (125 grams): The backbone of the blondies, providing the necessary structure and bite.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Gives a light lift to prevent dense, flat blondies.
- Ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon: A warm spice flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon: Complements the cinnamon with a slightly sweet, nutty note.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Peeled and diced apples, 1 cup (120 grams): Adds freshness, moisture, and a subtle tartness that keeps the blondies interesting.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup (120 grams): Used in the glaze for smooth sweetness and a delicate finish.
- Pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons (30 ml): Gives the glaze its signature rich, deep sweetness and that unmistakeable maple flavor.
- Milk, 1-2 teaspoons: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking dish. Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan, then line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift out the blondies when they’re cool. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep your blondies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Blondie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This creates a shiny starting point for the batter and ensures the blondies are beautifully moist. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend adds the warm spice notes that make these blondies truly special. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then fold in the diced apples to make sure each bite has some juicy fruit surprises.
Step 4: Bake the Blondies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover every corner. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it—soft and gooey, not dry.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the blondies cool completely in the pan (a must before glazing), whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Add the milk one teaspoon at a time until the glaze is smooth and pourable, ready to drizzle.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled blondies, letting it cascade into sweet ribbons across the top. Give the glaze a little time to set before slicing into squares. This final touch not only looks stunning but adds the perfect finishing sweetness that makes this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and texture, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few delicate apple slices can heighten the autumnal vibe and make the presentation truly inviting.
Side Dishes
These blondies are delicious enough to enjoy on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream instantly turns them into a decadent dessert. For a brunch setting, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or spiced apple cider to complement the warm flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these blondies to a gathering, cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter makes them easy to share. You can also stack them with layers of thin apple slices and drizzle more glaze between layers for a stunning layered treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist, with the glaze still intact for a perfectly sweet finish each time you dig in.
Freezing
To enjoy these blondies later, you can freeze them before glazing. Wrap the baked blondie slab tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to two months. When ready, thaw completely, prepare the glaze fresh, and drizzle before serving.
Reheating
If you like your blondies a bit warm, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them briefly in a low-temperature oven. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven feel, bringing out the buttery flavor and melting the glaze slightly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this blondie recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape during baking and add different flavor notes, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same quantity. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the blondies hold together well.
Can I substitute the maple syrup in the glaze?
You can swap pure maple syrup for honey or agave nectar if needed, but the classic maple flavor is part of what makes this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe so special and unique.
How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?
Look for lightly golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This means the blondies will be moist and tender without being undercooked.
Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Yes, adjust the glaze by adding more powdered sugar to thicken it or more milk by drops to thin it out until you get the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe is truly a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something heartwarming and impressive. With tender blondies speckled with fresh apples and finished with a silky maple glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy these blondies bring to any table!
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Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, featuring tender chunks of diced apples baked into a spiced batter and topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfectly moist and sweet with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, these blondies make a perfect dessert or snack for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120 grams) peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (to thin as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to make it easier to lift the blondies out once baked.
- Mix Blondie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue to mix until everything is fully combined and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then, fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter evenly.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Remove from oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk. Start with one teaspoon of milk and add more if necessary to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency suitable for drizzling.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled blondies. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the blondies into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Ensure blondies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the blondies.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; stir well before using.
