If you adore comforting sweets that bring together the warm flavors of autumn, you are going to fall head over heels for this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe. These blondies are chewy, tender, and bursting with juicy apple pieces, while the luscious maple glaze on top adds a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple indulgence whenever you crave something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture—from the rich, melted butter to the fresh, finely chopped apples that bring moisture and brightness. These essentials come together to create a delightful blondie with a fragrant cinnamon twist, all crowned with that irresistible maple glaze.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the blondies, making the crumb soft and buttery.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Provides a deep caramel flavor that works beautifully with maple and apples.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder, helping everything come together perfectly without being cakey.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the blondies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a slight rise for a tender but sturdy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings cozy spice that complements the apple’s natural tartness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Adds freshness, moisture, and a lovely texture contrast.
- For the maple glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Delivers authentic maple flavor that’s the star of the glaze.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Gives the glaze a silky smooth finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the glaze’s flavor, tying it to the blondies.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the glaze’s sweetness and depth.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy clean-up and ensures your blondies come out flawlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This will give your blondies that signature chewy texture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring well to fully combine all the lovely flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now gently stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the blondies tender. The cinnamon will fill the batter with warm, subtle spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples, making sure they are evenly distributed. These little pockets of apple are what make this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe truly unforgettable, delivering bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures a perfect chewy center with just enough softness.
Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While your blondies cool, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious glaze will soak in just a bit, adding that signature sweet finish that makes this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe shine.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Once the blondies have cooled mostly (warm is fine but not hot), drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares. This step seals in the flavors and textures, giving you that perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
These blondies taste divine on their own but feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices on the side can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee, making the perfect afternoon treat or after-dinner delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving these blondies on a rustic wooden board with a small jar of extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares and place on decorative skewers for a fun, easy-to-eat finger food that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover blondies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them chilled preserves their moist texture and maple glaze magic. They remain delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your blondies slightly warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the texture slightly and reactivates the maple sweetness, bringing back that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, any crisp apple variety you like will work. Just be sure to finely chop the apples to ensure even distribution.
Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture just right.
Can I add nuts to the Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe?
Definitely. Adding 1/2 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter adds lovely crunch and complements the apple and maple flavors beautifully.
How sweet are these blondies? Can I reduce the sugar?
These blondies have a balanced sweetness thanks to the brown sugar and maple glaze. You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if preferred, but keep in mind the maple glaze also adds sweetness, so adjust it accordingly.
What’s the best way to slice the blondies without ruining the glaze?
Use a sharp knife and let the glaze set fully before slicing. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices. Chilling the blondies briefly before cutting can also help keep the glaze intact.
Final Thoughts
If you want a treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of tender blondies studded with juicy apple and finished with a sweet maple glaze is pure magic that will brighten any occasion and quickly become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience that cozy bliss firsthand!
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Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and chewy Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, featuring a tender apple-studded batter baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious maple syrup glaze. Perfect as a fall dessert, these blondies balance sweet maple flavors with cinnamon-spiced apples for an irresistible treat.
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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies once baked.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt just until the mixture is combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped peeled apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the blondies cool, combine the pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Set: Once the blondies are mostly cooled but still slightly warm, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into 9 squares.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking.
- Store blondies in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, ideally consuming within 3 days.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a pleasant contrast to the sweetness, or sweeter apples like Honeycrisp for more sweetness.
