If you are looking for a warm, cozy treat that combines the comforting sweetness of apples with the rich, buttery goodness of blondies plus a luscious finish that’s truly irresistible, this Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers a delightful twist on classic blondies, incorporating tender apple chunks and a smooth maple glaze that brings every bite to life with layers of flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, these blondies promise to be the star of the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays a key role in making these blondies so deliciously tender, flavorful, and beautifully spiced.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Provides the rich, moist base that makes the blondies tender and decadent.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel complexity for a deeper flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together while giving the blondies a fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor, bringing a warm, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The structure builder that holds everything together just right.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a slight lift for perfectly soft blondies.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a cozy spice note that complements the apples beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth, rounding out the spice profile.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Peeled, diced apples (1 cup): Fresh apples add bursts of juiciness and a pleasant texture contrast.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Forms the sweet, silky base of the maple glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds authentic maple sweetness for that signature glaze shine and flavor.
- Milk (1-2 teaspoons): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little extra step will make it so much easier to lift the blondies right out once they are baked and cooled, helping keep their beautiful shape intact.
Step 2: Mix Blondie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until all the ingredients come together into a rich, thick batter. This is where the magic starts to happen—sweet, buttery, and fragrant, just waiting for a burst of apple.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the diced apples, which will bring a juicy, fresh element to every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Blondies
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs stuck to it. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial so the blondies set up nicely and your glaze won’t melt away.
Step 5: Make the Maple Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Add milk gradually—start with one teaspoon—to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. This glossy, sweet topping adds the perfect final touch, balancing the flavors and creating a stunning finish.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled blondies, letting it cascade over the edges for that picture-perfect look. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving, so each piece holds that beautiful shine.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted pecans over the glaze once it’s set. Fresh apple slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar also add charm and enhance flavor when serving these blondies to guests.
Side Dishes
These maple glazed apple blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite spiced chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the blondies into small squares and arranging them on a rustic wooden platter for sharing. You can even use them as a decadent topping for warm oatmeal or yogurt parfaits, giving your breakfast a sweet, seasonal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze softens slightly but remains irresistibly sweet, maintaining the moist texture you love.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed blondies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before glazing to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat individual blondie pieces gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep them moist and tender, and add a fresh drizzle of maple glaze if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Just make sure to dice them small enough so they bake evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. The blondies may have a slightly different texture, but the flavor remains just as delightful.
How sweet are these blondies?
They have a moderate sweetness, balanced by the natural tartness of the apples and the warm spices. The maple glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish, but you could adjust the amount of sugar or glaze if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries would be excellent additions. Fold them in with the apples before baking for extra texture and flavor complexity.
How thick should I cut the blondies?
Cutting into about 2-inch squares works well. They hold their shape and are perfect for serving as a snack or dessert portion. Thinner slices might be more delicate and harder to handle once glazed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing a warm tray of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe with the people you care about. These blondies capture the essence of cozy, heartwarming flavors that feel like a hug in dessert form. I encourage you to grab your ingredients, try this recipe soon, and create moments filled with sweetness and smiles.
Print
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, a perfect blend of tender blondie base infused with warm spices and juicy apple pieces, topped with a luscious maple glaze. Ideal for a comforting dessert or a sweet snack, these blondies combine classic autumn flavors with a rich, buttery texture.
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 on the sides to make it easier to lift out the blondies once baked.
- Mix Blondie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is fully combined and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter, stirring just until all the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the blondie batter, distributing them evenly without breaking down the pieces.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the blondies are perfectly baked but still moist inside. Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and pure maple syrup. Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, and continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and pourable, adjusting the thickness to your preference.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the maple glaze over the cooled blondies evenly. Let the glaze set slightly before slicing the blondies into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful harmony of maple and apple flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the blondies are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- You can substitute the apple variety with crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart contrast.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative in the glaze.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
