Sink your teeth into the warm embrace of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, where tender apple chunks, spiced blondie batter, and a luscious maple glaze come together for the most irresistible fall treat. These blondies offer the perfect harmony of chewy and gooey, kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, and crowned with a glossy maple drizzle that makes each bite pure magic. Whether you’re sharing them at a cozy gathering or treating yourself after a long day, you’ll fall in love with the way the sweet apples and rich maple meld to create unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are made with a handful of pantry staples and a few standout stars. Each ingredient is selected to create the perfect balance: chewy texture from the blondie base, tart freshness from the apples, and a sticky-sweet maple glaze that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup melted): Rich butter gives the blondies their signature moist chew and a deep, delicious flavor.
- Packed brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds warmth, a hint of caramel, and complements the apples beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together and keep the blondies tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A whole tablespoon brings out the best of the apples and enhances every other flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The classic blondie base for structure and that perfect dense crumb.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds just enough lift for a soft bite without being cakey.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The ultimate fall spice—no apple dessert is complete without it.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy depth that takes things up a notch.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples (2 cups): Granny Smiths work best for a tart, juicy bite in every bar.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a little crunch and nutty flavor—feel free to skip or swap for your favorite nut.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, for glaze): Gives the glaze its velvety richness and shine.
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): The star of the glaze, infusing sweet, caramel notes right into the topping.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Thicken up the glaze for that perfectly pourable texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Rounds out the flavors for a glaze you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly warm when you’re ready to bake. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan makes sure the blondies come out with no sticking or breaking, so don’t skimp on this step—your blondies deserve a smooth debut!
Step 2: Mix the Blondie Base
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until you see a smooth, glossy mixture. This is what gives Maple Glazed Apple Blondies their delightful chew and caramel undertones. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until things look thick and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step makes sure your spices and leavening get evenly distributed, so every bite is bursting with the perfect blend of warmth and structure.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—just fold it together until you don’t see any more flour streaks. The batter should look thick, but that’s the secret to a dense, chewy blondie.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped apples (and walnuts or pecans, if you’re using them). This is where Maple Glazed Apple Blondies get their personality—fresh apple brings a tart, moist bite, and the nuts add a satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!). Let the blondies cool in the pan so they firm up and are easier to glaze and cut.
Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze
For the crowning touch, melt the butter and pure maple syrup together in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the glaze is smooth, satiny, and pourable. You’ll want to drizzle and spread it generously over the cooled blondies—don’t hold back!
Step 8: Glaze, Set, and Slice
Drizzle the maple glaze over the blondies in the pan, spreading it evenly. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into bars. This little wait is the hardest part, but it’s worth it when you see that glossy finish crackle slightly under your knife.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Garnishes
Take Maple Glazed Apple Blondies to the next level by sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon, extra chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar over the top. For a bit of extra flair, nestle a thin apple slice on each square just before serving. The toppings make each bar look irresistible and hint at the flavors to come.
Side Dishes
For a truly indulgent dessert plate, pair your blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. They’re also lovely alongside a mug of hot coffee, chai, or spiced cider—the warm beverages highlight their cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make these treats even more unforgettable, cut Maple Glazed Apple Blondies into fun bite-sized cubes for dessert platters or stack a few blondies and wrap with baker’s twine for a pretty, edible gift. You can even layer crumbled blondies with yogurt and apples in parfait glasses for a breakfast or brunch surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and set, store leftover Maple Glazed Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them chewy without drying out, and the flavors somehow get even better by the second day!
Freezing
To freeze, simply wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and slide them into a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw at room temperature—perfect for surprise guests or when a craving hits.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your blondies just-like-fresh, pop a square in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This brings back some of that just-baked gooeyness and is especially dreamy if you plan to serve them with ice cream!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a favorite for their tartness and firm texture, you can swap in any crisp variety you love—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala all work beautifully in Maple Glazed Apple Blondies.
Are the walnuts or pecans necessary?
Nope—the nuts are totally optional! They add a wonderful crunch, but Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are just as delicious without them. You can even substitute with other nuts like hazelnuts, or leave them out for a nut-free treat.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture may be a little softer, but Maple Glazed Apple Blondies will still be delightfully chewy and full of flavor.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the blondies—a consistency similar to honey. If it seems too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a tiny splash of maple syrup to loosen it up.
Can I add mix-ins like white chocolate chips?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even dried cranberries with the apples and nuts for extra personality. Each addition creates a custom twist on Maple Glazed Apple Blondies that’s sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, you’ll see why they’re impossible to resist! With their cozy, spiced apple center and plush, maple-kissed finish, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Give them a try—you might just start a new favorite tradition!
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Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, these chewy blondies are packed with apples and warm spices, then topped with a luscious maple glaze.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in apples and nuts.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool in pan.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and maple syrup. Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled blondies, let set before slicing.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, try adding white chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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