If your sweet tooth is in need of something truly comforting, you’re in for a treat with these Maple Blondies. Imagine thick, chewy bars boasting warm brown sugar, a rich hint of real maple syrup, and just the right amount of crunch from toasted nuts — every bite melts in your mouth with cozy fall vibes, no matter the season! This easy dessert is one I come back to again and again, whether it’s for a bake sale, a coffee break with friends, or just as a little pick-me-up on a Tuesday afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about Maple Blondies is how they take simple pantry staples and transform them into something irresistibly crave-worthy! Each ingredient pulls its weight here, adding the sweetness, texture, and that classic golden color you want in a perfect bar.
- Butter (unsalted, melted): Brings rich flavor and keeps the blondies soft and moist throughout.
- Brown sugar (lightly packed): Adds deep caramel notes and that signature chewy crumb.
- Pure maple syrup: Infuses the bars with a natural, earthy sweetness and unmistakable maple aroma.
- Large egg: Binds everything together so each bite holds up beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and gives depth to the maple flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The structure-maker, giving blondies their classic, sturdy—but never cakey—texture.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a thick, fudgy bite.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and makes those maple notes pop.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Bring in a toasty crunch and added depth, but totally optional if you want nut-free bars.
How to Make Maple Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Set yourself up for blondie success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes getting the blondies out (and cleaning up!) so much easier later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, grab your whisk and blend the melted butter with the brown sugar and maple syrup until the mixture looks silky and smooth. This is where that magical maple aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your brown sugar mixture is smooth, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything’s thoroughly combined. Don’t overmix—just make sure there are no streaks of egg.
Step 4: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed so every square rises and bakes up just right.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now for a bit of crunch!
Step 6: Bake
Pour that thick, luscious batter into your prepared pan and gently spread it out to the edges. Bake for 25–28 minutes—watch for the edges turning golden and a toothpick coming out clean or with a few moist crumbs stuck to it.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Resist the urge to dive in right away! Let the Maple Blondies cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into generous squares. They slice best when cool and are so worth the wait.
How to Serve Maple Blondies
Garnishes
Dress your Maple Blondies up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For something a little fancy, try a scattering of candied walnuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Side Dishes
Though these blondies are wonderful on their own, they partner perfectly with a cup of dark roast coffee, a frothy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for dessert, pair with fresh berries for a bright, tangy contrast to their rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your blondies into an impressive dessert platter by stacking them in rustic towers or slicing them into bite-sized cubes for party nibbles. If you’re gifting them, tuck them into bakery bags with a ribbon or layer in a jar for an edible treat that always gets smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Maple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay delightfully chewy for up to three days. If you want them a little softer and gooier, place a slice of bread in the container with them—it keeps them from drying out.
Freezing
Maple Blondies freeze like a dream! Simply wrap cooled squares individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a quick treat.
Reheating
To refresh that just-baked goodness, warm your blondies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. This perks up their texture and brings out the maple aroma all over again!
FAQs
Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
Pure maple syrup gives the most authentic, complex flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute a good-quality maple-flavored syrup. Expect a slightly sweeter, less nuanced result, but your Maple Blondies will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness around the 30-35 minute mark—you may need a few extra minutes.
How do I get clean edges when slicing blondies?
Let the Maple Blondies cool completely before cutting and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. For super neat squares, you can even chill them briefly in the fridge before slicing.
What’s the best way to enhance the maple flavor?
For a stronger maple kick, use grade B maple syrup if you can find it, or add a touch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of maple extract to the batter before baking.
Are Maple Blondies suitable for nut-free diets?
Just skip the nuts in your batter! The results will still be moist, chewy, and full of maple goodness, perfect for anyone with nut allergies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra special about sharing a pan of Maple Blondies—whether you’re making them for a celebration or just because. Give this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe a try and watch them disappear (quickly!) with lots of requests for seconds. Happy baking!
PrintMaple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of these Maple Blondies. A perfect treat for maple lovers, these chewy bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla creates a heavenly dessert that’s irresistible for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, fold in nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 25–28 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool in pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a stronger maple flavor, consider using grade B maple syrup or adding 1/4 teaspoon of maple extract.
- These blondies freeze well and develop even richer flavors the next day.
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