Oh, friends, let me tell you about these maple glazed apple blondies! They’re like the cozier, more laid-back cousin of a Chocolate Chip Cookie, but with a warm, autumnal hug. Picture this: a chewy, buttery blondie base, studded with tender chunks of sweet apple, all swirled with a hint of cinnamon and then drizzled with the most luscious maple glaze. Honestly, they disappear in minutes at my house. I think you will adore how easy it is to Make these! The first time I made them, I was going for something between apple pie and a cookie bar, and these totally hit the spot.
What is Maple Glazed Apple Blondies?
Think of a blondie as a brownie’s vanilla-flavored sibling. Instead of chocolate, you get a rich, buttery, almost caramel-like flavor that’s just begging to be paired with something special. In this case, that something special is the classic combination of apples and maple syrup. It’s essentially a dense, chewy bar cookie, but the apples add a touch of moisture and that comforting apple pie vibe. The maple glaze on top isn’t just for looks, either – it seals in the moisture and adds that extra layer of sweet, autumn-inspired flavor that makes these blondies truly irresistible. It’s surprisingly simple too, I always thought blondies were hard to make!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about these maple glazed apple blondies is how easy they are to make! No fussy layering, no complicated techniques – just mix, bake, and glaze. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something sweet but don’t want to. I spend hours in the kitchen.
• FlavorThe warm, buttery base, sweet-tart apples, the hint of cinnamon, and that rich maple glaze… it’s a must-try. a symphony of autumnal flavors in every bite. Is this a comforting tea? I always sneak a bite straight from the oven before the glaze even sets…don’t tell!
• SimplicityIs this recipe ridiculously easy? Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail these. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available.
• Cost-Apples are usually pretty affordable, especially during apple season, and the other ingredients are pretty basic. What are pantry staples How do I make a batch of these without breaking the bank? I also found that honey works well for the glaze if I am out of maple syrup. Is it a good substitute for water?
• Versatility: These blondies are perfect for so many occasions! You can serve them as a dessert, pack them in lunchboxes, or bring them to a potluck. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you are looking for something like a brownie and a cookie this is your recipe.
How do I make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies?
Quick Overview
Making these maple glazed apple blondies is a breeze. You’ll start by prepping the apples, then mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately. Combine them, fold in the apples, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with that dreamy maple glaze. The best part? The whole process takes less than an hour, start to finish! I have even done it in 45 minutes before!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why?
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is soft and not melted. Is it easy to press your finger into something?
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar: Light brown sugar gives these blondies that lovely caramel-like flavor. You can use dark brown sugar in a pinch, but the flavor will be a bit more intense.
• 2 large eggs: Use room-temperature eggs for best results. They’ll incorporate more easily into the batter.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a ton of flavor.
• 2 14 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached all purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the blondies a nice lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
What is the best combination of cinnamon and apples?
For the Filling:
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. But feel free to use your favorite kind! Make sure the apple chunks are not too big!
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This prevents apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
For the Glaze:
• 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Again, make sure your butter is softened.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift the powder to avoid lumps in your glaze.
• 14 cup maple syrup: Use real maple for the best flavor! The fake stuff just won’t cut it.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A little extra vanilla never hurts!
• 2-4 tablespoons milk: Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a sheet of paper with parchment paper? I always do this because it makes cutting the blondies so much easier later on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed. Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure the butter is soft enough!
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible, and then finish it off with a spatula.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice. This will prevent them from browning and add a touch of brightness to the flavor. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the apples as well, if you like.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Gently fold the apples into the batter. Pour it into a pan and spread it evenly. If you want a swirl effect, you can drizzle melted butter over the top. You can also use Whipped Cream for this effect. Is it possible to swirl the batter with a knife or toothpick? I love doing this because it makes the blondies look extra fancy!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist spots. What are the crumbs How do you avoid overbaking blondies? I always start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. I can’t wait to do it.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before glazing. To make the glaze, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies. I like to use a spoon or a piping bag for this.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze is set, slice the blondies into squares and serve. What are some of the best recipes to serve at room temperature? What are some gooey treats that can be made in the microwave?
What should I serve it with?
Maple glazed apple blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
For Breakfast: Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a latte for a sweet start to your day. You can even crumble them over yogurt or granola for a decadent breakfast parfait. I love how the warm spices complement the coffee.
For Brunch: Serve them on a platter with other brunch favorites like muffins, scones, and Fruit Salad. They look beautiful arranged on a tiered serving stand. A mimosa or a glass of sparkling cider would be the perfect accompaniment.
As Dessert: These blondies are fantastic on their own as a simple dessert, but you can also dress them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would also be delicious. Sometimes my family likes to add a little whipped cream and a cherry on top!
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or cocoa on a chilly afternoon. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics. I love bringing them on hikes during the fall because they’re easy to eat on the go!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Want to take your maple glazed apple blondies to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:
Apple Prep: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. I like to use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. Make sure to chop the apples into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Mix until just combined. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible, and then finish it off with a spatula. It really helps to keep them from being too hard!
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirl pattern! You can use a knife, a toothpick, or even a chopstick to create different designs. Try swirling in some melted butter, maple syrup, or caramel sauce for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. Just add a tablespoon of molasses to the wet ingredients. You can also substitute other types of apples, like Fuji or Gala. For a nuttier flavor, add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. I once tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Bake the blondies in the center of the oven for even cooking. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake!
Glaze Variations: For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, use more milk. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra flavor. I have even mixed in coffee for a coffee flavored glaze. It’s absolutely divine.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your maple glazed apple blondies fresh and delicious? Here are some storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, place a piece of bread in the container with them. It helps absorb the moisture.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving. I usually take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the blondies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To keep them from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between each blondie.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the blondies for more than a day, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. The glaze can become sticky if stored for too long. You can also store the glaze separately in the refrigerator and then drizzle it over the blondies when you’re ready to serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my go-to recipe for maple glazed apple blondies! They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack, a simple dessert, or a sweet addition to your brunch spread, these blondies are sure to hit the spot. The best part? They’re so easy to customize with your favorite apples, nuts, and spices. If you are looking for a simple dessert this is the perfect recipe. If you enjoy these, be sure to try my pumpkin spice cookies and Cranberry Bliss Bars this fall too! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them!
7 Best Maple Glazed Apple Blondies for a Perfect Fall Treat
Ingredients
Blondies
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Apple, peeled and diced
Maple Glaze
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Milk
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Beat until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the blondies cool completely before frosting.
- For the maple glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled blondies and let it set before cutting into squares.
