Fall baking season just got a little sweeter with these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. Bursting with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a rich buttery base, these blondies offer all the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite. The sweet maple glaze drizzled on top adds a luscious finish, turning a simple dessert into a show-stopping treat.
Perfect for easy dessert ideas, family-friendly treats, or a quick fall-inspired dessert, these blondies are a must-try. The combination of soft, chewy blondie texture with lightly spiced apples makes them irresistible, while the maple glaze adds a gourmet touch without complicating the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning an after-school snack, or looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dessert, these blondies fit the bill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, making it an ideal option for easy dessert recipes.
- Fall Flavor Explosion: Apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the soft, chewy texture and sweet glaze.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and a single apple.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Can be sliced, stored, and enjoyed over several days without losing flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect Maple Glazed Apple Blondie:
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Provides the structure for the blondies. Using plain flour ensures a tender, slightly chewy texture that holds the apple pieces without crumbling.
Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Leavening agents that give the blondies a soft, lift-filled texture. The combination helps balance density and chewiness.
Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances the sweet flavors and balances the richness of butter and brown sugar.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples. For a spicier variation, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted) – Provides a rich, buttery base. Melted butter creates a dense yet tender blondie.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Adds sweetness, moisture, and that signature caramel-like flavor essential for blondies.
Eggs (2 large) – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Adds aromatic flavor that enhances the apple and brown sugar notes.
Diced Apples (1 cup, about 1 medium apple) – Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and fruity texture. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work best.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for glaze) – Sweetens the glaze while allowing it to drizzle smoothly over the blondies.
Maple Syrup (2 tbsp, for glaze) – Brings authentic maple flavor, perfectly complementing the spiced apples and buttery blondie base.
Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp, melted, for glaze) – Creates a shiny, slightly rich glaze that hardens lightly once set.
Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp, for glaze) – Rounds out the flavor of the glaze and adds a subtle depth to the dessert.
Pro Tips
- Do Not Overmix: Overworking the batter leads to dense blondies; mix until just combined.
- Use Fresh Apples: Crisp apples maintain texture and moisture, enhancing the dessert.
- Cool Slightly Before Glazing: Prevents the glaze from melting completely into the blondies.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: Makes removing the blondies and slicing easier.
- Customize Spices: Add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for extra autumn flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs.
- Spiced Apple Variation: Use a pinch of cloves or cardamom for more complex flavor.
- Nutty Blondies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Caramel Maple Glaze: Mix caramel sauce with maple glaze for an extra indulgent topping.
Serving Suggestions
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with hot coffee, chai, or spiced cider for a cozy snack.
- Slice into bite-sized squares for a sweet addition to holiday trays or lunchboxes.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze to enhance flavor complexity.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
To Make Ahead: Bake blondies in advance and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze just before serving for a fresh look.
To Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Refrigerate for up to a week.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled blondies in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with glaze before serving.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to restore soft, chewy texture.
Cultural Notes
Blondies, often called “blonde brownies,” are a classic American dessert known for their rich, buttery flavor. Adding apples and maple glaze infuses a fall twist, celebrating seasonal produce and cozy flavors. This recipe blends classic American baking with modern touches, making it perfect for holiday baking, family gatherings, or seasonal dessert menus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen or pre-diced apples?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can these blondies be made dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and flax eggs; maple syrup is naturally vegan.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and drizzle over freshly baked blondies.
4. How do I keep the blondies soft and chewy?
Do not overbake, and allow them to cool slightly in the pan.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time slightly, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Irresistible Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
- Fold in the diced apples with a spatula, spreading them evenly through the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- While the blondies cool for 10 minutes, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm blondies.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice into squares and enjoy!
