Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe

If you love warm, comforting desserts with a touch of seasonal magic, then these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies will quickly become your new favorite. The rich, buttery blondie base combined with tender, spiced apples and a luscious maple glaze creates a perfect balance of sweet, cozy flavors. Every bite offers a delightful texture contrast, making these blondies irresistible. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, lovingly bringing together classic fall tastes in a wonderfully simple way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and appearance of your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. Each component plays its role, from the flour that builds structure to the warm spices and sweet maple syrup that bring everything to life.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the blondies their tender, cakey texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 cup butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture, making the blondies decadently soft.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to complement the brown sugar’s deeper notes.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar: Contributes a caramel-like richness and a chewy crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure and moisture.
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Brings a subtle spicy warmth, perfect with the apple and maple theme.
• 2 large apples (chopped finely): Fresh and juicy, they add tender bursts of brightness inside every bite.
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar (for filling): Sweetens the apple mixture and helps it caramelize slightly.
• 1 Tbsp butter (for filling): Adds richness that softens and flavors the apples beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the apple notes with a hint of warmth.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for filling): Harmonizes perfectly with the apples and maple.
• 2 Tbsp butter (for glaze): Creates a smooth base for the sweet maple glaze.
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze, delivering signature sweetness and depth.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Helps the glaze set with a silky, smooth finish.
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Balances the glaze with a gentle, fragrant note.
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze): Adds an extra hint of cozy spice that ties it all together.

How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Apples

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 11×7-inch pan with tin foil or spray it with cooking spray for easy removal later. Next, gently cook the chopped apples with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon over medium-low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the apples just enough while concentrating their natural sweetness and warming up those cozy spices. Let the apple mixture cool as you prepare the rest of the blondie batter.

Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter

Using softened butter, cream it until light and fluffy—about one minute will do the trick. Add both the brown and granulated sugars, mixing until fully combined for that rich, chewy texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in salt and vanilla extract to boost flavor depth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until the batter is just combined. This blending ensures your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies will be soft and perfectly textured.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread half of the blondie batter evenly in the prepared pan. The batter is thick, so using your hands can make spreading easier and more even. Next, layer the cooled apple filling all over the first batter layer. Finally, top with the remaining blondie batter and spread it out to cover the apples completely. Bake the bars for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. The oven aroma alone is enough to invite everyone to the kitchen!

Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the blondies cool for around 10 minutes, prepare the glaze by melting butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together over low heat. Once melted and combined, remove from the heat and sift in powdered sugar. Whisk briskly until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Let it sit for 8 to 10 minutes to set the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Step 5: Glaze and Set

Pour the maple glaze evenly over the warm blondie bars and allow it to set completely before slicing. The glaze creates a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the soft apples and buttery blondie base, making these blondies truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

Garnishes

To elevate your Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft blondies. A dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices on the side adds a pretty finishing touch that guests will appreciate.

Side Dishes

These blondies shine as a dessert after a cozy meal, especially alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing them with a warm spiced tea or a fresh cup of coffee creates an inviting autumn-inspired treat that comforts and delights.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the blondie squares stacked with layers of apple butter or drizzled with caramel sauce. You can also turn them into dessert sandwiches by cutting the bars into rectangles and layering them with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone. Whatever you choose, these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are versatile enough to wow in a variety of presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Maple Glazed Apple Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist, perfect for snacking or serving without losing their freshness.

Freezing

If you want to keep these blondies longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen blondies will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop for a few hours.

Reheating

Warm your blondies slightly before serving to bring back that freshly baked flavor. Heat them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. The glaze will soften and the blondie will taste just like it came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely contrast, sweeter varieties such as Gala or Honeycrisp also work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.

Is it possible to make these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it can vary slightly.

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Definitely. The apple filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before assembling the blondies for easier spreading.

What if I don’t have pure maple syrup for the glaze?

While pure maple syrup provides the best flavor, you can substitute with a high-quality maple-flavored syrup or honey. Keep in mind the flavor and sweetness profile may differ slightly.

How thick should the glaze be? Can I adjust it?

The glaze should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to hold its shape once spread. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If too thick, stir in a small splash of milk or warm water to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Maple Glazed Apple Blondies that make them a must-bake for any season, especially when you want to bring warmth and sweetness to the table. Whether you’re sharing with family, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these blondies deliver hearty flavor and comforting textures that always impress. So, grab those apples and maple syrup, and dive into this deliciously cozy baking adventure—you won’t regret it!

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