Oh, friends, let me tell you about these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies. They’re seriously one of my all-time favorite treats, and I’m so excited to finally share the recipe! I remember the first time I made these, it was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma filled the whole house. It reminded me of my grandma’s Apple Pie, but with a fun, blondie twist. Think of them as the perfect marriage between a warm apple pie and a chewy, caramelly blondie – seriously irresistible, and so much easier than making a whole pie from scratch! These are like the cooler, more laid-back cousin to apple pie. You know, the one who shows up with a guitar and everyone instantly loves? That’s these blondies.
What is Maple Glazed Apple Blondies?
So, what *are* Maple Glazed Apple Blondies, exactly? Well, imagine a dense, chewy blondie, packed with chunks of tender, spiced apples. It’s not quite a cake, not quite a cookie, but something wonderfully in between. The blondie base itself is rich and buttery, with a hint of brown sugar that gives it that lovely caramel-like flavor. And then there are the apples – soft, cinnamon-spiced, and adding bursts of juicy sweetness throughout. It’s essentially like taking all the best parts of an Apple Pie – the warm spices, the tender fruit – and incorporating them into a super easy, crowd-pleasing dessert bar. The maple glaze on top? That’s the crowning glory, adding a touch of sophisticated sweetness and a beautiful shine. It’s not just sweetness, though. It’s the cozy sweetness of fall, bottled into a glaze.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to buy Maple Glazed Apples? What are the best blondes in your life? First and foremost, the human condition.flavorIs it just incredible? What’s with cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with apples? What are some of the best caramel blondies? What is that maple glaze? What’s more, it ties everything together perfectly, adding a sophisticated sweetness that isn’t cloying at all. What I love about this is how it balances comfort food with a touch of elegance. What makes these blondies so good is the flavor.simpleI can make these on a weeknight after work, you can too! What are some of the easiest to make: mix, stir, bake, glaze! I promise, the steps are super straightforward, and you don’t need any special equipment. Let’s talk about what we knowCost-You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry – flour, sugar, butter, spices. What is a pantry staple? Apples are often on sale in the fall, and maple syrup is an easy one to make. What is the kind of dessert that tastes like a million bucks but doesn’t break the bank? What are some of the best blondies ever?versatileWhat are some great side dishes to serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream? What is a perfect afternoon treat? What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight potluck? What are some great gift ideas for birthdays? What is a treat that anyone will appreciate? Honestly, compared to some of my other recipes, this one is a breeze. And the result is just…chef’s kiss!
How do you make maple glazed apples?
Quick Overview
Making these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies is easier than you might think! Basically, you’ll whip up a simple blondie batter, fold in some spiced apple chunks, bake it until golden and chewy, and then drizzle it with a luscious maple glaze. The best part? The whole process takes less than an hour, from start to finish. Seriously, it’s a quick win when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. The maple glaze really takes it to the next level without much extra effort. It’s almost like a magic trick!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why does it matter?
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled. I always use good quality butter. It makes a difference in the flavor!
* 1 cup packed light Brown Sugar. What gives these blondies that caramel flavor?
* 1 large egg. Make sure it’s at room temperature – it will incorporate better into the batter.
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It enhances all the other flavors.
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. I haven’t tried it with gluten-free flour yet, but I will let you know if I do!
* 1 teaspoon baking powder. This helps the blondies rise and get that perfect chewy texture.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt. Salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Filling:
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. I like to use Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart.
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Just a touch to bring out the apples’ natural sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cinnamon and apples are a match made in heaven!
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Adds a warm, cozy flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar. Make sure it’s sifted, so you don’t get lumps in your glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup. Use real maple for the best flavor!
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream. You can use whatever you have on hand. Is almond milk good for you?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour an 8×8 inch Baking Pan. If you have an overhang on the sides, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving a few overhungs. I always do this – it’s a lifesaver!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. How do you make sure that the baking powder is evenly distributed? I always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Brown Sugar. Set aside. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be light and creamy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand, too.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – over mixing will result in tough blondies. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible, and then I gently fold. Is it safe to put them in with a spatula
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well. Serve warm. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This step is super important because it helps to draw out some of the moisture from the apples. How do you prevent blondies from becoming soggy? Plus, it makes them taste amazing!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Then, sprinkle the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, and gently spread it out. To create a swirl effect, use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter and apples together. Be careful not to overdo it – you just want to create a few swirls on the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist spots. Remove from oven and cool completely. What are the crumbs The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. I always start checking them at 25 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before glazing. While they’re cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Stir well. If you have a very small amount of milk or cream, mix well. Once the blondies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. I like to use a fork or small spoon for this.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. Cut the blondies into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla Ice Cream? Dollop of whipped cream.
What should I serve it with?
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For Breakfast:Imagine starting your day with a hot cup of coffee. I love pairing these with a dark roast – the bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness. The blondie perfectly. What are some good ways to serve a blondie over Greek Yogurt?
For Brunch: These blondies are a fantastic addition to any brunch spread. Arrange them on a platter with other sweet treats like muffins and scones, and serve with mimosas or sparkling cider. For a more elegant presentation, dust the blondies with powdered sugar and garnish with a few Apple Slices.
As Dessert: Warm up a blondie and top it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a more sophisticated dessert, pair them with a glass of dessert wine, like a late-harvest Riesling.
For Cozy Snacks: These blondies are the perfect treat for a cozy night in. Curl up on the couch with a blondie and a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea. I also love toasting them slightly in the toaster oven for a warm, gooey snack. My family tradition is to have these after we decorate our Christmas tree. It’s the perfect cozy activity!
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 for baking success:
Apple Prep: Make sure to dice the apples into small, even pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are distributed throughout the blondies. I also like to toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough blondies. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in the apples.
Swirl Customization: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your swirl pattern. You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different designs. Just be careful not to over-swirl, as this can muddy the batter.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all great options. You can also add other ingredients to the batter, such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips. I tested this with almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the blondies while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so they may need more or less time. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use brown butter instead of regular butter. To add a hint of spice, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for a more adult flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may become slightly softer over time, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the blondies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on storing the blondies, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are more than just a recipe – they’re a warm hug in dessert form. Seriously, the combination of the chewy blondie base, the tender spiced apples, and that luscious maple glaze is just heavenly. They’re so easy to make, so incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to bake this fall, look no further. And if you loved this, you might also like my Salted Caramel Brownies – another easy and decadent dessert bar that’s always a hit! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought. Happy baking!
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 0.25 cup maple syrup
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped apple and maple syrup.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
