Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe

These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies start with a rich, buttery base, studded with tender chunks of apple, and then are finished with a glistening maple glaze. They’re the kind of comforting treat that brings a smile, perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a meal. The warmth of the cinnamon and the sweetness of the maple syrup really sing together, especially when paired with those soft baked apples. I like to make these when I have a few apples that are just past their prime for eating raw, but still perfect for baking. You can use any firm apple variety, like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Make sure to chop them finely for the best texture in the finished blondies. The apple mixture caramelizes slightly as it bakes, adding a lovely depth of flavor that complements the sweet blondie base. I find that small, finely chopped pieces are key to ensuring the apples cook through without making the blondies too wet. The dark brown sugar in the blondie batter gives them a wonderful chewy texture and a slightly deeper flavor profile than using only granulated sugar.

Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies start with a rich, buttery base, studded with tender chunks of apple, and then are finished with a glistening maple glaze. They’re the kind of comforting treat that brings a smile, perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a meal. The warmth of the cinnamon and the sweetness of the maple syrup really sing together, especially when paired with those soft baked apples. I like to make these when I have a few apples that are just past their prime for eating raw, but still perfect for baking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 large apples (chopped finely)
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar (for apple mixture)
• 1 Tbsp butter (for apple mixture)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for apple mixture)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for apple mixture)
• 2 Tbsp butter (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Before you even think about making the blondie batter, get your apples ready. You’ll want to chop them finely. Think small, bite-sized pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. This ensures they cook through nicely in the blondies and distribute evenly. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Set this aside. This little step of pre-cooking or macerating the apples slightly with the sugar and spice helps bring out their flavor and makes sure they aren’t too watery when they go into the batter. You can even give them a quick sauté in a small pan for a few minutes until slightly softened, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.
2. Make the Blondie Batter Base: Now, let’s get the main event going. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened butter with the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of dark brown sugar. Using softened butter is key here; it should be pliable but not melted. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a good 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the texture of the blondies.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Apples: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined. Then, stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Make sure everything is well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough blondies. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently fold in the prepared apple mixture from Step 1. Distribute the apples as evenly as possible throughout the batter.
4. Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. You want a nice, flat surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The edges should be golden brown and set. Baking time can vary depending on your oven and how moist your apples are, so keep an eye on them. If they start to brown too quickly on top before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil. It’s important not to overbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool.
5. Prepare and Apply the Maple Glaze: While the blondies are still warm in the pan, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Whisk gently until the butter and syrup are well combined and slightly warmed. Be careful not to boil the glaze. Once the blondies have cooled slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes (this allows them to set up a bit so the glaze doesn’t just soak in completely), drizzle the warm maple glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a small whisk for this. Let the glaze set for another 10-15 minutes in the pan before cutting. This glaze will give your blondies a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of maple flavor that is absolutely delicious. For cleaner cuts, you can lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang once they’ve cooled down a bit more.

Serving and Storage

Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This makes for much cleaner edges. They are wonderful served warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can gently reheat them in a microwave or a low oven if you prefer them warm.

Conclusion:

These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are a fantastic make-ahead treat, perfect for any occasion. They offer that cozy, comforting flavor that everyone loves. The combination of tender baked apples, chewy blondie base, and sweet maple glaze is hard to beat. They are simple enough for a weeknight bake but special enough to share at a gathering. I really encourage you to try them, especially when you have apples that need using up. You can adjust the spices slightly to your preference; a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon is also delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these blondies warm or at room temperature. They are excellent on their own, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to another level. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider.

Variations:

For a nutty crunch, add about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the blondie batter along with the apples. You could also add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter for a little brightness to cut through the sweetness.

FAQs:

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, absolutely. Firmer apples that hold their shape well when baked are best. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even Granny Smith (for a tarter contrast) work great. Avoid very soft apples like McIntosh, as they can turn to mush.

How should I store these blondies?

Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, though they might become a bit firmer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. The blondies themselves can be baked a day in advance. The glaze is best drizzled on just before serving or within a few hours of baking for the best texture. You can also bake them and freeze them (un-glazed) for up to 2 months.

Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

Chewy blondies loaded with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a sweet maple glaze.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
16 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 large apples (chopped finely)
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
4. Step 4
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
5. Step 5
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6
   While the blondies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the 2 Tbsp butter until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7
   Once the blondies are removed from the oven, drizzle the warm maple glaze evenly over the top. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.