These maple glazed apple blondies are everything you crave in a cozy, fall-inspired dessert. With chewy brown sugar blondie layers, a sweet cinnamon apple filling, and a rich maple glaze, this treat is the ultimate blend of apple pie comfort and bar cookie ease. Whether you’re baking for a weekend gathering or just want to fill your home with the warm aroma of autumn spices, this recipe is easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright irresistible.
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What Makes These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies So Special
Maple glazed apple blondies combine the chewy texture of a classic blondie with the nostalgic flavor of apple pie. They’re easy to prepare, bake in one pan, and slice beautifully for sharing. The maple glaze is not just a finishing touch—it elevates the bars with a bold, cozy sweetness that ties every bite together. Plus, they store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert for potlucks or holiday spreads.
Apple Blondie Ingredients and Their Roles
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the blondies
• Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift, ensuring soft, chewy bars
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with blondie texture
• Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with molasses richness
• Eggs: Bind the batter and give it structure
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity
• Cinnamon: Enhances the fall spice profile and complements apples
Apple Filling Ingredients
• Chopped Apples: The star filling—juicy, sweet, and slightly tart
• Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with apples for extra depth
• Butter: Helps soften the apples and creates a syrupy base
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth to the fruit mixture
• Cinnamon: Classic spice pairing for apples
Maple Glaze Ingredients
• Butter: Provides a silky base for the glaze
• Pure Maple Syrup: The highlight flavor—rich, earthy sweetness
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the sweetness
• Ground Cinnamon: Rounds out the glaze with spice
Substitutions and Dietary Swaps for Apple Blondies
• Apples: Use pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor
• Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option
• Dark Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works in a pinch, though flavor will be milder
• Maple Syrup: Agave nectar can be used, but the glaze won’t have the same depth
• Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this recipe gluten-free
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F and line an 11×7-inch baking pan with foil or nonstick spray.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, cook the apples with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool.
- Prepare Blondie Batter: Cream butter until fluffy, then mix in the sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Blondies: Spread half the blondie batter in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with the apple mixture, then spread the remaining batter over the apples. Use your hands or a spatula—it’s thick!
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Make the Maple Glaze: While blondies bake, melt butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Remove from heat, sift in powdered sugar, and whisk until smooth. Let it sit for 8–10 minutes to thicken.
- Glaze and Serve: Once blondies are slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), pour glaze over the top. Let set before slicing into squares.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Blondies
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the glaze
• Don’t skip the glaze—it’s the secret to what makes these bars unforgettable
• Let everything cool properly before glazing or cutting to avoid a gooey mess
• Line your pan with foil for easy removal and cleaner slicing
• Taste test your apples—if they’re extra juicy, reduce butter slightly to avoid soggy filling
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations
• Serve warm with ice cream for an apple pie à la mode vibe
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for a sweeter finish
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch
• Mix in white chocolate chips for a decadent touch
• Make mini blondies in muffin tins for a grab-and-go treat
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days—microwave before serving for fresh flavor
• Freeze unglazed blondies and add glaze after thawing for better texture retention
Embrace Fall with Maple and Apple Goodness
These maple glazed apple blondies are a cozy fall dessert that’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for a Thanksgiving table. They’re a unique alternative to traditional apple pie, delivering the same warm flavors with a chewy, handheld twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving that comforting blend of maple, apple, and spice.
Cozy Comfort in Every Bite
In every square of these maple glazed apple blondies, you’ll find the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, the rich chew of a classic blondie base, and the indulgent sweetness of a silky maple glaze. They’re more than just a seasonal dessert—they’re a cozy, satisfying treat that brings the flavors of fall to life. Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering or sneaking a square with your morning coffee, this recipe is bound to become a repeat favorite.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss fall dessert that captures the essence of homemade comfort and sweet maple bliss, these maple glazed apple blondies deliver every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Yes, you can! While tart apples like Granny Smith are great for contrast, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well. Just avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious—they may turn mushy during baking.
How do I store leftover maple glazed apple blondies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and glaze before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake the blondies in a 9×13-inch pan. Just extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes and keep an eye on the doneness using a toothpick test.
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Maple Glazed Apple Blondies:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chewy maple glazed apple blondies combine the warm flavors of apple pie with the soft texture of blondies, topped with a rich maple glaze. A perfect fall dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit.
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
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for apple filling)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for apple filling)
- 2 Tbsp butter (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 11×7-inch baking pan with foil or grease with cooking spray.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, cook chopped apples with 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter until fluffy. Add granulated sugar and dark brown sugar, and beat until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Spread half the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the first blondie layer.
- Top with the remaining blondie batter and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- To make the glaze, melt butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Let glaze cool for 8–10 minutes to thicken.
- After the blondies have cooled for 10 minutes, pour glaze over the top. Let set, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Ensure apples are finely chopped to cook evenly.
- Do not skip the glaze—it adds essential sweetness and depth.
- Line the baking pan with foil for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Let blondies cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
