When autumn arrives, few things capture the season’s comforting warmth quite like a tray of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies fresh from the oven. Imagine the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen soft, buttery blondies filled with tender chunks of baked apple, all finished with a silky-smooth maple glaze that drips down the sides in sweet perfection.
This easy dessert recipe combines the chewy texture of classic blondies with the cozy flavors of apple pie and the richness of maple syrup. It’s the kind of simple family recipe that makes every bite taste like home. Perfect for holiday gatherings, fall bake sales, or a quick weeknight treat, these apple blondies deliver comfort in every square.
Whether you’re looking for affordable dessert ideas, easy baking recipes, or a crowd-pleasing family comfort food, this one’s got you covered. Plus, it’s made with budget-friendly pantry staples and can be prepped in under 15 minutes an ideal pick for beginner bakers or anyone craving a sweet, homemade dessert without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: You can whip up the batter in minutes no mixers or fancy tools required.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with everyday baking staples like butter, flour, and sugar, it’s an affordable dessert that feels indulgent.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These blondies stay moist for days, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts or lunchbox treats.
- Family-Approved Comfort Food: Soft, chewy, and full of warm fall spices a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable and Flexible: Easy to adapt for gluten-free, nut-free, or even vegan variations.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The maple glaze adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the tender apple chunks.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour : The foundation of the blondies, providing structure and chewiness. You can substitute with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free dessert option.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda : These leavening agents give your blondies the perfect soft lift without turning them into cake. The combination ensures a dense yet tender crumb.
Salt : A small but powerful flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the brown sugar and maple syrup.
Ground Cinnamon : The heart of every fall dessert! Cinnamon infuses these blondies with cozy warmth and that irresistible apple-pie aroma.
Unsalted Butter (Melted) : Butter adds richness and keeps the texture moist and chewy. Using melted butter instead of creamed butter gives that signature fudgy blondie consistency. For a lighter version, try coconut oil or a mix of butter and unsweetened applesauce.
Brown Sugar : Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create that soft, chewy texture blondies are known for. Brown sugar also adds caramel undertones that pair beautifully with the maple glaze.
Eggs : Act as a binding agent, giving the blondies structure and richness. Use room-temperature eggs for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract : A splash of vanilla enhances all the warm flavors, rounding out the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Diced Apples : The star ingredient! Fresh apples add bursts of juicy sweetness and moisture to every bite. Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tartness and texture.
Powdered Sugar (for the Glaze) : This creates a smooth, glossy maple glaze that sets beautifully over the blondies.
Pure Maple Syrup : The soul of the glaze pure maple syrup adds a luxurious, buttery sweetness that’s far superior to pancake syrup. If you’re a fan of high-quality natural sweeteners, this ingredient is pure gold.
Melted Butter (for the Glaze) : Makes the glaze silky and spreadable while enhancing that buttery flavor.
Vanilla Extract (for the Glaze) : Ties the glaze flavors together with a hint of aromatic sweetness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Blondies
- Use Fresh Apples: Freshly diced apples hold their shape and flavor better than pre-packaged ones.
- Don’t Overbake: Blondies continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven. For fudgy results, take them out when the center looks just set.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth blending and an even bake.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to prevent dense blondies.
- Cool Before Glazing: If your blondies are too hot, the glaze will melt and soak in instead of setting beautifully on top.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Gluten-Free Blondies: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use coconut sugar or a brown sugar substitute for a healthier dessert recipe.
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs.
- Extra Spice: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a deeper fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With a cup of hot coffee or chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon for party-ready presentation.
- Alongside easy fall appetizers or holiday brunch dishes for a complete spread.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- To Store: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To Freeze: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and restore that fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them up to two days in advance. Store covered at room temperature, then glaze before serving for the freshest flavor.
Q2: Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
You can, but pure maple syrup offers a richer, more natural flavor that elevates the glaze.
Q3: Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Swap half the butter for applesauce and use whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber.
Q4: What’s the best apple variety for baking?
Granny Smith adds a pleasant tartness, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring natural sweetness and great texture.
Q5: How do I prevent blondies from turning cakey?
Avoid overmixing the batter and measure your flour carefully. The goal is dense and chewy, not fluffy.
Irresistible Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are soft, chewy, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, then topped with a luscious maple glaze. The perfect cozy dessert for fall or anytime you crave comforting sweetness!
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- 2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- 3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
- 4. Combine Mixtures: Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies soft.
- 5. Add Apples: Fold in the diced apples evenly using a spatula.
- 6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- 7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- 8. Glaze and Serve: After cooling the blondies for 10 minutes, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let it set slightly before slicing into squares.
Notes
Make Ahead: Blondies can be baked a day ahead; store tightly covered at room temperature. Add glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra maple syrup for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra maple syrup for an indulgent treat.
