If you’re craving a cozy dessert that combines the warm flavors of fall, look no further than these Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze. These blondies are packed with juicy apples, a hint of spice, and topped with a sweet maple glaze that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this recipe brings comfort and flavor together in one delicious bite.
Ingredients for Apple Blondies
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Blondie Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Fold in Apples and Pecans
- Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Blondies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Instructions for Maple Glaze
1. Make the Glaze
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more maple syrup; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
2. Glaze the Blondies
- Once the blondies have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or spatula. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing the blondies into squares.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the blondies. Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great choices if you prefer a sweeter apple.
- Pecans: Adding pecans gives the blondies a delicious crunch, but you can leave them out or substitute them with walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can double the powdered sugar, but be sure to adjust the maple syrup accordingly.
Variations for Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze
1. Gluten-Free Version
- To make these blondies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
2. Vegan Apple Blondies
- Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute, and swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use dairy-free powdered sugar and a plant-based milk for the glaze if needed.
3. Healthier Version
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also replace some or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can use other firm fruits like pears or peaches. However, be mindful that different fruits may release more moisture during baking, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
2. Can I freeze apple blondies?
Absolutely! Once cooled and glazed, you can freeze the blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or heat them in the microwave.
3. How do I store leftover blondies?
Store leftover apple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend their freshness to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
4. What can I substitute for maple syrup in the glaze?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. These will give the glaze a different flavor but still provide sweetness and a smooth texture.
The Perfect Fall Treat
These Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and spiced flavors. The combination of tart apples and a sweet maple glaze makes this recipe ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. With easy-to-follow instructions and a few variations for dietary preferences, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Give it a try and let the flavors of autumn fill your kitchen!
