Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Maple glazed apple blondies bring the flavors of fall straight to your kitchen with their rich, sweet maple glaze and tender apple-filled base. This delightful dessert combines the best of both worlds—chewy blondies and the essence of spiced apple pie. Whether you serve them at family gatherings or enjoy them as a cozy treat, these blondies are sure to win hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
This recipe stands out for many reasons. First, the blend of sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor profile, giving every bite a deliciously fruity twist. Second, the maple glaze adds a unique sweetness, elevating the classic blondie to something extraordinary. Finally, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing or simply enjoying at home. Once you’ve tried these maple glazed apple blondies, they’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the blondies are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the blondies are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Once the blondies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the maple glaze over the hot blondies, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glazed blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack until the glaze is set.
- Once cooled, slice the blondies into squares and serve.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Serve these maple glazed apple blondies at room temperature or slightly warm for the best experience. They can be enjoyed alone or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an impressive touch when serving to guests.
How to Store Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
To keep your maple glazed apple blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each blondie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Perfect
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their flavor makes the blondies more enjoyable.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser blondies.
- Customize the Nuts: If you are not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free treat.
Flavor Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added crunch without nuts.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter for an added layer of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of spices for a stronger flavor profile, or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Pro Tips for Success
- Check on Baking Time: Baking times can vary based on the oven and the baking pan used. Start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.
- Cooling Completeness: Ensure the blondies cool completely to allow the glaze to set properly before slicing. This helps maintain structure and makes cutting clean squares easier.
- Add Freshness: To enhance the flavors, consider adding some zest from a lemon or orange.
FAQs About Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This keeps the blondies moist while maintaining the apple flavor.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?
You can experiment with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, but keep in mind that this could alter the texture and flavor slightly. Balance is key in a recipe like this.
Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a mix that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the structure.
Final Thoughts
Maple glazed apple blondies are not just a dessert; they are an experience that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the enticing sweetness of maple. This makes them perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful treat on ordinary days. With easy instructions and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these lovely blondies in no time. Try them today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors!
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1.5 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Use a tart apple for a balanced flavor.
- 0.5 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional) Can be substituted with pecans or omitted.
Maple Glaze
- 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the blondies are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the blondies are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Once the blondies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the maple glaze over the hot blondies, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glazed blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack until the glaze is set.
Serving
- Once cooled, slice the blondies into squares and serve.
