These Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are what happens when apple pie and a classic blondie bar decide to team up.
You get a thick, chewy base studded with soft cinnamon apples, and the whole thing gets finished with a warm maple glaze that soaks right into the top.
This Maple Glazed Apple Blondies recipe comes together in one bowl, needs no fancy technique, and bakes up golden in about half an hour.
It is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at a fall potluck, and nobody ever asks what is in it because they are too busy going back for a second square.
If you are already a fan of apple desserts, you will want to bookmark my Apple Crumble Pie Recipe for your next baking day too.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes, plus 1 hour cooling |
| Servings | 16 blondies |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Recipe
This recipe hits all the fall dessert marks without asking you to roll out a pie crust or babysit a stovetop caramel.
It is soft, buttery, packed with apples, and finished with a glaze that sets into a glossy, slightly chewy top layer.
If you love easy fruit desserts, my Amish Apple Cake Recipe is another one-bowl fall favorite worth bookmarking.
- One bowl for the batter, no mixer required if you stir by hand
- Uses simple pantry staples plus fresh apples and real maple syrup
- Chewy blondie texture instead of a cakey crumb
- The maple glaze adds sweetness without being cloying
- Freezes well, so you can make a batch ahead for the holidays
- Easy to cut into small squares for a crowd
Ingredients
Nothing unusual here. Most of this list is already sitting in your kitchen, and the apples and maple syrup are what really carry the flavor.
I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples in this recipe because they hold their shape and add a little tartness against the sweet glaze.
If you want to see how the same apple varieties work in a lattice-top pie, take a look at my Dutch Apple Pie Recipe.
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the apples
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples, about 2 medium apples
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the glaze
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, for the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, for the glaze
- Pinch of salt, for the glaze
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything specialized for this recipe, just the basics you probably already have on hand for baking.
Read Also: Apple Cider Donuts
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two large mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan, for the glaze
- Wire cooling rack
- Digital kitchen scale, optional but helpful for accuracy
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few things I personally reach for every time I make this recipe.
None of them are required, but they make the process smoother and the results more consistent.
1. OXO Good Grips 9×13 Baking Dish
This dish heats evenly, which matters a lot for a thick batter like this one.
It also has handles that make it easy to move in and out of the oven without wearing mitts that are too bulky.
2. KitchenAid Hand Mixer
This is the one I use for creaming butter and sugar in recipes like Maple Pecan Pie Recipe.
It has enough power to handle a thick blondie batter without straining, and it is easier to store than a full stand mixer.
3. Grade A Dark Robust Maple Syrup
The glaze is only as good as the syrup you use in it.
A darker grade syrup gives a deeper, more caramelized maple flavor that stands up against the apples and cinnamon.
4. Wilton Wire Cooling Rack
Letting the blondies cool on a rack keeps the bottom from getting soggy while the glaze sets on top.
It is a small thing that makes a real difference in texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Follow these steps in order and this recipe comes together without any surprises.
I have kept each step detailed so it is easy to follow even if this is your first time making blondies.
For another maple-forward baked good with a similar glaze technique, check out my Chai Scones With Maple Chai Glaze.
1. Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides so you can lift the blondies out later.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper or the exposed edges of the pan.
2. Prep the Apples
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces, about 1/2 inch cubes.
- Place the diced apples in a small bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour.
- This light coating of flour helps the apples stay suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom while baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk until everything is evenly combined, then set the bowl aside.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the mixture looks smooth and slightly glossy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine and Fold in the Apples
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed or by hand with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
- Do not overmix, since this can make the blondies tough instead of chewy.
- Gently fold in the flour-coated diced apples until they are evenly distributed through the thick batter.
6. Bake the Blondies
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners with a spatula.
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Place the pan on a wire cooling rack and let the blondies cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Cutting into them too early will cause the squares to fall apart.
7. Make the Maple Glaze
- Once the blondies are nearly cool, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat.
- Stir in the maple syrup and the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for the glaze.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
8. Glaze, Slice, and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled blondie slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Pour the maple glaze evenly over the top, using a spatula to spread it into the corners.
- Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes at room temperature, or pop the whole slab in the fridge for 10 minutes to speed it up.
- Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Tips for The Best Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
A few small details make a noticeable difference in how these turn out, especially if this is your first time making them.
Firm, tart apples hold up best during baking, and the same rule applies over in my Pecan Pie Bars Recipe whenever I add fruit to a bar dessert.
- Dice the apples small and evenly so they cook through at the same rate as the batter around them
- Do not skip tossing the apples in flour, since it really does help prevent sinking
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs so you do not scramble them
- Use a toothpick test rather than relying only on time, since ovens vary
- Cool the blondies completely before glazing or the glaze will slide right off
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for cleaner squares
Read Also: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are rich enough to stand on their own, but a few pairings make them feel like a bigger occasion.
A warm cup of coffee or apple cider next to a square is my go to on a cool afternoon.
- Serve slightly warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Pair with a slice of Lemon Bars for a dessert table with contrasting flavors
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon
- Set them out next to Raspberry Cheesecake Bars for a fall bake sale spread
- Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup right before serving
- Pack them in a lunchbox or care package, since they travel well once the glaze sets
Variations of Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
This recipe is easy to adjust once you have made it the classic way once or twice.
If you want more texture and crunch, this same base works well with mix-ins the same way I use them in my German Chocolate Cake Bars Recipe.
- Stir 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch
- Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips along with the apples
- Swap the ground cinnamon for apple pie spice for a warmer flavor
- Use half apples and half firm pears for a mixed fruit version
- Make a browned butter version by browning the butter before mixing it into the batter
- Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar for a lighter finish
Read Also: German Applesauce Cake Recipe
Storage and Reheating
These blondies keep well, which makes them a good make-ahead option for gatherings.
My Apple Pie Bread Recipe follows almost the same storage timeline, so if you like this one, that recipe is worth trying next.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week if your kitchen runs warm
- Freeze unglazed blondies, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months
- Thaw frozen blondies at room temperature before glazing and serving
- Warm a square for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave if you want it slightly soft again
- Layer squares with parchment paper between them so the glaze does not stick together in storage
Nutritional Facts
These values are approximate and are based on one blondie out of 16 squares, using the ingredients and quantities listed above.
Actual numbers will vary depending on the exact apples and brand of ingredients you use, similar to how nutrition varies recipe to recipe in my Fudge Brownies Recipe.
| Nutrition Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 135mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 3g |
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This is a dessert, so it is not exactly a health food, but a few of the ingredients do carry some genuine nutritional value.
Apples in particular bring fiber and antioxidants to the table, which is one reason I lean on them so often, including in my Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe when I want a fruit forward twist.
- Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like quercetin
- Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory compounds and may help support healthy blood sugar levels
- Pure maple syrup contains trace minerals like manganese and zinc, unlike refined white sugar
- Eggs supply protein and choline, which supports brain health
- Butter in moderation provides fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A
FAQs About Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, any firm baking apple works well here.
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all good choices because they hold their shape instead of turning mushy.
2. Why did my apples sink to the bottom of the batter?
This usually happens when the apples are not tossed in flour before folding them in.
The light coating of flour gives the batter something to grip onto, which keeps the apple pieces suspended while baking.
3. Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Absolutely, these actually taste great the next day once the flavors have had time to settle.
Store them unglazed, then make the glaze fresh and pour it on right before serving for the best texture.
4. My glaze turned out too thin. What went wrong?
Thin glaze usually means it was poured before it had a chance to cool and thicken slightly.
Let the butter and syrup mixture cool for the full 5 minutes before whisking in the powdered sugar.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend generally works well as a substitute in this recipe.
The texture may be slightly more delicate, so let the blondies cool fully before slicing.
Read Also: Apple Butter Bread Recipe
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the apples
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples about 2 medium apples, 1/2 inch cubes, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup Grade A Dark Robust recommended
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- salt a pinch
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls Two
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan For the glaze
- Wire cooling rack
- Digital kitchen scale Optional but helpful for accuracy
- OXO Good Grips 9×13 Baking Dish Heats evenly and has handles (recommended)
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer Enough power for thick batter (recommended)
- Wilton Wire Cooling Rack Prevents soggy bottoms (recommended)
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang, and lightly grease.
- Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Add dry mixture to wet in two additions, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the flour-coated apples.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in maple syrup and brown sugar, simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Lift cooled blondies from pan using parchment. Pour glaze over top and spread evenly. Let set for 15 minutes, then slice into 16 squares and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best during baking.
- Dice apples small and evenly so they cook through at the same rate as the batter.
- Do not skip tossing the apples in flour—this prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing with eggs to avoid scrambling them.
- Use a toothpick test rather than relying only on baking time, since ovens vary.
- Cool the blondies completely before glazing or the glaze will slide right off.
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for cleaner squares.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unglazed blondies tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw before glazing.
- Add 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, or 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for variations.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are one of those recipes that feels a little bit fancy without actually being complicated.
One bowl, a handful of pantry ingredients, and a glaze you can make while the pan cools is really all it takes.
I hope this one finds a spot in your regular fall baking rotation.
If you give these a try, I would love to hear how they turned out, so drop a comment below or share a photo the next time you make a batch.
Recommended:
- Maple Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats Recipe
- Maple Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
