These Maple Frosted Apple Blondies are a tasty treat packed with sweet apples and a light, fluffy maple frosting on top. They’re chewy, moist, and oh-so-tempting!
Whenever I bake these, my kitchen smells like a cozy fall day. I can’t help but sneak a piece right out of the pan—who can resist that yummy combo? 🍏🍁
I love how easy they are to make—just mix, pour, and frost! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea. Trust me, they’re a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you want to reduce the fat, you could substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. It keeps the blondies moist and adds a bit more apple flavor!
Light Brown Sugar: This sugar adds a lovely caramel-like taste. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with white sugar plus an extra tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar can work too for a slightly different taste.
Apples: For this recipe, Granny Smith or Fuji apples give a nice balance of tart and sweet. If you prefer a sweeter blondie, go for Honeycrisp or Gala apples. Pears could also be a fun substitute for a different twist!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for that authentic maple flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pancake syrup, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Honey can work too, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Batter Without Overdoing It?
Mixing the batter just right is crucial for the texture of your blondies. You want them chewy, not cakey! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing the wet ingredients really well but avoid whipping, so you don’t introduce too much air.
- When you add the dry ingredients, stir gently. Just mix until you don’t see any flour streaks. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Once you fold in the apples, do it carefuly. Too much mixing can make your blondies dense.
Trust me, less is more here! Your blondies will come out perfectly chewy and delicious.
Maple Frosted Apple Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1-2 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Maple Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Once baked, let the blondies cool for a bit before frosting. Overall, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, with some additional time for the icing to set. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this will help you remove the blondies easily later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step is key for that chewy texture!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition for a well-combined mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, and enjoy the wonderful aroma!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the batter.
5. Mix Dry into Wet:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your blondies nice and chewy.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. They add such a lovely moisture and flavor!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Blondies:
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help set the flavors and texture.
10. Prepare the Maple Frosting:
While the blondies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth. If your frosting is a bit thick, add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
11. Frost the Blondies:
Once the blondies are cool, spread the maple frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Don’t be shy with the frosting—it’s the best part!
12. Let It Set:
Allow the frosting to set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting the blondies into squares. This will create nice, clean edges.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious maple frosted apple blondies are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQ for Maple Frosted Apple Blondies
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Fuji are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any apple you like. Honeycrisp or Gala apples offer a sweeter flavor, while even pears can be a fun substitute for a different twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make the Blondies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the blondies and let them cool completely, then frost them. You can store the frosted blondies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover them well to keep the frosting from drying out!
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup for the Frosting?
If you’re out of maple syrup, you can use pancake syrup, but the flavor will be different. Another option is to use honey, though it will change the taste slightly. Just keep in mind that pure maple syrup gives the frosting its unique flavor!
