These Maple Frosted Apple Blondies are soft, sweet, and packed with yummy apple flavor! Topped with a creamy maple frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Seriously, who can resist the combo of apples and maple? I always save a piece for myself when I bake these because they disappear fast! Perfect with a cup of coffee, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives a rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Be careful with the flavor difference, though—it can be stronger!
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and depth of flavor. If you’re out, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses for a quick substitute.
Fresh Apples: A tart apple like Granny Smith shines here, but feel free to use any apples you have on hand. Even canned apple slices (drained) work in a pinch!
Cinnamon: This adds warmth. If you’re looking for a twist, consider nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Perfectly Moist Blondies?
Getting that right texture can be tricky! Here are my tips:
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour. Gently combine until just mixed; this keeps them soft.
- Check your oven’s temperature. An oven thermometer helps to ensure accuracy. Too hot, and they dry out!
- Cool completely before frosting. This way, the frosting stays nice and creamy instead of melting into the blondies.
Maple Frosted Apple Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped fresh apple (about 1 medium apple; tart varieties like Granny Smith work well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Maple Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes for baking. After baking, allow for cooling time, which may take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 to 1.5 hours before you can enjoy your sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab an 8×8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper or grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar:
In a medium bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the brown sugar. Give it a nice stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Here, you’ll create a deliciously sweet base for the blondies!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Add one large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until everything is beautifully incorporated. This step adds richness and flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and if you fancy, ground cinnamon. This blend will give your blondies the perfect sweetness and spice!
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just mixed together. Be careful not to overmix; we want the blondies to stay nice and soft!
6. Add the Apples:
Now, fold in your finely chopped apple pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Yum! This will add moisture and flavor to the blondies.
7. Bake the Blondies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs!
8. Cool the Blondies:
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might take about 30-45 minutes, but be patient—it’s worth it!
9. Make the Maple Frosting:
While the blondies cool, let’s whip up the frosting! In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and start with 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Frost the Blondies:
Once the blondies are fully cooled, spread the maple frosting evenly over the top. You want every bit to be frosted, so don’t skimp!
11. Final Touches:
Let the frosting set for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to firm up just a bit. This way, when you cut into the blondies, the frosting stays beautiful on top!
12. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your Maple Frosted Apple Blondies into squares and serve. Enjoy your sweet creations with friends or family—or keep them all to yourself (no judgments here!).
Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Maple Frosted Apple Blondies
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness, you can use any apple you have on hand. Honeycrisps, Fuji, or Gala apples will also work well, offering sweetness and moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional flour.
What Should I Do If My Batter Seems Too Thick?
If your batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk or cream—about a tablespoon at a time—until you reach a smoother consistency. Just be careful not to make it too runny!
