Maple-Apple Blondies

When I think of autumn, I think of the leaves changing, the cool crisp air in the morning, and the scent of freshly baked treats. Maple-apple blondies are the one treat that combines all things delicious about fall. The maple syrup complements the fresh apples so well!

Recipe Notes

When I first saw this recipe I knew I had to make it for everyone in our family. However, after making it the first time, I decided I needed to make a few changes. The aluminum foil created condensation while the blondies were cooling, so I decided to grease the pan instead, which yielded the result I was looking for. Bonus: It was still easy to remove the blondies from the pan. I increased the flour because I wanted thicker bars that would hold the apples in place. Additionally, pure maple syrup is an ingredient I wanted to use a bit more sparingly because of the sweetness. I’ve included my adapted version here for you. Finally, you’ll enjoy these maple-apple blondies because they are sweet and perfect for the season. We’ve been treating ourselves to these with a glass of delicious apple cider.

Maple-Apple Blondies

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 20 to 32

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Cookware
• 13 x 9-inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Peeler

Maple-Apple Blondie Ingredients

• 16 tablespoons (1 stick and 6 tablespoons) of unsalted butter (divided into 2 tablespoons and 3/4 cup)
• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (table salt)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease the 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Measure sugar in a mixing bowl. Measure the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and baking soda into a separate mixing bowl.
2. In a medium saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add apples and cook, while stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until slightly softened. Remove the apples from the saucepan and set aside.
3. Using the same saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium-low heat. Remove from the heat once the butter is melted. Stir in the sugar and maple syrup. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture from step 1 and stir until combined. Stir in the cooked apples and fold them into the batter. Spread the batter into the greased pan.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted will come out clean or mostly clean. Cool in a pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes and remove from the pan. Spread the Maple Icing over the blondies and let the icing set. Cut into bars. Enjoy!

Maple Icing Ingredients

• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of milk

Instructions

1. In a bowl whisk 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time and whisk to create a consistency for spreading.

(Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens Maple-Apple Blondie recipe.)