Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Glaze

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup brown sugar, packed tightly - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced (approximately 1 cup) - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch) - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon milk (add more as needed for desired consistency) - Pinch of salt Gather these items before you start. Each ingredient plays a key role in the taste and texture of your blondies. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Salt and ground cinnamon bring out the sweetness. For the wet ingredients, melted butter adds richness. Brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. Eggs bind everything together, and vanilla adds a warm note. The diced apple adds moisture and a fruity bite, while walnuts give a nice crunch. You can skip them if you prefer. For the maple glaze, powdered sugar creates a sweet topping. Pure maple syrup adds a deep flavor, and milk helps thin the glaze to your liking. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Make sure to have everything ready before you mix. This way, you can focus on creating these delicious Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Glaze. Enjoy the process! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Mix them until they are well combined, then set the bowl aside. In a large bowl, combine: - ¾ cup melted unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar Whisk them together until smooth. Then add: - 2 large eggs (at room temperature) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until everything is blended well. Gently fold in: - 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced - ½ cup chopped walnuts (if desired) Now pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if some lumps remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or have a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the maple glaze, mix in a small bowl: - 1 cup sifted powdered sugar - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon milk - A pinch of salt Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies, letting it set for 15 minutes. Cut the blondies into squares and enjoy! To make great blondies, you must avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can cause them to get tough. Mix until just combined. You want some lumps in the batter for a nice texture. Checking for doneness is key. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a few minutes longer. You can add spices or nuts to boost flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add warmth. Chopped walnuts give a nice crunch and nutty taste. Feel free to mix and match! Using different apple varieties changes the taste too. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice zing. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a lovely touch. It makes the blondies look fancy and inviting. Use a fine sieve for even coverage. Garnishing with apple slices creates a beautiful plate. Arrange them next to the blondies. This adds color and freshness to your dessert. Enjoy! {{image_4}} You can change up the maple glaze for a twist. Here are two great ideas: - Chocolate glaze: Melt some chocolate chips with a bit of cream. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this over your blondies. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with apples. - Cream cheese frosting: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla. This frosting is thick and sweet. Spread it on top for a tangy taste that complements the spices. You can make these blondies fit your diet. Here are some swaps: - Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This works well and keeps the blondies soft. - Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit until it thickens. Use coconut oil instead of butter, and your blondies will be vegan! Make your blondies special for any time of year. Here are two ideas: - Adding cranberries: Mix in dried cranberries for a fall twist. They add a tart flavor that balances the sweetness. - Incorporating pumpkin: Fold in some pure pumpkin puree for a holiday flavor. It gives a nice color and moist texture. Plus, it’s a festive treat! To keep your apple cinnamon blondies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them. Just make sure they are in an airtight container. Refrigeration may change their texture slightly, making them a bit firmer. If you want to save your blondies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help keep them fresh. When you're ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. When stored properly, your apple cinnamon blondies can last up to one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for about ten days. If you freeze them, they will keep for about three months. Just remember to label your container with the date, so you know when you made them! Yes, you can. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both work well in blondies. If you want a heartier taste, whole wheat flour is a good choice. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar by a quarter cup. You can also use less maple glaze on top. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more sugar or maple syrup to the batter. Always taste before baking to get it just right. If you're looking for vegan options, use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use unsweetened applesauce; one quarter cup replaces one egg. Absolutely! You can add more apples for extra flavor. Diced pears or chopped peaches work well too. For a fun twist, try adding a handful of dried cranberries. They add a nice chewiness and tartness. Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the glaze set better and keeps it from melting. Wait at least 15 minutes after glazing before cutting. You now know how to make delicious blondies with a maple glaze. I covered key ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and storage advice. Remember, don’t overmix the batter for the best result. Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your taste and dietary needs. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the process of baking. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the blondies will impress everyone. Get ready to share these treats with family and friends!$

Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Glaze

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Glaze! These delicious treats are packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and topped with a creamy maple glaze, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and indulge in these delightful blondies today!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed tightly

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large apple, peeled and finely diced (approximately 1 cup)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon milk (add more as needed for desired consistency)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to whisk thoroughly after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Add Apples and Optional Walnuts: Gently fold the diced apples and the chopped walnuts (if you’re using them) into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix—the batter can still have some small lumps.

Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Prepare the Glaze: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Create the Maple Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together until you achieve a smooth and glossy glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary.

Glaze the Blondies: Once the blondies have cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top, ensuring even coverage. Allow the glaze to set for around 15 minutes before cutting.

Serve: Cut the blondies into square pieces and present them on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 16 squares

- Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh apple slices for a delightful contrast.