These Apple Blondies are soft, chewy, and full of cozy cinnamon flavor. They’re loaded with tender apples and finished with a sweet maple glaze. It’s a fall dessert that’s great for bake sales, gatherings, or a fun baking activity with the kids.
I love how this recipe uses browned butter to add a rich, nutty depth to both the blondies and the glaze. No matter if you’re looking for a cozy afternoon snack, a dessert for a family dinner, or something special to bring to your next potluck, these apple blondies are the best you can make.
I’m sure you want to try my other fall baking favorites—Apple Pie Cookies and Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
How to Make Apple Blondies
Ingredients you’ll need for the blondies
Ingredients you’ll need for the glaze
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the butter in a saucepan to bring out a nutty flavor, then mix in apple butter and brown sugar.
2. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
3. Toss the diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar.
4. Then spread the batter in a baking dish and sprinkle apples on top.
5. Bake until golden and set, then cool before adding the glaze.
6. Brown the butter again for the glaze.
7. Add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
8. Drizzle the glaze over your cooled apple blondies and let it set before slicing and serving.
Serve and Enjoy!
Copy this:
Square baking pan for bars and brownies
Parchment paper for easy release
Important Recipe Notes
- Use apple butter, not applesauce – Apple butter is thicker and adds a richer apple flavor and color to the blondies.
- Brown the butter – Don’t skip this step! It adds a warm, nutty flavor that really makes these blondies stand out.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until everything is combined to keep the blondies soft and tender.
- Choose firm apples – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala hold up well during baking and add great texture.
- Cool completely before glazing – If the blondies are still warm, the glaze will melt and not set properly.
- Store in an airtight container – These keep well at room temp for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5.
Soft and Spiced Apple Blondies
Ingredients
For Blondies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup apple butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon divided
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala)
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan to bring out a nutty flavor, then mix in apple butter and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
- Toss the diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Then spread the batter in a baking dish and sprinkle apples on top.
- Bake until golden and set, then cool before adding the glaze.
- Brown the butter again for the glaze.
- Add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Drizzle the glaze over your cooled apple blondies and let it set before slicing and serving.
Check Out More Apple Recipe Ideas!
Baked Apple Pie Dip with Streusel Topping