Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

There’s something magical about baking in the fall — the way cinnamon lingers in the air, apples soften to sweet perfection, and maple syrup becomes the soul of the season. When I first made these maple glazed apple blondies, my kitchen smelled like an orchard kissed by golden leaves. I still remember my daughter sneaking bites straight from the cooling rack, her eyes wide with delight. It’s that kind of moment — joyful and comforting — that inspired this recipe.

If you’re like me, you crave easy fall desserts that balance indulgence with simplicity. These blondies do just that. They’re chewy, warmly spiced, and swirled with tender apples, then topped with a buttery maple glaze that sets like a dream. Whether for a bake sale, book club, or just cozying up at home, this treat captures fall in every bite. Easy fall desserts never felt so personal.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These maple glazed apple blondies are chewy, rich, and packed with cozy fall flavors. They combine the best parts of a blondie with everything we adore about apple pie.

They’re truly one of the best easy fall desserts because they don’t require a mixer or fancy techniques — just a whisk, a bowl, and a little heart. You’ll have them ready in under 45 minutes, glaze and all.

The maple glaze sets into a delicate layer that melts into the warm bars, creating an irresistible bite every time. Plus, the apple filling adds moisture and natural sweetness, which makes them even better the next day (if they last that long!).

These are great for potlucks, autumn birthdays, or tucked into lunchboxes for a surprise treat. And yes — you can double the batch without a fuss.

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Ingredient Overview

With cozy fall flavors and textures that melt in your mouth, this recipe is a celebration of the season. The warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and maple glaze all sing together in harmony. It’s everything easy fall desserts should be.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the blondies tender and chewy.

• Butter: Softened butter gives a rich base and deepens the flavor as it bakes.

• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A mix of the two adds molasses depth and the perfect chewy texture.

• Eggs: Bind the batter and give a lovely lift.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances every other flavor and adds warmth.

• Cinnamon: Fall’s signature spice brings cozy aroma and warmth.

• Apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best contrast and texture.

• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for that earthy sweetness in the glaze.

• Powdered Sugar: Sifts into a smooth, pourable glaze that sets beautifully.

• Quick Tip: For a beautiful finish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze — it enhances the maple notes and adds sparkle.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir gently for about 3–4 minutes until the apples begin to soften and smell heavenly. Set aside to cool while you prepare the blondie batter. This warm apple base is what makes these blondies a standout among easy fall desserts.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and light — about 1 minute. This simple step builds that chewy texture we love in fall blondies. No need for a mixer; just a good whisk and some arm love will do.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. The warmth of vanilla is what sets easy fall desserts apart — it ties all the spices together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Slowly stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. You’ll notice the dough is thick — that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 5: Layer and Fill

Grease or foil-line your 11×7-inch baking pan and press in half of the blondie dough. It’s sticky, so using damp hands or a spatula helps. Spread your cooled apple filling evenly on top, then carefully press the remaining dough over the apples. Tip: Use small dollops of batter and flatten gently to cover.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Pop the pan into a 350°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick will come out mostly clean (a little gooey is okay — they’ll firm up as they cool). Let them rest for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter with maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Let it cool 8–10 minutes so it thickens slightly before pouring.

Step 8: Glaze and Slice

Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the slightly warm blondies. It will melt into the top layer and set into a soft, sweet finish. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. These bars truly shine as one of the easiest easy fall desserts you’ll ever bake.

Pro Tips

Let your apples shine by choosing firm, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their crisp texture adds contrast to the soft blondie base and balances sweetness — a must for standout easy fall desserts.

Don’t skip the glaze’s cooling time. Letting it rest for 8–10 minutes after whisking helps it thicken just right, so it doesn’t run off the bars. A slightly warm glaze creates that gorgeous glossy finish.

For even baking, always press the blondie dough evenly in the pan. Uneven layers can cause dry edges and a gooey center. Using parchment paper also makes for easier lifting and cleaner cuts.

Want cleaner slices? Chill your blondies before cutting. The glaze firms beautifully in the fridge and gives you those bakery-style edges that make easy fall desserts look as good as they taste.

As a sweet seasonal idea, pair these blondies with a creamy drink like our Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins for an autumn dessert board. You’ll have the ultimate fall spread in no time.

Variations

Craving a twist? Swap the apple filling with chopped pears or use a mix of apple and cranberry for a tangy upgrade. Both combinations feel festive and still fall under that cozy umbrella of easy fall desserts.

For a nutty crunch, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts before layering your batter. They add texture and complement the maple glaze beautifully. Toast them for even deeper flavor.

Need gluten-free? Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour — these blondies hold their shape well and still give you that soft, chewy bite every fall baker wants.

Try spicing things up with pumpkin pie spice instead of plain cinnamon, and serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs deliciously with the flavors in our Easy Pumpkin Desserts.

And for the sweet tooths in your family, top with white chocolate chips before baking. They melt into the layers and elevate this recipe from simple to celebration-worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These easy fall desserts are perfect for family-style gatherings, school bake sales, or Sunday coffee breaks. Pair your maple glazed apple blondies with a warm mug of spiced chai or cinnamon latte for the ultimate autumn moment. They also sit beautifully on a fall dessert board alongside pumpkin cookies or pecan bites. Hosting a festive brunch? Serve them with a side of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce — indulgent, but oh-so-worth it. For more inspiration, our Fall Dessert Recipes has ideas that’ll turn your seasonal table into something truly special.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about a dessert that’s simple to make but rich with flavor. These maple glazed apple blondies hit that sweet spot — they’re one of those easy fall desserts that feels like you fussed, even when you didn’t. From the tender apple filling to the warm, maple-spiked glaze, each bite offers a little slice of comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something cozy after dinner, this recipe brings autumn right to your kitchen. You’ll find more just like it in our Desserts category, each crafted to bring people together.

Feeling inspired? Go ahead and make these blondies your own — I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop a comment below, or snap a photo and tag us on Pinterest. Sharing your version helps keep this cooking community growing and glowing. Let’s spread the joy of easy fall desserts one pan at a time.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!
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