Apple Blondies with Maple Frosting
Sweet Apple Blondies with Maple Frosting deliver deliciously satisfying fall flavors in this easy, comforting recipe. Makes 16 2-inch blondies.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: apples, cinnamon, cookies and bars, fruit dessert, maple syrup
Servings: 8
Apples
- 1 large apple peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Blondies
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened but still cool
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened but still cool
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Apples
Combine the apples with maple syrup and cinnamon in a medium skillet.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples have softened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Blondies
Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter an 8-inch square pan. Add a layer of parchment paper to the pan, leaving the edges long enough to lift the blondies out of the pan once cool for easier slicing. Butter the parchment paper, pressing it to adhere smoothly to the pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
Toss apple mixture in with the dry ingredients.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet and mix by hand until just combined. Add remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Transfer the thick batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake in preheated oven until pale golden brown and set in the center, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Maple Frosting
Beat the butter in the bowl of a standing electric mixer until light and creamy. Add confectioners' sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Mix slowly with the paddle attachment to combine, and then increase speed to medium-high and beat until well combined. Add additional powdered sugar or maple syrup, as needed, to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Assembly
Remove the cooled blondies from the pan and top with frosting, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top, if desired.
Slice in 2-inch squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between slices to keep the edges of the blondies looking neat and tidy.