3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Fold in Apples and Pecans
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Blondies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Instructions for Maple Glaze
1. Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more maple syrup; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
2. Glaze the Blondies
Once the blondies have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or spatula. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing the blondies into squares.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the blondies. Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great choices if you prefer a sweeter apple.
Pecans: Adding pecans gives the blondies a delicious crunch, but you can leave them out or substitute them with walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can double the powdered sugar, but be sure to adjust the maple syrup accordingly.
Variations for Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze
1. Gluten-Free Version
To make these blondies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
2. Vegan Apple Blondies
Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute, and swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use dairy-free powdered sugar and a plant-based milk for the glaze if needed.
3. Healthier Version
Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also replace some or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content.
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