Chewy Gluten-Free Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Sink your teeth into these incredibly soft, delightfully chewy, and intensely flavor-packed gluten-free apple blondies, finished with a luscious maple glaze. These autumn-inspired cookie bars boast a perfect texture and are bursting with quintessential fall flavors like warm baked apples, aromatic cinnamon, and fragrant nutmeg. They’re surprisingly easy to make and serve as the ideal treat to celebrate the cozy season.
If you’re on the hunt for an effortless yet utterly delicious fall baked good, your search ends here. These gluten-free apple blondies are precisely what you need to fill your home with warmth and an enticing aroma. Crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients and crowned with an irresistible maple glaze, they are perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply when you’re craving a cozy, sweet pick-me-up.
There’s a special kind of magic that comes with fall baking. Perhaps it’s the comforting scent of spices filling the air, the way homemade treats create a sense of hygge right out of the oven, or simply the celebration of harvest flavors. Whatever it is, baking during this season is truly my favorite. These apple blondies capture that essence perfectly, bringing the joy of crisp apples and warming spices into a delightful, chewy bar.
And the fall baking inspiration doesn’t stop with these amazing gluten-free apple blondies! I also adore my pumpkin breakfast cookies, healthy apple crisp, gluten-free pumpkin scones, healthy apple bread, and healthy chocolate chip pumpkin bread. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the season’s bounty.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Apple Blondies
These gluten-free apple blondies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire:
- Irresistibly Chewy Texture: Unlike many gluten-free baked goods that can turn out dry or crumbly, these blondies master a soft, dense, and perfectly chewy texture. The slight tartness of the apples provides a delightful contrast to the rich, gooey blondie base, creating a harmonious bite every time.
- A Better-for-You Sweet Treat: We’ve made these apple blondies with your well-being in mind. By using gluten-free flour and naturally sweetening them with coconut sugar, you get to enjoy a delicious dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s a sweet treat you can feel good about!
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let their gourmet taste fool you – these blondies are incredibly simple to prepare. With just about 10 minutes of active prep time before they’re ready for the oven, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Captures Classic Apple Pie Flavor: Imagine the warm, comforting essence of a homemade apple pie, condensed into a convenient, delightful bar. These blondies perfectly capture that cozy, cinnamon-spiced sweetness, delivering all the beloved flavors of apple pie in every single bite.
What Exactly Are Blondies?
Blondies are a delightful type of dessert bar often considered the “blonde” counterpart to the classic brownie. While brownies are rich with chocolate or cocoa powder, blondies skip the chocolate to highlight other decadent flavors, typically deriving their characteristic caramel-like taste from ingredients such as brown sugar (or in our case, coconut sugar for a healthier twist), butter, flour, eggs, and vanilla extract.
The texture of a blondie is strikingly similar to a brownie: dense, incredibly tender, and wonderfully chewy, often described as having a melt-in-your-mouth quality. This rich, moist consistency is what makes them so satisfying. Personally, I often find myself reaching for a blondie over a brownie, appreciating their unique depth of flavor. However, if you’re a devoted chocolate lover, don’t miss my fantastic oat flour brownies.
Essential Ingredients for Our Gluten-Free Apple Blondies
You’ll find a comprehensive list of all ingredients and their precise measurements in the recipe card located further down. Below, I’ve highlighted a few key components and offered some valuable tips for selecting the cleanest, highest-quality options.
- Green Apple: For this recipe, I highly recommend using a tart Granny Smith apple. Its crisp texture and vibrant acidity perfectly cut through the sweetness of the blondie, creating a balanced and incredibly flavorful bite. If Granny Smith isn’t available, any firm, crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji would also work well, though the tartness might vary. Make sure to peel and finely chop the apple for even distribution and optimal texture.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: To ensure these blondies are truly gluten-free, I consistently use an organic gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Namaste Foods Perfect Flour Blend and Arrowhead Mills All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour have consistently yielded excellent results for me. If gluten isn’t a concern, you can certainly use an equivalent amount of regular all-purpose flour, though organic is always the preferred choice for purity and flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: As part of my commitment to cleaner eating, I prefer using natural sweeteners like organic coconut sugar. It offers a lovely caramel note and a slightly lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars. If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, traditional brown sugar makes an excellent 1:1 substitute, imparting a similar rich flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your baked goods. For a truly superior flavor and added health benefits, I highly recommend using pasture-raised or grass-fed butter, such as Kerrygold. Not only is it generally considered healthier due to its higher omega-3 content, but I genuinely believe it contributes a richer, more nuanced flavor to these blondies that you’ll notice in every bite.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is crucial for the delectable maple glaze! Please, always ensure you use pure maple syrup. The difference in taste between pure maple syrup and imitation syrups is vast. Pure maple syrup offers a complex, natural sweetness that is simply unparalleled, and it’s a real food, free from the corn syrup, artificial colors, and other undesirable additives often found in cheaper alternatives. Its authentic flavor is essential for a truly outstanding glaze.
- Spices: A blend of ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg brings that signature “apple pie” warmth to the blondies, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and coconut sugar.
Effortless Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Blondies
Creating these delightful apple blondies is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1: Begin with the Wet Base. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly to room temperature. Then, combine the melted butter with the coconut sugar. Using a hand-held mixer, beat these two ingredients together until a thick, luscious caramel-like texture forms, which typically takes about 2 minutes. This creates the rich, chewy foundation of your blondies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla. To the butter and sugar mixture, crack in the whole egg, an additional egg yolk (which contributes to the blondies’ richness and chewiness), and the pure vanilla extract. Mix on a low speed with your hand-held mixer until all ingredients are just combined and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensuring these are well combined guarantees even flavor distribution throughout your blondies. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet butter and sugar mixture. Do this in two additions, mixing on a medium-low speed with your hand-held mixer only until the ingredients are just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped green apples. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. You can reserve a few apple pieces to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra visual appeal and burst of flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Evenly spread the blondie batter into an 8×8 inch baking dish that has been meticulously lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. If the batter is a bit sticky, wetting your hands or the back of a spoon can help you spread it smoothly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze. While your blondies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the dreamy maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup. Add water or milk a tiny bit at a time until a thick, yet pourable glaze is formed. This glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve. Once the blondies have cooled completely in the pan (this is important for clean cuts!), generously drizzle the prepared maple glaze over them. Allow the glaze a little time to set before attempting to remove the bars from the pan. Then, using the parchment paper overhangs, gently lift the entire blondie slab from the dish, cut into squares, and serve immediately. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
⭐ Pro Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Apple Blondies ⭐
Achieving bakery-quality blondies at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
Line Your Baking Pan Thoughtfully. This is a game-changer for easy removal! Spray a tiny amount of non-stick spray on the bottom of your baking pan before lining it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends over the edges, creating “handles.” This simple trick allows you to effortlessly lift the entire slab of baked blondies out of the pan, making cutting and serving a breeze without any sticking or crumbling.
Boost Flavor and Texture with Nuts. If you’re a fan of a little extra crunch and nutty depth, consider folding in about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the blondie batter along with the apples. The nuts add a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the apples and spices beautifully.
The Golden Rules: Don’t Overmix & Don’t Overbake. These two tips are paramount for achieving that signature chewy, dense, and gooey blondie texture. Mix the dry and wet ingredients only until the flour has just been incorporated – overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flours, which can become tough) and leads to a denser, less tender result. Similarly, pull these blondies from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, or the edges are just barely golden. Overbaking will dry them out and sacrifice that desired chewy, gooey center, turning them into cake-like bars instead of true blondies.
Opt for Coconut Powdered Sugar for a Refined Sugar-Free Glaze. If your goal is a completely refined sugar-free dessert, you can easily adapt the maple glaze. Instead of conventional powdered sugar, use homemade powdered coconut sugar. It works just as effectively, providing a natural sweetness and maintaining the “better-for-you” ethos of the blondies.
Master the Glaze Consistency. The thickness of your maple glaze makes a big difference. If the glaze is too thin, it will quickly absorb into the warm blondies, diminishing its flavor and aesthetic appeal. Aim for a glaze that is thin enough to pour smoothly but thick enough that it holds its shape slightly and doesn’t spread excessively once drizzled. You want it to create a lovely, visible topping that adds to the overall experience. Adjust with a few drops more water/milk or a teaspoon more powdered sugar until perfect.
Recipe FAQs for Gluten-Free Apple Blondies
For these particular gluten-free apple blondies, I wholeheartedly recommend using Granny Smith apples. Their distinct tartness offers a fantastic counterbalance to the sweetness of the blondie base and maple glaze, creating a more complex and balanced flavor profile. Their firm texture also holds up beautifully during baking, preventing them from becoming mushy. If Granny Smith isn’t available, other crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady would be good secondary choices, but the tartness may not be as pronounced.
Yes, you absolutely can! While an 8×8 inch pan yields thick, substantial blondies, a 9×9 inch pan can be used. Just be aware that the blondies will be slightly thinner, and you’ll need to reduce the baking time by approximately 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. For a larger batch, you can easily double the entire recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan, which is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Technically, no, you don’t have to add the glaze. These apple blondies are wonderfully delicious on their own. However, the maple glaze is highly, highly recommended! It adds an extra layer of moisture, sweetness, and a lovely autumnal flavor that truly elevates the entire dessert. If you’re committed to keeping the blondies entirely refined sugar-free, you can absolutely make the glaze using powdered coconut sugar instead of regular powdered sugar, as detailed in our pro tips.
While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe with a butter substitute, I believe a good quality plant-based butter (such as a stick-style vegan butter alternative) should work well as a 1:1 replacement for the unsalted butter. Ensure you choose one that is suitable for baking. If you do try a dairy-free version, please do let me know how they turn out in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your results!
The key to perfectly chewy blondies is to avoid overbaking. Look for a lightly golden-brown edge, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, they might be slightly overbaked, but still delicious! The center should remain soft and slightly gooey.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Your Blondies
To keep your delicious gluten-free apple blondies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
Storing at Room Temperature or in the Fridge: You can store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, especially if your kitchen is warm, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be aware that as they sit, particularly with the glaze, the moisture from the glaze may eventually be absorbed into the bars. For the absolute best taste and texture, these blondies are always most enjoyable the day they are made or the day after.
Freezing for Later Enjoyment: These blondies freeze beautifully, allowing you to savor them much later! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. If you know in advance that you’ll be freezing a portion of the batch, I highly recommend freezing them *without* the maple glaze. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the bars at room temperature for a couple of hours, and then prepare and drizzle the fresh glaze just before serving. This method ensures the glaze remains vibrant and distinct.
More Delicious Apple Recipes to Explore!
If you’re loving the apple flavors in these blondies, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic apple-centric recipes from CleanPlateMama that you’ll surely enjoy:
- Apple Arugula Salad with Toasted Pecans
- Air Fryer Apples
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Gluten-free Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
If you make this scrumptious gluten-free apple blondies recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or a comment below. Your feedback helps other home bakers discover and enjoy these recipes. And don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful creations on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama! I love seeing your delicious results.
Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara
Gluten-free Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze
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Equipment
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2 mixing bowls
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1 hand-held mixer
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1 8×8 baking dish
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Blondies
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup gluten-free flour
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. fine sea salt
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped green apple, skin removed
Ingredients for the Maple Glaze
- ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons, powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
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½-1
tbsp. water or milk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350-degrees F (175°C).
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Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough extra paper to hang over two of the sides. If needed, you can lightly spray the bottom of the pan with a little non-stick spray to help the parchment paper adhere securely. This overhang will allow for incredibly easy removal of the baked bars later. Set the prepared pan aside.
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In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter in short 30-second increments until fully liquid. Once melted, allow the butter to cool to room temperature to prevent scrambling the eggs later. Then, add the coconut sugar to the cooled melted butter. Using a hand-held mixer, beat these two ingredients together on medium-low speed until a thick, smooth, and caramel-like texture has beautifully formed. This usually takes about 2 minutes of consistent mixing.
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Carefully add the room temperature egg, the extra egg yolk, and the pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined and the mixture appears smooth and uniform. Again, be cautious not to overmix at this stage.
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In a separate, medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Add half of this dry flour mixture at a time to your wet butter/sugar mixture. Using your mixer on low speed, mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet, being careful not to overmix the batter. A few streaks of flour are acceptable, as overmixing can lead to tough blondies.
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With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the finely chopped green apple pieces. Mix just enough to evenly distribute the apples throughout the blondie batter. You might want to reserve a small handful of apple pieces to sprinkle on top before baking for added visual appeal.
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Spread the blondie batter evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. The batter may be a bit sticky; wetting your hands slightly or using the back of a spoon can help you spread it out smoothly and uniformly in the pan. If you reserved any apple pieces, sprinkle them over the top of the batter and gently press them down a little.
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Bake the blondies for 25-28 minutes in your preheated oven, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter) and the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. Remember, for a chewy center, it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
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While the blondies are cooling completely in the pan (this step is essential before glazing and cutting), prepare the delightful maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and ½ to 1 tablespoon of water or milk. Start with ½ tablespoon and add more liquid gradually, drop by drop, until you achieve a thick, yet pourable consistency. You want the glaze to be substantial enough to coat the blondies beautifully without being too thin and soaking in entirely.
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Once the blondies are completely cool, generously drizzle the prepared maple glaze over them. Allow the glaze a little time to set and firm up before attempting to remove the blondies from the pan. Using the parchment paper overhangs, gently lift the entire slab of blondies from the baking dish. Transfer to a cutting board, cut into even squares, and then arrange them on a serving tray (or simply serve them directly from the pan for a rustic touch).
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Serve immediately and enjoy these wonderfully chewy and flavorful gluten-free apple blondies!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter or overbake the blondies. Mix until the flour has just been incorporated to create a chewy, dense texture—just the way blondies and cookie bars should be. And don’t let these bake beyond just done; this ensures a perfectly chewy, gooey center!
- Refined Sugar-Free Glaze: If you’d like a fully refined sugar-free dessert, you can use powdered coconut sugar to make the maple glaze. It’s a fantastic natural alternative.
- Glaze Consistency is Key: Make sure the glaze is thick enough to sit nicely on top. If the glaze is too thin, the bars will absorb it over time, and you won’t be able to taste it as much, plus they won’t look as appealing. The glaze should be thin enough to pour, but thick enough that it doesn’t spread too much when poured.
- Adjusting Pan Size: If using a 9×9 inch pan instead of an 8×8, your blondies will be slightly thinner. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes (check at 22 minutes) to prevent overbaking. For a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13 inch pan, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to glaze or cut them. This prevents them from falling apart and ensures clean, neat squares.
Nutrition