Name: Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 scoops vanilla or snickerdoodle protein powder (62g); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90g) (use gluten-free if needed); 1/4 cup Swerve granular sweetener (48g); 2 Tbsp Swerve brown sugar (24g); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (112g); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (112g); 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp light butter (28g), room temperature; 2 Tbsp peanut butter chips (30g), melted; 1 apple (145g), diced and peeled if desired; 2 Tbsp Swerve brown sugar (24g); 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1.5 Tbsp light butter (22g); 1.5 Tbsp sugar-free pancake syrup (22g); 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp Swerve confectioners sugar (54g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 25 reviews

If you love the comforting flavors of autumn wrapped up in a dessert, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe. These blondies perfectly balance moist, tender bites of cinnamon-spiced apple goodness with a luscious maple glaze that brings everything together in a warm, sweet hug. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive get-together, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your loved ones while enjoying something truly scrumptious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface shows four stages of making a batter. In the first stage, the bowl holds several layered dry ingredients: white flour, a white powder, a tan powder, and a small pile of brown sugar on top. The second stage shows all dry ingredients mixed evenly into a soft beige powder texture. The third stage adds wet ingredients on top of the dry mix: a smooth yellowish puree, a small dollop of white cream, and two small cubes of pale yellow butter. The final stage shows the batter mixed into a smooth, thick, light brown mixture with a slightly shiny surface, with beaters resting inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe couldn’t be any simpler, yet every ingredient plays an essential role. From the protein powder that boosts texture and nutrition, to the fresh apples that bring juicy sweetness, each component adds its own magic to the final dish.

Vanilla or snickerdoodle protein powder (62g): Adds a subtle vanilla flavor and extra protein, keeping the blondies moist and rich.

All-purpose flour (90g): The base that gives structure to the blondies; gluten-free options work well too.
Swerve granular sweetener (48g): A sugar-free sweetener that keeps these blondies delightfully sweet without the guilt.
Swerve brown sugar (24g): Adds depth with its caramel notes, essential for that classic brown sugar flavor.

Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the blondies rise to tender perfection.
Baking soda (¼ tsp): Works alongside baking powder for lightness and texture.
Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon + extra): Brings cozy warmth to the batter and the glaze.

Salt (⅛ tsp): Just a pinch to balance sweet flavors.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt (112g): Adds creaminess and tang while keeping the blondies moist.
Unsweetened applesauce (112g): Sweetens naturally and contributes to that soft, tender crumb.

Pure vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances the flavor depth with a sweet aromatic note.
Light butter (28g + 22g): Used both in the batter and the glaze for richness.
Peanut butter chips (30g, melted): Offers a subtle nutty undertone that elevates the blondies.

Fresh apple (145g, diced): Provides juicy bursts of freshness and texture.
Swerve confectioners sugar (54g): Sweetens the glaze smoothly without graininess.
Sugar-free pancake syrup (22g): Adds that quintessential maple sweetness for the glaze.

How to Make Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature ensures the blondies bake evenly without drying out. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or use a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your protein powder, all-purpose flour, granular sweetener, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended. This step is crucial because a well-mixed dry base means a uniform batter and consistent texture in your blondies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, incorporate the Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, light butter, and melted peanut butter chips to your dry mix. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly until you get a smooth batter. This mixture will be rich, creamy, and beautifully fragrant with vanilla and peanut butter notes.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

Place diced apples in a small bowl and toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple coating will caramelize slightly during baking, delivering juicy and warm pockets of flavor throughout the blondies.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the coated apple pieces uniformly on top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The blondies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before adding the luscious glaze.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the blondies are setting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it browns slightly—this adds a wonderful nutty flavor. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar-free pancake syrup, cinnamon, and confectioners sugar until the glaze is silky and smooth. Drizzle it generously over the warm blondies and let it set for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows a stack of three soft, thick bars with a light brown color and slightly crumbly texture. Each bar is filled with small pieces of cooked apple that have a warm yellow and light orange color. The top layer is covered with a drizzle of light beige sauce that looks creamy and smooth, slightly melting over the apple pieces. The bars are stacked neatly on a white marbled surface with a blurred light background giving a warm, cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch that complements the tender blondies beautifully. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or an extra drizzle of syrup can heighten the cozy flavors even further.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a drink, a warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider brings out the autumnal notes perfectly, creating a complete flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your blondies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits or edible flowers to make them feel extra special. You can also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make dessert plates memorable for kids or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making for a delightful grab-and-go treat whenever cravings hit.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe later, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive their soft texture and warm the glaze slightly. For a crispy edge, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of Swerve sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute with regular granulated and brown sugar in equal amounts; just note that the calorie content will increase slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free without compromising taste or texture.

Can I skip the protein powder?

Yes, but protein powder adds structure and a subtle vanilla flavor. If you skip it, consider adding an extra few tablespoons of flour to keep the right consistency.

What’s the best way to cut these blondies neatly?

Wait until the glaze has fully set, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to prevent sticking and ensure perfectly neat squares every time.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe as I do. It’s a heartwarming dessert full of comforting flavors and textures that make any day feel a little brighter. Once you try it, this recipe might just become your new favorite go-to for cozy gatherings or a sweet personal indulgence. Happy baking!

Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need