There is something truly magical about these Maple Blondies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug on a cool day. With a perfect balance of buttery richness and that irresistible, warm maple flavor, these blondies rise above your typical treat. Their soft, chewy texture dotted with crunchy pecans and melty white chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced enthusiast, this recipe promises a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you need a little sweet comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Maple Blondies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the gooey brown sugar adding deep caramel notes, to the maple extract that brings that signature delightful twist. Let’s break down what you need.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Provides a rich, creamy base for the batter and ensures moist, tender blondies.
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the maple perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the blondies their chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure maple extract (or 1 teaspoon maple flavoring): The star ingredient that infuses those warm, earthy maple notes throughout.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with its fragrant warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the depth of flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your blondies; careful measuring ensures the right texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the blondies a slight lift, keeping them from being too dense.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty counterpoint that pairs beautifully with maple.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Melts into pockets of creamy sweetness that make every bite a little piece of heaven.
How to Make Maple Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. If you do not have parchment, a light greasing will do. This prep sets the stage for easy removal and clean, neat squares once baked.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth and well-blended. This mixture is the foundation of your blondies’ moistness and caramel-like flavor, so make sure it’s thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk in the eggs, pure maple extract, and vanilla extract until your batter is silky and consistent. These additions bring richness and that signature maple sweetness you’re after.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your raising agent and seasoning are evenly spread and ready to blend into the batter without clumping.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the blondies tough, so a gentle hand will reward you with a tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in Extras
Gently fold in chopped pecans and white chocolate chips if you choose to use them. These add delightful texture and bursts of sweet, nutty flavor in every mouthful.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs—it’s all about that perfect gooey-chewy balance.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes cutting clean, satisfying pieces a breeze.
How to Serve Maple Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Maple Blondies Recipe, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for extra sweetness and shine. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can also add a gorgeous finishing touch and a hint of crunch.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an indulgent coffee break, serve alongside a rich latte or warm chai tea—the maple notes complement those cozy beverages beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, layer your blondie squares in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh berries for a stunning dessert display. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter alongside nuts and dried fruits to create an inviting, shareable dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover maple blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their softness. Keeping them covered prevents drying out and preserves that luscious maple flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual blondie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, making them a convenient, ready-to-bake treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen blondies, thaw them at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. The gentle heat revives their buttery texture and enhances that delicious maple aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple extract with real maple syrup?
Yes, you can use real maple syrup in place of the maple extract for a more natural flavor; just reduce the butter slightly to account for the extra liquid. This swap enhances the maple taste but may slightly change the texture.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I omit pecans?
Absolutely! Pecans are optional and serve mainly to add crunch and nuttiness. Leaving them out won’t affect the overall structure, just the texture complexity.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
To make this Maple Blondies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the flour’s properties.
How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?
Look for a set top with a slightly golden hue and test with a toothpick. It should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Baking closer to 25 minutes gives gooier centers; 30 minutes yields firmer blondies.
Can these blondies be made vegan?
With some tweaks, yes! You can replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes. Using maple syrup instead of extract will keep the flavor robust, but expect slight differences in texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s a heartfelt joy that comes from baking and sharing these Maple Blondies Recipe with friends and family—each bite filled with warm maple sweetness and buttery goodness. Whether you’re looking for a special fall dessert or a soul-comforting treat anytime, this recipe is a winner you’ll return to again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up this delicious delight that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.
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Maple Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, infused with rich maple flavor and complemented by optional crunchy pecans and creamy white chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy with a subtle sweetness, they make a cozy fall dessert or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure maple extract (or 1 teaspoon maple flavoring)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins (Optional)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent the blondies from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs, pure maple extract (or maple flavoring), and vanilla extract until the batter is fully combined and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough blondies.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in chopped pecans and white chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 16 squares for serving. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- For an intensified maple flavor, drizzle the cooled blondies with a maple glaze or substitute part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup, reducing the amount of butter slightly to compensate.
- Baking closer to 25 minutes will result in blondies that are slightly gooier in the center, while baking longer will produce a firmer texture.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges when cutting.
