Go Back
–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro of thick chewy apple cider blondies with cascading salted maple glaze

Chewy Apple Cider Blondies with Salted Maple Glaze

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 265
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

The Apple Cider Reduction & Brown Butter
  • 1 1/2 cups pure spiced apple cider simmered and reduced down to 1/3 cup of intensely concentrated cider syrup
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter browned in a saucepan until nutty and golden-amber with toasted milk solids
The Chewy Spiced Blondie Batter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed, provides rich molasses chew and moisture
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar helps create crackly shiny bakery tops
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for warm aromatic depth
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon warm spice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated preferred
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice adds cozy autumn bakery nuance
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder just enough for soft chew without cakey puffiness
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt balances sweet caramel notes
The Cascading Salted Maple Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted for an ultra-smooth glaze
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup Grade A dark amber for robust flavor
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or heavy cream adds glossy sheen and richness
  • 1/2 tsp flaky Maldon sea salt sprinkled generously across the glaze before setting

Method
 

Reduce the Apple Cider & Brown the Butter
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 1/2 cups of pure spiced apple cider to a gentle boil. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, swirling occasionally, until reduced down to exactly 1/3 cup of intensely fragrant, amber syrup. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a separate light-colored skillet or saucepan, melt 3/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl constantly as it foams and sizzles. Once golden-brown flecks form on the bottom and a nutty aroma fills the kitchen (about 4 to 5 minutes), immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking.
Whisk the Chewy Batter
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the warm brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the cooled 1/3 cup apple cider reduction and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for 1 minute until glossy.
  3. Add the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, and sea salt. Fold gently with a silicone spatula just until no flour streaks remain (do not overmix).
Bake to Fudgy Perfection
  1. Spread the thick, luscious batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 26 minutes until edges are golden and lightly pulling away from the parchment, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist, fudgy crumbs (avoid overbaking to preserve ultra-chewy texture).
  3. Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow blondies to cool completely to room temperature before glazing.
Glaze, Slice & Serve
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and melted butter until smooth and pourable.
  2. Lift blondies out of the pan using parchment handles. Pour the salted maple glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle generously with flaky Maldon sea salt and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
  3. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes, then slice into 16 thick squares with a sharp chef knife. Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or spiced apple cider!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 18000IUVitamin C: 1.7mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 0.2mg

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!