These Glazed Apricot Blondies are a sunshine-filled twist on the classic blondie recipe! But what exactly is a blondie? Traditionally, blondies are the lighter-colored counterpart to brownies. They share a similar dense and chewy texture, but instead of cocoa powder, blondies rely on brown sugar for their rich flavor and moistness. This recipe takes that base and injects it with vibrant apricot flavor. The chewy dried fruit adds a delightful tanginess that beautifully complements the buttery blondie base. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for anyone who finds brownies a touch too chocolatey.

Hailing from my grandma’s kitchen, this recipe is a testament to its simplicity and deliciousness. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants to whip up a batch of homemade goodness without a lot of fuss. The blondies themselves come together quickly, and the glaze is a simple mixture of icing sugar and butter.

Feel free to get creative with the nuts! Pecans, almonds, or walnuts would all be wonderful options. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of orange zest for an extra flavor boost. No matter how you personalize them, these Glazed Apricot Blondies are sure to become a new favorite!

These Glazed Apricot Blondies are all about simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. Let’s break down some of the key players:

• Softened Butter & Brown Sugar: This duo forms the base of our blondies. The softened butter allows for easy creaming, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor and helps keep the blondies moist and chewy.
• Eggs & Vanilla: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the blondies’ signature chewy texture. Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Flour & Salt: Flour provides the structure for our blondies, while a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
• Chopped Dried Apricots: These are the stars of the show! The tangy sweetness of dried apricots adds a vibrant contrast to the buttery base. They also add a delightful textural element with their chewy bite.
• Chopped Walnuts (or your favorite nut): Nuts add a welcome crunch and a touch of richness to the blondies. Walnuts are a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with pecans, almonds, or even macadamias!
• Glaze Ingredients: Our simple glaze uses icing sugar (also known as powdered sugar) for sweetness and a smooth texture. Butter adds richness, and a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

These sunshine-filled blondies are delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to elevate your blondie experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination for a reason! The cold, creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, chewy blondies. It also adds a textural contrast that’s delightful on the palate.
• Spiced Tea or Coffee: The warming spices in chai tea or a cozy cup of coffee beautifully enhance the flavors of the apricots and nuts in the blondies. The slight bitterness of the coffee or tea also helps cut through the sweetness, creating a well-balanced treat.
• Tart Fruits: Apricots bring a touch of tanginess to the blondies, but if you’re looking for a more pronounced contrast, pair them with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their bright acidity creates a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the blondies.
• Lemon Curd: For a citrusy twist, dollop a spoonful of tangy lemon curd on top of your blondie. The combination of sweet, tart, and buttery is truly irresistible!
• Glass of Milk: Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best. A cold glass of milk is a perfect complement to the blondies, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, chewy treat. It’s a nostalgic combination that never disappoints.

No matter what you choose to pair with your Glazed Apricot Blondies, you’re in for a treat!

Can I substitute the dried apricots with another fruit? Absolutely! Chopped dates, cherries, or cranberries would all be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that the moisture content and flavor profile of the blondies might change slightly depending on your choice.

What if I don’t have nuts? No problem! You can leave the nuts out altogether, or substitute with another chopped ingredient like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even another chopped dried fruit like raisins.

How can I store these blondies? Once cooled, store your Glazed Apricot Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

My blondies turned out dry. What went wrong? There are a few possibilities. Make sure you creamed the butter and sugar for long enough, and that you didn’t overbake the blondies. They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Can I make the blondies gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose a blend that’s formulated for baking, as some gluten-free flours can alter the texture of the final product.

How can I make the glaze thicker? If your glaze seems too runny, simply add more icing sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add any spices to the blondie batter? Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom would all be wonderful additions. You could also experiment with a splash of rum extract for a deeper flavor profile.