Apple Blondies with Maple Glaze

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large apples, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in the diced apples and pecans (if using).

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the blondies are baking, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

When the blondies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling the maple glaze over the top.

Allow the glaze to set before cutting the blondies into squares and serving.