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Spiced Gingerbread Almond Flour Blondies with Maple Drizzle – Easy Gluten-Free & Low Sugar Recipe

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 24, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 40 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepgluten-freespicedlow-sugarholidaysnackminimal-ingredientsmaplealmond flourgingerbreadblondies

These easy gluten-free gingerbread blondies made with almond flour and warm spices are a cozy, low-sugar holiday snack. Topped with a simple maple syrup drizzle, they’re perfect for beginner bakers seeking a quick and delicious festive treat.

Spiced Gingerbread Almond Flour Blondies with Maple Drizzle – Easy Gluten-Free & Low Sugar Recipe
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 12
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings12
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 12
  • 2 cups almond flour (finely ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (melted, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy blondie removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until fully combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, mix the applesauce, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until incorporated. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
  5. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (avoid overbaking).
  7. While baking, prepare the maple drizzle by mixing maple syrup and melted coconut oil (optional) for a glossy finish.
  8. Remove blondies from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set.
  9. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out and place on a wire cooling rack.
  10. Drizzle the maple mixture evenly over warm blondies using a spoon or fork. Let the drizzle set for about 10 minutes before slicing into 12 squares.
  11. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Adapt this gluten-free spiced blondie recipe for dietary preferences with these ingredient swaps, maintaining flavor and texture:

  • Almond Flour: Replace with oat flour or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free, gluten-free alternative.
  • Egg: Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, soaked 5 mins) to make vegan blondies with good binding.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Substitute mashed banana or pumpkin puree to add moisture and flavor variation.
  • Maple Syrup: Swap for agave nectar or brown rice syrup for varied natural sweeteners suitable for vegan and kid-friendly diets.
  • Coconut Oil (optional): Melted vegan butter or mild vegetable oil works as a coconut oil alternative in the maple drizzle for dairy-free options.

These substitutions keep the recipe's warming spice and wholesome profile while accommodating common dietary restrictions and preferences.

Equipment Needed

Essential baking equipment for making these gluten-free gingerbread almond flour blondies:

  • 8x8 inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking and optimal blondie shape; line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for dry ingredients, another medium bowl for wet ingredients.
  • Whisk and Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Whisk blends dry ingredients evenly; spatula or wooden spoon carefully combines wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate ingredient measurements are critical for texture and flavor.
  • Oven: Must preheat to 350°F (175°C) for consistent baking results.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: For checking blondie doneness near baking completion.
  • Small Bowl and Spoon/Fork: For mixing and drizzling maple syrup on blondies after baking.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows even cooling to prevent soggy bottoms before slicing.

Optional:
• Mixer: Hand or stand mixer can speed mixing, but not required.
• Coconut Oil Melter: Microwave-safe bowl or small pan for melting coconut oil if used in drizzle.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for moist, tender blondies. For nut allergies, consider oat or gluten-free all-purpose flours but expect slight texture differences.

Spices: Balanced combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves provides traditional gingerbread warmth. Pumpkin pie spice is a good substitute, and freshly ground spices add enhanced aroma.

Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, perfect for low-sugar and dairy-free baking. Use unsweetened variety. Mashed banana or pumpkin puree can substitute but will alter flavor.

Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness. Alternatives like agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used, adjusting quantity as needed.

Egg: Room temperature egg ensures proper binding and texture. For vegan options, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, soaked 5 mins), though texture may firm slightly.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth; imitation may affect final flavor slightly but is acceptable.

Maple Drizzle: Coconut oil adds a glossy finish but is optional. Substitute with mild vegetable oil or omit for simpler drizzle. A dusting of powdered cinnamon sugar is a nice alternative.

Oven Note

To bake perfect gluten-free spiced gingerbread almond flour blondies, keep these oven tips in mind:

  • Fully Preheat Oven: Ensure oven is at 350°F (175°C) before baking to promote even cooking and texture.
  • Center Rack Placement: Position baking pan on middle rack for balanced heat and uniform browning.
  • Confirm Temperature: Use an oven thermometer if possible to verify oven accuracy as temperatures vary.
  • Limit Door Opening: Avoid frequent oven door opening during baking to maintain stable heat and proper rising.
  • Doneness Test: Insert a toothpick near baking end; it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter—preventing dryness.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan promotes even heat distribution and simple blondie removal.
  • Cooling Process: Cool blondies in the pan for 15 minutes post-baking to set, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Following these steps helps ensure moist, tender blondies with great flavor and appearance, ideal for beginner bakers.

Easy Customizations for Spiced Gluten-Free Blondies:

  • Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips, toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried cranberries to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Increase Spices: Boost warmth by adding extra cinnamon or 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a richer gingerbread aroma.
  • Nut-Free Flour Replacement: Use oat or gluten-free all-purpose flour for nut-free variations without compromising moisture.
  • Frosting Options: Top with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar for a festive, elegant finish.
  • Fruit Variations: Mix in chopped fresh or frozen apples or unsweetened shredded coconut for added moistness and flavor.
  • Enhanced Maple Drizzle: Warm maple syrup with a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla before drizzling to deepen flavor complexity.
  • Portion Freezing: Slice into individual pieces and freeze wrapped for convenient grab-and-go snacks or holiday treats.
  • Lower Sugar Substitutes: Use sugar-free maple syrup alternatives to reduce sweetness while preserving flavor.

These beginner-friendly tweaks offer variety and personalization while keeping preparation simple.

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