Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

There is nothing that captures the essence of a crisp autumn day quite like the combination of apples and cinnamon. These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are the perfect embodiment of that cozy feeling, bringing together the warm, spiced flavors of fall in one incredible dessert. But these aren’t just any blondies—they are rich with the nutty depth of browned butter and studded with tender, sautéed apples. The pièce de résistance is a luscious, tangy maple cream cheese frosting that adds a luxurious sweetness and a hint of the season’s signature flavor. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, spiced, and tangy, creating a truly unforgettable treat. They are a delightful alternative to a classic cake or pie and are perfect for sharing with loved ones. With a rich, chewy texture and a decadent frosting, these blondies are sure to become your new go-to fall dessert.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Deep, Complex Flavor: The process of browning the butter before mixing the batter adds a toasty, nutty flavor that gives these blondies a depth that sets them apart from ordinary baked goods. This single step elevates the entire dessert.
• Tender Apples: We sauté the apples with butter and cinnamon before adding them to the batter. This ensures they are perfectly tender and flavorful, without releasing too much moisture and making the blondies soggy.
• Decadent Frosting: The maple cream cheese frosting is a true showstopper. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the blondies. The addition of pure maple syrup adds a layer of warm, complex flavor.
• Easy to Make and Share: These blondies are a no-fuss dessert, with a simple mixing and baking process that is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Their square shape makes them easy to slice, pack, and share at any gathering or party.

Perfect Occasion:

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are the perfect centerpiece for any fall-themed occasion. They are ideal for a cozy weekend of baking at home, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. Their elegant yet rustic appearance makes them a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert table for Thanksgiving or Christmas, where they will stand out among the pies and cookies. They are also a wonderful treat to bring to a potluck, a school bake sale, or a casual get-together with friends. Their rich flavor and moist texture make them a great dessert to serve after a family dinner, and they are especially beloved by guests of all ages. Simply put, any time you want to add a touch of fall comfort and a lot of flavor, these blondies are the perfect choice.

Serving and Decoration Tips:

• Simple Garnish: Before the frosting sets, you can sprinkle the top with a pinch of extra cinnamon or a few small pieces of chopped apple for a simple, beautiful garnish that signals the flavors within.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a delightful contrast in texture, top the frosting with some candied pecans or walnuts. The crunch of the nuts pairs perfectly with the soft blondie and creamy frosting.
• Drizzle of Caramel: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle the frosted blondies with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. The combination of apple, cinnamon, maple, and caramel is simply irresistible.
• Sprinkle of Flaked Sea Salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the frosting can help to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors, giving the blondies a sophisticated finish.

Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter (for the blondies) – 1 cup of unsalted butter, browned. This is the key to a rich, nutty flavor. Browning the butter adds a level of complexity and sophistication to the blondies that sets them apart.
• Brown Sugar – 1 2/3 cups of brown sugar. The molasses in the brown sugar not only provides a deep caramel flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture and incredible moisture of the blondies.
• Large Eggs – 2 large eggs. Eggs act as a binder, giving the blondies their structure and helping to create a tender, cake-like crumb. They also add richness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the blondies, providing a subtle warmth and sweetness that complements the browned butter and spices.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour. This provides the foundational structure for the blondies, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining soft and chewy.
• Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. This leavening agent helps the blondies rise just enough to be light and tender, without becoming overly dense.
• Fine Sea Salt – ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the flavors of the brown butter and spices.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. These classic fall spices are the perfect complement to the apples, giving the blondies a warm, fragrant flavor that is both comforting and delicious.
• Apples – 2 cups of peeled and chopped apples. When sautéed, these apples become tender and sweet, infusing the blondies with a subtle apple flavor and a soft texture.
• Butter (for the apples) – 1 tablespoon of butter. Used to sauté the apples, this adds richness and helps them caramelize slightly before being added to the batter.
• Ground Cinnamon (for the apples) – ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. A little extra cinnamon to warm the apples and fill your kitchen with that wonderful, spicy aroma.
• Cream Cheese – 6oz of room temperature cream cheese. The tangy flavor of cream cheese is a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the blondies and the maple syrup.
• Unsalted Butter (for the frosting) – ½ stick of room temperature unsalted butter. It creates the rich, smooth, and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – ¾ cup of powdered sugar. The powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it a light, smooth consistency that is easy to spread.
• Ground Cinnamon (for the frosting) – ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. A dash of cinnamon in the frosting ties all the flavors together and adds an extra layer of warmth.
• Maple Syrup – 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. This adds a beautiful, distinct maple flavor that is perfect for fall and complements both the cinnamon and the cream cheese.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Browned Butter and Apples
To brown the butter, place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely, then watch it carefully as it sizzles and foams. The foaming will subside, and you’ll see small brown bits form at the bottom of the pan. The butter will take on a beautiful amber color and emit a rich, nutty aroma. Immediately remove it from the heat and pour it into a mixing bowl to cool slightly. While the butter is cooling, prepare the apples. In a separate pan, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter, then add the peeled and chopped apples and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sauté on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
Once the browned butter has cooled slightly, whisk in the brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until everything is fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough. Gently fold in the cooled, sautéed apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Blondies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use your spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake for 35-45 minutes. The baking time will vary depending on your oven and pan size. The blondies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not raw batter. You want them to be fudgy and not dry.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the blondies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and beat on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Make sure the blondies are completely cool before you frost them, otherwise, the frosting will melt and become a puddle.

Step 5: Cool, Frost, and Serve
Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are at room temperature, spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula to create a beautiful, smooth finish. Slice the blondies into squares and serve. These are even more delicious the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together!

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Make Ahead Options

This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time, which makes it ideal for holiday parties and gatherings. The blondies can be baked up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The maple cream cheese frosting can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before you spread it on the cooled blondies. For the freshest taste and best appearance, it’s best to assemble and frost the blondies on the day you plan to serve them.

Storage Tips for Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Room Temperature: If your home is not too warm, you can store the frosted blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The blondies will stay moist and the frosting will remain soft and creamy. They will be delicious and ready to eat at a moment’s notice.

Refrigerator: To extend their freshness, especially if you live in a warmer climate, you can store the frosted blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The frosting will firm up slightly, but the blondies will remain moist and delicious. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the blondies without the frosting for up to 3 months. Let the baked and unfrosted blondies cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then prepare the fresh frosting just before serving. This is a great way to have a delicious dessert ready for a last-minute occasion!

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Blondies

• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the butter is a simple step, but it is the key to this recipe’s amazing flavor. Don’t rush it. The nutty aroma will let you know it’s ready.
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter (for the frosting) are at room temperature. This will allow them to mix together smoothly and prevent a lumpy frosting.
• Do Not Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense, and less chewy blondie.
• Cook the Apples First: Pre-cooking the apples is essential. It softens them and concentrates their flavor, but more importantly, it prevents them from releasing too much moisture into your batter during baking, which could make the blondies soggy.
• Don’t Overbake: Blondies are meant to be fudgy and chewy in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool, so take them out of the oven when the edges are set and the center still looks slightly underdone.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies Variations & Substitutions

• Nutty Twist: For an added crunch, fold in a cup of toasted walnuts or pecans along with the apples. The nutty flavor complements the browned butter and spices beautifully.
• A Different Drizzle: Instead of the cream cheese frosting, you can top the cooled blondies with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a rich caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Blondies: For a decadent twist, fold in a cup of white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the apples. The chocolate melts into the blondie, creating delicious pockets of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with binding and texture.
• Oatmeal Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the blondies with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It will create a nice streusel topping that adds a bit of texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Blondies

The rich, cozy flavors of these blondies make them the perfect pairing for a variety of beverages and other treats. For a comforting combination, serve them with a hot cup of black coffee or a spicy chai latte. The spices in the chai will beautifully complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the blondies. For a crisp fall treat, a glass of cold or warm apple cider is the perfect pairing. The apple in the cider will enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors in the blondies. For a truly decadent dessert, serve a warm blondie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The contrast of the warm, fudgy blondie and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies FAQs

Why is my blondie batter lumpy?
The batter may be lumpy if your cream cheese and butter were not at room temperature. For a perfectly smooth frosting, make sure all your ingredients are at the right temperature and beat the cream cheese and butter until they are completely smooth before adding the powdered sugar and maple syrup.

What kind of apples should I use?
Firm apples are best for this recipe, as they hold their shape well when sautéed and baked. Look for varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These apples will give you a tender bite without becoming mushy.

How can I tell when the blondies are done?
The blondies are done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick is completely clean, you may have overbaked them and they will be a bit dry. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can easily make these blondies using a hand mixer. You can also mix them by hand with a whisk and a spatula, but it will require a bit more effort to get the wet ingredients light and fluffy and to combine the batter.

Why is browning the butter so important?
Browning the butter toasts the milk solids, giving the butter a rich, nutty, and caramel-like flavor. This adds a depth of flavor that a regular melted butter will not provide. It is the secret ingredient that takes these blondies from good to unforgettable.