Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting

These cinnamon blondies are the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for autumn or any time you crave a spiced treat. The blondies are rich and buttery, thanks to the browned butter, and have a soft, chewy texture with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of caramelized apples gives them a warm, fruity twist, while the cream cheese frosting with a touch of maple syrup adds a rich and creamy finish. This dessert is packed with comforting flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these cinnamon blondies because they combine the buttery richness of a blondie with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a flavorful base that’s perfectly complemented by the tender, caramelized apples. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess, making each bite a perfect balance of rich, fruity, and spiced flavors. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, and the result is an impressive dessert that will make any gathering feel special.

The Perfect Occasion

These blondies are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights at home. Their warm spices and caramelized apple topping make them ideal for any occasion where you want to serve something comforting and delicious. They can be enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. They’re versatile enough to be served at casual family dinners or more formal gatherings, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon and apples.

Decoration Tips

To add an extra touch of elegance to these blondies, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting just before serving. You can also garnish with a drizzle of maple syrup or even a few thin apple slices for a pretty presentation. If you’re feeling indulgent, top each blondie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a truly decadent treat. Serve them on a decorative platter for an extra special touch that highlights the rich, warm colors of the apples and frosting.

Ingredients for the Blondies:

• 1 cup browned butter
• 1 2/3 cups brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Apples:

• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Blondie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare the Apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sprinkle with the cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the apples are softened and slightly caramelized.
5. Bake the Blondies: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the sautéed apples over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the blondies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and continue to beat until fully combined and fluffy.
7. Cool and Frost the Blondies: Once the blondies are done baking, allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the blondies.

Enjoy these rich, spiced cinnamon blondies with tender apples and creamy frosting for a perfect dessert treat!

Enjoy!