Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delicious; they’re a slice of home. Imagine biting into a chewy, buttery blondie packed with tender apples and warm cinnamon, all topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that tastes like autumn in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family get-together, this recipe is sure to impress.

I love making these blondies when I’m craving something sweet yet comforting. The combination of flavors is perfect for fall, but honestly, I could enjoy these all year round. Plus, they’re simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, so gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet apple and cinnamon combo.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks or family gatherings—everyone will want seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and frost just before serving for a fresh taste.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of apples and spices creates a delightful treat that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that make these blondies so delightful. You likely have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Blondies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
• 1 2/3 cup brown sugar (330g), packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 290 grams all-purpose flour (2 1/3 cups), spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (approx. 2 medium)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to make it your own:

• Add More Spice: Consider adding some ground ginger or cloves for an extra kick of flavor.
• Change the Fruit: Swap out apples for pears or even diced peaches during their season.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in different nuts like slivered almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in some chocolate chips for an indulgent surprise in each bite.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper; this makes removing the blondies so much easier later on! Lightly grease the parchment to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for Blondies

In a large bowl, melt your butter. Once it cools slightly, whisk in the brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time—this helps incorporate air into the batter for that perfect chewiness! Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout your batter—an important step for consistent flavor!

Step 4: Mix Batter and Fold in Apples

Gently add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want our blondies tender! Once combined, fold in those lovely diced apples (and optional nuts if you’re using them) until everything is nicely distributed.

Step 5: Bake Blondies

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until you see golden edges. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs—this means they are perfectly baked!

Step 6: Cool Blondies

When you take them out of the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack—don’t rush this part! Waiting at least 1-2 hours ensures the frosting won’t melt when you apply it.

Step 7: Prepare Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While your blondies cool down, let’s make that dreamy frosting! Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Then add softened butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by maple syrup and vanilla extract with a pinch of salt—this will make it light and delicious!

Step 8: Assemble and Chill

Once cooled completely, lift the blondies from the pan using parchment overhang. Spread that luscious frosting evenly on top. If you like, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or nuts on top for garnish before chilling them in the fridge for about an hour.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Now comes the best part—slice your blondies into squares or rectangles as desired! Remember to wipe your knife between cuts to keep things neat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll be good for up to four days (if they last that long!).

Now you’re all set to enjoy these fantastic Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect batch of Apple Cinnamon Blondies can be a delightful experience, especially with these simple tips to ensure your baking goes smoothly!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature eggs and cream cheese allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother batter and frosting. This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture we all love.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding in your dry ingredients prevents the blondies from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so focus on just combining until you no longer see flour.

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the blondies while maintaining their shape during baking.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your blondies to cool thoroughly before frosting ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into a puddle. This way, you’ll achieve that beautiful, slick finish.

• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the frosted blondies for about 30-60 minutes not only helps set the frosting but makes cutting into neat squares a breeze!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosted blondies adds an inviting aroma and enhances their flavor profile.
• Chopped Nuts: Scatter some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples arranged decoratively on top or alongside can add freshness and a pop of color to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to warm blondies creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors, offering a comforting dessert experience.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice elevates this dessert, adding richness and an indulgent touch.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For those looking for a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a light and fluffy counterpart that complements the spices perfectly.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these blondies with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea enhances their cozy flavor profile, making it an ideal treat for any gathering.

Enjoying these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is all about indulging in their flavors while creating beautiful moments around the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for special occasions or simply to have a delicious treat on hand throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week.
• If you notice any dryness, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Freezing

• Allow the blondies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your blondies warm, remove them from the fridge or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• If frozen, microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while preparing this delightful treat!

Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Your blondies will be just as delicious!

How should I store these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries would work well. Just ensure you adjust the amount based on moisture content.

Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?

You can replace cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives made from nuts or coconut. Adjust sweetness as needed when using these substitutes.

What can I use instead of eggs?

For egg substitutes, consider using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting! They are not only bursting with flavor but also bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful recipe!