Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly soft and chewy, these blondies are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples. Topped with a creamy maple frosting, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
These apple cinnamon blondies are not just a dessert; they offer comfort and nostalgia in every bite. They’re easy to prepare and feature the rich flavors of brown sugar and apples mixed in a buttery base, creating a deliciously moist treat. The maple cream cheese frosting adds a unique twist that perfectly balances the warm spices. These blondies are ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow our step-by-step guide to create these scrumptious blondies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly browned – 2 sticks)
- 290 grams all-purpose flour (2 1/3 cups)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 2/3 cups brown sugar (330 grams)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Honey Crisp recommended)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (for apples)
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened and at room temperature)
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt 1 cup of butter in a large pan over low heat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- Brown the melted butter slightly by increasing the heat to low-medium, stirring frequently.
- Peel and chop the apples, then sauté in another pan with 1 tablespoon of butter for about 10 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and mix well. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix with a hand mixer until the mixture resembles caramel.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently add the sautéed apples to the batter and mix.
- Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Bake for 35-45 minutes, checking for doneness earlier if using a metal pan. The top should be golden brown, and the center firm.
- While the blondies bake, create the maple cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl. Once combined, add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing well.
- After removing the blondies from the oven, cool them in the pan for 1 hour. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack, cooling for an additional 1-2 hours.
- Once fully cooled, spread the frosting over the blondies, sprinkle with cinnamon, cut into squares, and enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve your blondies warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Perfect for coffee breaks, dessert platters, or fall gatherings.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them without frosting and adding the frosting just before serving.
Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use fresh Honey Crisp apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
Variations
- Substitute half of the apples with nuts or chocolate chips for an added crunch or sweetness.
- Try using different types of apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for a different flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free butter substitutes.
FAQs
-
Can I use other kinds of apples?
- Yes, you can use any firm apple varieties. Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Fuji or Gala adds sweetness.
-
How do I know when the blondies are done?
- The tops should be golden brown, and the center should be firm and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
-
Can I freeze the blondies?
- Yes, you can freeze the blondies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly! Frosting after thawing for best results.
Elevate your dessert game with these decadent apple cinnamon blondies topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Enjoy this comforting treat any time of the year!
Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Ingredients
Blondie Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly browned 2 sticks
- 290 grams all-purpose flour 2 1/3 cups
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1.67 cups brown sugar 330 grams
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples Honey Crisp recommended
- 0.25 tsp cinnamon for apples
- 1 tbsp butter for sautéing apples
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese softened and at room temperature
- 0.5 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt 1 cup of butter in a large pan over low heat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- Brown the melted butter slightly by increasing the heat to low-medium, stirring frequently.
- Peel and chop the apples, then sauté in another pan with 1 tablespoon of butter for about 10 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and mix well. Remove from heat.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix with a hand mixer until the mixture resembles caramel.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently add the sautéed apples to the batter and mix.
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the batter.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, checking for doneness earlier if using a metal pan. The top should be golden brown, and the center firm.
Frosting and Serving
- While the blondies bake, create the maple cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl. Once combined, add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing well.
- After removing the blondies from the oven, cool them in the pan for 1 hour. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack, cooling for an additional 1-2 hours.
- Once fully cooled, spread the frosting over the blondies, sprinkle with cinnamon, cut into squares, and enjoy!
