If you are ready to fall in love with a treat that perfectly blends sweet and spice with a creamy finish, the Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is here to wow your taste buds. These blondies are rich, tender, and bursting with cozy apple and cinnamon flavors, all topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting that adds an irresistible creamy sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with friends and family, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on classic pantry staples that come together to deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, ensuring your Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting have that soft, tender crumb and the right burst of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Melted butter adds richness and keeps your blondies moist.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness and contributes to moistness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the brown sugar with a light sweetness and helps with texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives your blondies shape and structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise gently for a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Adds lift and helps neutralize acidity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings cozy warmth and a hint of spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Peeled, chopped apples (1 cup): Fresh apples bring moisture, texture, and natural sweetness in every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The base of the frosting, providing creaminess and tang.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Makes the frosting smooth and easy to spread.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the frosting with a silky texture.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the frosting’s flavor to perfectly complement the blondies.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step ensures the blondies bake evenly without sticking, making it easier to lift them out once they’re perfectly baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fully combined and slightly creamy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is smooth and glossy. This mixture forms the rich, sweet foundation that holds your blondies together.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients brings the right balance of leavening and warming spices that define the blondie’s irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the blondies tough, so delicate folding is key for that tender bite.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter. These tender apple pieces will add juicy pops of freshness and a delightful texture contrast once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and baking apples filling your kitchen is a joyous signal that the blondies are nearly ready.
Step 7: Prepare Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
While the blondies cool completely on a wire rack, start on the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting is silky and deliciously sweet with that unmistakable maple warmth.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the blondies have fully cooled, spread the luscious maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and get ready for a mouthwatering treat that’s truly something special.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair can elevate your Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to the next level. Consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans, a dash of cinnamon powder, or even a few thin apple slices on top for a beautiful, inviting presentation. These simple touches give your blondies a lovely crunch or an extra hint of spice that impresses both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
These blondies are pretty spectacular on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot spiced cider makes for a comforting autumn-inspired dessert. A drizzle of extra pure maple syrup or a dollop of freshly whipped cream also complements the flavorful layers wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving these blondies on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruit garnishes like cranberries or apple slices nearby. You might also stack smaller squares to create a charming dessert tower or cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking at parties. This recipe is so versatile that you can make it your own with your creative spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and deliciously moist for up to 4 days, making them perfect for a sweet treat whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these blondies later, you can freeze them without the frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly made frosting for the best results.
Reheating
To warm up a blondie, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revitalize its softness and let the flavors shine through, especially if you add the frosting fresh after heating. Avoid reheating frosted blondies to keep the frosting texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use different apples for the blondies?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp make the blondies naturally sweeter. Choose based on your flavor preference.
Is it possible to make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free flours can sometimes change the moisture balance slightly.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The frosting will still be creamy and delicious with a slight twist in flavor.
How should I store these blondies if I don’t add the frosting right away?
Without frosting, store the blondies wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the frosting fresh before serving to keep it smooth and fresh-tasting.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes, you can fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries or raisins along with the apples for added texture and flavor complexity. Just add about 1/2 cup of your chosen mix-ins.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how wonderful the Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is for any occasion that calls for a comforting, scrumptious dessert. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these blondies bring warmth, sweetness, and all the cozy feelings we crave. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 16 blondie squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices and loaded with tender chopped apples. Topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for fall or any cozy occasion. The blondies are moist, flavorful, and easy to make, baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup peeled, chopped apples
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined and slightly smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg ensuring all spices and leavening agents are evenly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the blondies.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Blondies: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting Base: For the maple cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using a mixer.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully combined and the frosting is luscious and spreadable.
- Frost Blondies: Once the blondies are completely cool, evenly spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Cut the blondies into squares before serving. Enjoy this moist, spiced dessert with a rich, sweet frosting.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent tough blondies.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure the blondies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.
