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
Scale
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.
