Name: Best Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 290g 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 cup brown sugar (330g); 2 eggs; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp butter; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup confectioners sugar

Apple Cinnamon Blondies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting – just uttering those words evokes a sense of cozy warmth and irresistible delight. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly chewy, golden blondie, studded with tender apple pieces and infused with the aromatic embrace of cinnamon, all crowned with a luscious, tangy maple cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a harmonious blend of comforting flavors designed to captivate your senses from the very first bite and leave you craving more.

While blondies themselves trace their comforting origins to early 20th-century America as a lighter, butterscotch-infused cousin to the brownie, the marriage of apples and cinnamon is a timeless culinary romance, celebrating autumn’s bounty in countless cultures for centuries. Adding the unique, rich sweetness of maple, especially when blended into a decadent cream cheese frosting, elevates this classic combination, transforming it into a contemporary masterpiece. It’s a dish that resonates with tradition yet feels wonderfully fresh and exciting, perfect for harvest gatherings, holiday tables, or simply a cozy afternoon indulgence.

People absolutely adore this dish because it masterfully balances multiple sensory delights. The blondie offers a satisfyingly chewy texture, a stark contrast to the soft, fragrant apples within. The warm spice of cinnamon provides an inviting warmth, perfectly complemented by the bright, slightly tart notes of the cream cheese and the sophisticated sweetness of pure maple syrup.

Each component works in perfect harmony to create a dessert that is both familiar and unexpectedly exquisite, making these Apple Cinnamon Blondies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting an instant favorite for any occasion.

Whether you’re seeking a delightful treat for family, friends, or simply yourself, this recipe promises pure bliss and moments of culinary joy.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cinnamon Blondies:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended for warmth!)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (about 2 medium apples, 200g) fresh apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and finely diced into ¼-inch pieces
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch!)
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A dark robust
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (just a tiny bit to balance the sweetness!)
Optional Garnish:
- A dusting of ground cinnamon
- Extra chopped pecans or walnuts
- Thin apple slices

Preparing the Blondie Batter

Preheat and Prepare: My first step is always to get the oven ready and the baking pan prepped. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it. This is important for easy removal! After greasing, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the longer sides. This parchment “sling” will make lifting the baked blondies out incredibly simple. Lightly grease the parchment paper as well. This double-layer of preparation ensures absolutely no sticking, which is especially helpful when dealing with a soft, moist dessert like these Apple Cinnamon Blondies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, I like to whisk together all the dry components for the blondies. This includes the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (if you’re using it – and I truly hope you do, it adds such a comforting depth!), and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients and ensuring a uniform rise and flavor in our delicious blondies. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Melt Butter and Add Sugars: Now, for the wet ingredients. In a large, microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan over low heat, melt the ¾ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, let it cool for just a couple of minutes so it’s warm but not hot enough to cook the eggs. To this slightly cooled melted butter, add the 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and the ½ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the sugars are fully incorporated into the butter and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for developing that rich, chewy blondie texture. The brown sugar contributes to the moistness and deep caramel notes we adore in blondies.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the two large eggs, one at a time. It’s important to mix well after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates an emulsion, which helps with the texture and prevents the mixture from separating. After the eggs are fully mixed in, stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture is lightened in color and appears thick and creamy, almost like a thin custard. This often takes about another 1-2 minutes of enthusiastic whisking. Don’t rush this step, as it contributes significantly to the final structure of our Apple Cinnamon Blondies.
Combine Wet and Dry: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula on low speed (if using an electric mixer) until just combined. The key here is not to overmix! Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough or dry blondies. We want them tender and chewy! Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of dry flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Fold in Apples and Optional Nuts: Finally, gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of finely diced fresh apples. I love using Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, crisp bite. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’re adding the optional ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, fold them in now too. They add a wonderful nutty flavor and extra texture that complements the soft apples beautifully. Be gentle when folding to maintain the light texture we’ve worked to create.

Transfer to Pan: Pour the blondie batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners, ensuring the top is as level as possible for uniform baking.

Baking the Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 28-35 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for the edges to be set and lightly golden brown, and the center should appear mostly set but still slightly soft when gently pressed.
Test for Doneness: To accurately check if your Apple Cinnamon Blondies are done, insert a wooden skewer or a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached but no wet batter, they are ready. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, they might be slightly overbaked, but still delicious! If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again. Undercooked blondies can be gooey, which isn’t always a bad thing, but we want them to hold their shape well for frosting.

Cool Completely: This step is critical, so please don’t skip it or rush it! Remove the blondies from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang as handles, carefully lift the blondie slab out of the pan and transfer it directly onto the wire rack to cool completely. This means they should be at room temperature, which can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, sometimes even longer depending on your kitchen’s temperature. It is absolutely essential that the blondies are completely cool before you even think about applying the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. If they are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and create a messy, unappealing disaster, no matter how delicious it tastes! Patience is truly a virtue here.

Preparing the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While your blondies are cooling, you can start on the star of the show – the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting! In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer), beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter together. It’s incredibly important that both are at room temperature. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps in your frosting; if they’re too warm, your frosting might be too runny. Beat them on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently, until the mixture is incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy, with no visible lumps. This aeration process is what makes the frosting so wonderfully spreadable and light.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Once the cream cheese and butter are perfectly creamy, it’s time to add the sweetness. Gradually add the 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand is a small but mighty step; it prevents lumps in the frosting, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. If you start on a higher speed, you’ll end up with a cloud of sugar dust in your kitchen, so start low! Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light, airy, and well combined.

Flavor with Maple and Vanilla: Now for the signature flavors! Add the 2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and that tiny pinch of salt to the frosting mixture. I prefer using a Grade A dark robust maple syrup for a richer maple flavor, but any pure maple syrup will do the trick. Beat on medium speed for another minute, until all the flavors are fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and wonderfully fragrant. Taste the frosting and adjust the maple syrup if you desire a stronger maple essence. The salt really helps to cut through the sweetness and highlight the other flavors.
Check Consistency: Your Maple Cream Cheese Frosting should be thick, spreadable, and hold its shape. If it seems a little too thick, you can add another teaspoon of maple syrup or even a tiny splash of milk or cream, mixing until you reach your desired consistency. If, by some chance, it’s too thin (which is less likely with this recipe), you can add another tablespoon or two of sifted powdered sugar until it thickens up. Remember, the goal is a frosting that spreads beautifully without sliding off the blondies. If you feel it’s too soft after mixing, pop it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly before frosting.

Assembling and Serving the Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Frost the Blondies: This is where all your patience pays off! Once your Apple Cinnamon Blondies are completely cool (and I mean completely – this cannot be stressed enough!), spread the prepared Maple Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. You can go for a rustic swirl or a perfectly smooth finish, whatever makes your heart happy. The creamy, tangy, and sweet frosting is the perfect complement to the spiced apple blondie base, creating an irresistible combination that defines these incredible treats.

Optional Garnish and Chill: If you wish, sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting for an extra touch of warmth and visual appeal. You could also sprinkle with additional chopped pecans or walnuts, or even arrange a few very thin apple slices on top for a truly gourmet presentation. Once frosted, I recommend chilling the blondies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set firm. This makes for much cleaner cuts and an easier, less messy serving experience, especially with a cream cheese frosting.
Cut and Serve: After chilling, carefully lift the blondies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the entire slab on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut, to slice the blondies into squares or bars of your desired size. I usually aim for 12-16 squares, depending on how generous I’m feeling! Serve these magnificent Apple Cinnamon Blondies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting at room temperature, as the flavors are most vibrant when not too cold.
Storage: Store any leftover frosted blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed within a day or two of baking, they remain wonderfully moist and flavorful for several days. If you’re not serving them all at once, you can also store unfrosted blondies wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, and then frost them just before serving. However, the maple cream cheese frosting truly elevates them, making them a dessert that everyone will rave about.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the sweet end of our journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about this incredible dessert. This isn’t just another blondie recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a warm embrace of flavors that truly encapsulates everything wonderful about cozy baking. From the moment you pull these golden beauties from the oven, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about them. The comforting scent of baked apples mingling with spicy cinnamon is utterly irresistible, promising a treat that’s both familiar and wonderfully fresh. I truly believe that some recipes aren’t just about the food, but about the experience they create, and this one certainly delivers on that front, bringing a sense of warmth and happiness to any gathering or quiet moment.

What makes these Apple Cinnamon Blondies With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting an absolute must-try? It’s the perfect symphony of textures and tastes, a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more. Imagine a blondie that’s perfectly chewy, with just the right amount of tenderness, studded with pockets of sweet, tender apple. Each bite delivers that classic apple pie feeling, but in a more convenient, delightful bar form. We’ve worked hard to perfect that ideal balance – not too cakey, not too dense, but that perfect blondie chew that melts in your mouth. Then, we elevate it further with that luxurious, silky-smooth maple cream cheese frosting. It’s not overly sweet; instead, it provides a tangy, rich counterpoint to the warm spices and fruit in the blondie, bringing a depth of flavor that is simply unparalleled. The subtle hint of maple syrup in the frosting adds a sophisticated touch, making this dessert feel truly special. It’s the kind of dessert that makes ordinary moments feel special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, transforming any afternoon into a delightful occasion.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations:

While these blondies are absolutely heavenly on their own, fresh from the fridge or at room temperature, I have a few suggestions to take your experience to the next level. For an extra touch of indulgence, try warming a blondie slice ever so slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the blondie and makes the frosting even more luscious, almost melting into a glaze. Serve it warm with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream – the contrast between the warm, spiced blondie and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine, creating a dessert experience akin to a deconstructed apple pie. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts would also add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, enhancing both the texture and the presentation. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for that final professional touch.

Thinking about variations? Don’t be afraid to get creative! While apples and cinnamon are a classic pairing, you could experiment with other fruits. Pears would be a fantastic substitute, offering a slightly different sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with the maple and cream cheese. A pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground cloves could deepen the spice profile if you’re a fan of bolder flavors, especially during the colder months. For a less rich option, you could reduce the amount of frosting or even serve the blondies unfrosted, perhaps with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, making them more akin to a dense, spiced apple cake, perfect for breakfast or a lighter snack. These blondies also make an exceptional gift; arrange a few in a pretty box, perhaps tied with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade present that’s sure to impress any recipient, showing thoughtfulness and culinary skill. They’re also fantastic for potlucks, bake sales, holiday parties, or simply as a comforting after-dinner treat to share with family and friends.

Your Turn to Bake and Share!

Now, it’s your turn to experience the magic of these blondies. I truly believe that baking is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and the joy of creating something delicious with your own hands is incredibly rewarding. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and dive into this recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed. The process itself is part of the fun, and the results are absolutely worth every minute. Once you’ve baked your batch of these incredible blondies, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any fun variations? What was your favorite part of the recipe? Did you serve them warm with ice cream, or enjoy them as a delightful morning pastry? Please come back and leave a comment below, sharing your thoughts, tips, and triumphs. Or even better, share a photo of your beautiful creations on social media! Tag me so I can see your masterpieces and celebrate your baking success. Your feedback and shares mean the world to me, and they inspire me to keep developing and sharing more delicious recipes with you all, building a community of passionate home bakers. Happy baking, and enjoy every single delightful bite!