As I unwrapped a tempting piece of parchment paper, the sweet, cinnamon-scented aroma swept me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always thick with warmth and comfort. Today, I’m excited to share my cherished recipe for Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. These delightful treats are not only quick to whip up—taking just 45 minutes from start to finish—but also offer the perfect blend of juicy apple goodness and cozy cinnamon spice. With options for nut-free and gluten-free variations, these blondies cater to everyone at your table, making them an irresistible dessert that you’ll want to bake again and again. Ready to create your own slice of nostalgia? Let’s get started!
Why are these blondies irresistible?
Decadent flavors: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a symphony of taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
Quick and easy: In just 45 minutes, you can have a delicious dessert ready to share, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Versatile options: Need to cater to dietary restrictions? You can easily make these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting nut-free and gluten-free.
Moist and chewy: Experience a delightful texture that balances between cookie and cake, making each bite a joyful experience.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a weeknight indulgence, these blondies are sure to impress and satisfy all palates.
Apple Cinnamon Blondies Ingredients
• Ready to bring these beauties to life? Here’s what you’ll need!
For the Batter
- Melted Butter – Provides moisture and richness; coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness; consider coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; replace with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors; no substitutions recommended.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure; a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can replace it.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents for a light texture; no substitutes recommended.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice; adjust to taste for your perfect blend.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; absolutely essential for flavor enhancement.
- Diced Apples – Adds moisture and sweetness; substitute with pears or peaches if desired.
- Nuts (optional) – Introduces a lovely crunch; swap with seeds for a nut-free alternative.
For the Frosting
- Maple Cream Cheese – Creamy and sweet, perfect for frosting; vegan cream cheese and coconut butter work well for a dairy-free version.
Now that you have everything set and ready, let’s get into the kitchen and create some magic with these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin your delightful baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Apple Cinnamon Blondies bake evenly and perfectly. While the oven heats up, prepare your 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth and well incorporated. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending everything until the mixture is creamy and glossy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice a beautiful sheen forming.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until there are no lumps and everything is well combined. This mixture creates the structure for your blondies, so ensuring it’s thoroughly blended is key for a delightful texture.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to gently fold them together. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough blondies. You’ll want to see streaks of flour still visible, creating a light and tender batter perfect for your Apple Cinnamon Blondies.
Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts
Now it’s time to fold in the diced apples and any nuts you may wish to add. Gently incorporate them into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overworking the mixture. The apples will add moisture and flavor, sprinkled throughout for delicious bites in your blondies.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden top and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, prepare your creamy maple cream cheese frosting and generously spread it over the top for the finishing touch. The warmth of your Apple Cinnamon Blondies paired with the delightful frosting creates an irresistible treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during busy weeks! You can prepare the blondie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients and combine them, then refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to prevent browning. The diced apples can also be chopped beforehand—just toss them with a little lemon juice to maintain their vibrant color. When you’re ready to bake, pour the prepared batter into the pan and bake as instructed. Top with fresh maple cream cheese frosting before serving for that just-made taste, all with minimal effort!
Apple Cinnamon Blondies Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor these blondies to your taste buds with these delightful twists!
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Nut-Free Option: Replace any nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a delightful, crunchy alternative that’s safe for nut allergies.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies suitable for those avoiding gluten, while keeping the flavor intact.
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Vegan Delight: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and enjoy a plant-based treat that everyone will love!
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Spice It Up: Experiment with spices—try adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice for a warm and inviting flavor that brings a whole new dimension to these blondies.
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Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with additional maple syrup before serving for an irresistible touch of sweetness that complements the frosting perfectly.
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Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the batter for bursts of chewy fruitiness that enhance the apple-cinnamon goodness.
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Minimize Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic version that still retains the sweetness and depth of flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some chocolate chips or chunks to introduce a luscious, melted chocolate element that pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon!
Each of these variations opens up a new way to enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting! For more delightful options, consider adding a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat or simply serve them warm to highlight the flavors!
Expert Tips for Apple Cinnamon Blondies
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Use Fresh Apples: Ensure you’re using fresh, firm apples for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overripe apples as they can make the blondies too mushy.
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Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients to prevent tough blondies. Stop mixing when you see a few streaks of flour in the batter.
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Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet, give it a few extra minutes.
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Cooling Time: Allow the blondies to cool completely before frosting. This helps the maple cream cheese frosting maintain its shape and flavor rather than melting into the warm blondies.
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Chill for Fun Texture: For an extra chewy texture, chill the blondies after they cool. They slice beautifully and are perfect for sharing!
Storage Tips for Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Room Temperature: Store your Apple Cinnamon Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a blondie for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive the soft, chewy texture, making each bite as delightful as the day they were baked!
What to Serve with Decadent Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting?
As the warm, aromatic scent of these blondies fills your kitchen, it’s the perfect moment to think about what delightful accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm blondies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. The smooth richness of ice cream complements the spiced flavors in every bite.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich, robust flavors of a warm cup of coffee or a shot of espresso enhance the sweet profile of the blondies. Together they create a cozy, comforting moment that echoes the warmth of a coffee shop.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely, fluffy element to the dessert. A dollop on top of each blondie provides that extra touch of indulgence you crave.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your blondies to enhance the sweetness and add a sticky, gooey contrast. The layers of flavor will wow your taste buds with each mouthful.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai bring a cozy hug alongside your blondies. This aromatic beverage pairs perfectly, enhancing the cinnamon notes while providing a soothing finish to your meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright, refreshing fruit salad complements the flavors of the blondies and cuts through the sweetness. It adds a splash of color and a burst of freshness to your dessert spread.
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Nutty Trail Mix: For a crunchy contrast, serve a small bowl of nutty trail mix on the side. The crunch and flavor vary deliciously with the soft texture of the blondies.
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Cranberry Juice: A chilled glass of cranberry juice offers a refreshing tanginess that balances out the rich flavors of the dessert, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Each of these pairings brings a unique touch that enhances the experience of your Decadent Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, creating a meal that celebrates warmth and comfort.
Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the blondies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Avoid overly ripe apples, as they can make the blondies too mushy. If you want to get creative, pears or peaches can also be delicious substitutes!
How should I store the blondies after baking?
You can store your Apple Cinnamon Blondies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer them to last longer, refrigerating them will keep them fresh for up to a week. Remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture!
Can I freeze the blondies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your blondies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply remove one and microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that delightful soft, chewy texture.
What can I do if my blondies turn out too dry?
If your blondies come out dry, it might be due to overbaking or overmixing. To ensure a moist texture next time, keep an eye on them while baking—test doneness around the 25-minute mark. If you’ve mixed the batter too much, you could also try adding a bit more melted butter or a splash of milk to the batter for the next batch.
Are there nut-free options for this recipe?
Very! If you’re catering to nut allergies, simply omit the nuts from the recipe entirely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting without worry!
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, whisk until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, blend until creamy and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently.
- Fold in diced apples and nuts, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely, then spread the maple cream cheese frosting on top.
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