Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love how these Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe come together — they’re my go-to treat when I want something that feels cozy and a bit special. The combination of warm cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a buttery blondie base is irresistible, and that creamy maple frosting on top? It just nails it every time. These blondies work perfectly for fall gatherings, weekend baking projects, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the apples stay tender and juicy inside the blondie without making it soggy, thanks to cooking them first. The maple cream cheese frosting adds just the right hint of sweetness and a luxurious texture that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. You’ll find that this recipe impresses friends and family alike, and it’s definitely worth trying as your next baking adventure.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor. Grab fresh apples, quality butter, and real maple syrup for the frosting to get the best results.

• Butter: Browning one cup adds a nutty depth; softened butter is key for smooth frosting.
• Flour: The base of your blondies; all-purpose flour works like a charm here.
• Baking powder: Gives your blondies a light, tender crumb without too much rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to both the blondies and frosting.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich caramel notes to the batter.
• Eggs: Bind everything together for that soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: A must-have to boost the sweet flavors naturally.
• Apples: Peeled and chopped, cooked first to keep them tender and flavorful inside the blondie.
• Powdered sugar: For smooth, creamy frosting without any grittiness.
• Maple syrup: Gives your frosting an authentic, sweet earthiness that’s better than plain vanilla.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temp to make the frosting silky and tangy.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to add nuts for crunch or swap in different spices to suit your mood, customization is a breeze.

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans: I like adding these for a crunchy texture contrast; my family goes crazy for that extra bite.
• Gluten-free option: Use a good gluten-free flour blend instead of plain flour — it works well and still keeps that chewy texture.
• Swap apples for pears: I once tried this recipe with pears and cinnamon, and it brought a lovely, mellow sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more complex fall flavors that deepen the blondie’s character.

How to Make Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter & Cook the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. On one burner, melt the 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly so it browns evenly — you’re looking for a beautiful golden color and a nutty aroma, which usually happens within 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once browned and set it aside.

Meanwhile, in a separate larger pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and add your peeled, chopped apples over medium heat. Cook them for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and tender but not mushy. Stir in a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon at the end, then remove from the heat and let cool as you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients & Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything is well combined — this makes sure each bite has balanced flavor and lift. In a separate large bowl, mix the browned butter with your brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla using a hand mixer. The mixture will be thick and caramel-like, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Fold in Flour & Apples

Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula, taking care not to overmix — you want to keep the blondies tender. Then, carefully fold in the cooked apples with their cinnamon, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is where your blondies get their wonderful texture and flavor bursts.

Step 4: Bake & Cool

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know the blondies are ready when the edges turn a light golden brown, and the center is firm to the touch — it shouldn’t jiggle. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting to avoid a melted topping mess.

Step 5: Prepare & Spread the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, then blend until the frosting is thick and luscious. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful, inviting look.

How to Serve Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top for a simple, pretty finish, but chopped toasted pecans or a few thin apple slices add a lovely, rustic touch if you want to get fancy. Sometimes I even drizzle a little extra warm maple syrup right before serving for that extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These blondies feel like dessert, so I like pairing them with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai. For a brunch spread, they go beautifully alongside creamy yogurt with fresh fruit or even a lightly dressed green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these blondies on a wooden board with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and cinnamon dusting for Thanksgiving, and also cut them into bite-sized squares for a party platter. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper makes a cute gift for neighbors during fall. Trust me, presentation boosts the cozy vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After frosting, I keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the fridge for up to 4 days. The frosting stays smooth and the blondies remain moist — though I always find they taste best the first day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen un-frosted blondies wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw fully before frosting — this keeps the texture fresh and the frosting doesn’t get watery.

Reheating

If you want warm blondies, I pop a single square in the microwave for about 10 seconds before frosting it. Reheat leftovers in the oven at a low temperature, just to take the chill off without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it combines comfort, flavor, and a little bit of elegance all in one pan. I love sharing it with friends who come back asking for the recipe — that’s always the best compliment! Give it a try, take your time on those butter and apple prep steps, and I promise you’ll enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!

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