As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air beckons, there’s nothing quite like filling your kitchen with the warmth of freshly baked treats. I’ll never forget the first time I pulled a pan of Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting from the oven. The sweet, spiced aroma enveloped me like a cozy blanket, instantly transporting me to a nostalgic autumn afternoon. These blondies capture the essence of fall—with tender apples mingled with cinnamon and a creamy topping that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for those who want a break from rushed fast food, these delights prove that homemade goodness can be both simple and spectacular. With their chewy texture reminiscent of classic brownies yet entirely unique, they are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re gathering friends for a cozy get-together or simply treating yourself, you’ll find that these apple cinnamon blondies are an indulgence worth savoring. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the deliciousness!

Why are apple cinnamon blondies irresistible?

Warm, Cozy Vibes: These blondies bring the essence of fall into your home with their inviting cinnamon and apple aroma, creating a delightfully nostalgic atmosphere.
Chewy Perfection: With a texture that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious yet sturdy enough to hold up to frosting, they offer the best of both worlds.
Creamy Topping: The maple cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious sweetness that elevates each bite, making it an unforgettable treat.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for gatherings or casual afternoons, these blondies are a fantastic way to impress guests or enjoy an indulgent snack.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up without any fuss—ideal for busy schedules, perfect for those who want to step away from fast food! For more delightful recipes, check out our section on fall desserts.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies Ingredients

For the Blondies

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; brown it slightly for a nutty flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; be sure to spoon into the measuring cup to avoid packing.
Baking Powder – Serves as the leavening agent for lift and lightness in these apple cinnamon blondies.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Cinnamon – Infuses the blondies with warm, spicy notes that scream fall.
Nutmeg – Complements cinnamon perfectly; use this fragrant spice sparingly.
Brown Sugar – Acts as the primary sweetener, adding both moisture and rich depth to the flavor.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract – Brings a sweet and aromatic finishing touch to the blondies.
Peeled and Chopped Apples (Honey Crisp recommended) – Introduces natural sweetness and moisture; chop into small pieces for even distribution.

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese – The base for the frosting; must be softened for easy blending and a smooth consistency.
Confectioners Sugar – Provides sweetness and a creamy texture to the frosting.
Maple Syrup – Adds a distinct maple flavor to the frosting; consider this an essential element for a delightful twist.
Ground Cinnamon – (Optional) Mix a pinch into the frosting for extra spiced delight.

With these fresh, vibrant ingredients, you’re ready to create a true autumn masterpiece that will warm your heart and home!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for those apple cinnamon blondies to bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
Melt Butter: In a pan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s lightly browned. This will enhance its flavor and add a wonderful nuttiness to your blondies.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination creates a warm, delicious base for your blondies.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer and beat until everything is smoothly blended together and creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently add the peeled and chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for a nice bite in every piece.
Bake: Pour the batter into a lined 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when the blondies are ready.
Cool: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for the perfect texture and prevents the frosting from melting.
Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and an optional sprinkle of cinnamon for a deliciously spiced frosting.
Frost Blondies: Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall!

Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are a time-saver for those busy weeknights! You can prepare the blondie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients and storing the mixture in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even results. The blondies themselves can also be baked ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-5 days; just make sure they cool completely before frosting. When you’re ready to serve, whip up the maple cream cheese frosting and spread it over the blondies for a creamy finish that will taste just as delicious as if they were made fresh that day!

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting?

Creating a delightful meal isn’t just about the main dish; it’s about how everything comes together to create an unforgettable experience.

Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A cozy drink that enhances the apple flavors in the blondies and adds a delightful warmth on chilly days.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, this classic pairing creates a heavenly contrast with the chewy blondies, melting into each bite beautifully.
Chai Tea: Spiced chai pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the blondies, providing a fragrant and comforting sip to accompany your sweet treat.

For the ultimate indulgence, spread a little frosting over a scoop of ice cream. The combination of cold and creamy with the warm blondie is a textural delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Roasted Pecans: The crunch from roasted pecans will add a lovely texture to each bite while complementing the flavors of the blondies seamlessly.
Maple Whipped Cream: A dollop of maple whipped cream can amplify the maple flavor from the frosting, adding an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
Coffee: A rich, dark coffee acts as the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the blondies and enhances their comforting autumn vibe.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: For those who love a themed dessert spread, pairing these blondies with pumpkin spice cookies will create a delightful fall dessert board!

Whether you’re serving these with drinks or delightful desserts, the options are as warm and inviting as the flavors of the blondies themselves!

Expert Tips for Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale for flour to prevent dry blondies. Accurate measurements lead to the perfect texture in your apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream cheese frosting.
Pan Preference: Adjust baking time depending on your pan material; metal pans cook quicker than glass ones. Always keep an eye on those delicious blondies!
Frosting Cooling: Ensure the blondies are completely cool before applying the frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting may melt into a mess instead of sitting pretty.
Thickness Control: If your frosting turns out runny, allow it to chill in the fridge or add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Fruit Quality: Choose fresh, firm apples like Honey Crisp for the best flavor and texture; make sure to chop them small for even distribution throughout the batter.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies Variations

These delightful blondies are easily customizable to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter for similar richness.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to maintain the delicious texture without the wheat.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a surprising heat that complements the sweet apples beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Fruity Twist: Try adding cranberries or raisins alongside the apples for a burst of tartness and color in every bite.
Frosting Options: Replace the maple syrup in the frosting with honey or agave for a different sweet profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the blondies by drizzling melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch and contrasting flavors.

These ideas not only add variety but also allow you to infuse your personal flair into every batch. Embrace your creativity and make these blondies truly your own!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Fridge: Store your apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream cheese frosting in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. This keeps them fresh and moist while preventing the frosting from hardening.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be kept for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Re-whip gently before use if it thickens.

Reheating: For a warm, gooey treat, reheat individual blondies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy that comforting aroma all over again!

Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using Honey Crisp apples for their sweetness and crisp texture. If you prefer a tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are also a great choice. Just make sure the apples are firm and free of dark spots for the best results.

What’s the best way to store apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream cheese frosting?
Store your blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. This will keep them fresh and moist while preventing the frosting from hardening. Make sure to separate any leftover frosting, storing it in a separate container in the fridge for maximum freshness.

Can I freeze my blondies?
Certainly! For longer storage, wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, they will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you’ve frozen the frosting separately, you can re-whip it gently after thawing to restore its creamy consistency.

What if my frosting is too runny?
Very common situation! If your maple cream cheese frosting is runny, try refrigerating it for about 30 minutes, then re-whip it. If it’s still too thin, gradually add more confectioners’ sugar until you achieve your desired thickness—it should be smooth yet spreadable!

Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains common allergens like butter, eggs, and cream cheese. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using dairy-free alternatives for the butter and cream cheese, and check that your confectioners’ sugar is free of any allergens as well. Also, always ensure to ask your guests about their specific dietary needs to keep everyone safe and happy!

How long can I keep the frosting after making it?
You can store leftover maple cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To refresh it, give it a gentle re-whip before using to restore its creamy texture.