If you’re dreaming of a sweet treat that tastes like autumn in every bite, you have to try these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine tender, buttery blondies dotted with juicy apples sautéed in cinnamon, all smothered in a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting. This recipe takes nostalgic fall flavors and turns them into a totally irresistible dessert bar that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday tables, or any time you want a little extra comfort. Even if you’re a novice baker, the steps are approachable and every ingredient works together to deliver rich flavor and just the right amount of gooey goodness. Trust me, friends and family will swoon for these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting!

Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for mostly pantry staples, but every single ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and that perfect chewy-soft texture. Each plays its part in making these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting unforgettable, from the brown sugar depth to the hint of nutmeg warmth.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and slightly browned): Browned butter gives the blondies a nutty, toffee-like undertone that’ll make you weak in the knees—don’t skip this step!
All-purpose flour (290g/2 1/3 cups): Measuring this correctly (spoon and level!) ensures your blondies stay tender and never dense.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Lifts the bars just enough for softness without making them cakey.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances all the sweetness and accentuates the spices.
Cinnamon (1 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Gives these blondies their signature warm, cozy appeal—used in both the batter and the apple filling.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Just a hint adds a classic autumn complexity.
Brown sugar (1 2/3 cup): Makes the bars super moist and infuses that caramel-like flavor.
Eggs (2): Binds everything together and helps create a chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Apples (2 cups, peeled and chopped): Honeycrisp is ideal for a fresh snap, but any favorite baking apple works beautifully.
Butter for apples (1 tbsp): Helps caramelize the apples and boosts their flavor.
Cream cheese (6 oz, softened): Essential for the creamy, tangy frosting that sets these blondies over the top.
Butter for frosting (1/2 stick, softened): Adds richness and helps create a fluffy frosting consistency.
Confectioners sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky finish.
Maple syrup (3 tbsp): Real maple syrup is key for the signature flavor in the frosting—don’t skimp here!
Cinnamon for frosting (1/2 tsp): This extra dash in the frosting ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Butter

Start by melting your butter in a large pan over low heat. Once it’s melted, turn the heat up just a notch and wait as it transforms into liquid gold—watch for those little brown bits forming at the bottom, stirring often so nothing burns. This browned butter builds a rich foundation for your Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, infusing them with irresistible nuttiness.

Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Apples

While the butter works its magic, peel and dice your apples into little bits. Sauté them in another pan with a tablespoon of butter, sprinkling over 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Let them soften and begin to caramelize for about 10 minutes; this makes the fruit tender and flavorful, not watery in the baked blondies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, extra cinnamon, and nutmeg. This quick step evenly distributes your spices for bold, balanced bites in every square.

Step 4: Make the Blondie Batter

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and pour in the warm browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth, thick, and glossy—it’ll look a bit like caramel! Now, gently fold in your whisked dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that chewy texture.

Step 5: Fold in the Cinnamon Apples

Tip your sautéed apples straight into the batter and fold them in gently, avoiding breaking them up too much. These juicy gems will pepper your blondies with cozy, apple-forward flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later. Spread your batter in evenly and slide into a 350 degree oven. If you’re using a metal pan, start checking for doneness at 28-30 minutes (they’ll bake a bit quicker than in glass). The blondies should be golden, the edges set, and the center firm—not wobbly.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the blondies cool, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth. Add the confectioners sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, mixing again until fluffy—then pop the bowl in the fridge for a bit to let the frosting firm up just enough for spreading.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let your blondies cool in the pan for at least an hour, then use the parchment to lift them onto a rack for another hour or two. (Patience, my friend—hot blondies will melt the frosting!) Once cool, lavish them with the maple cream cheese frosting, dust with a bit more cinnamon, and slice into dreamy squares.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top your Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting with a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or even a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans. If you really want to impress, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each square will make every bite pure decadence.

Side Dishes

Serve these blondies alongside a cup of hot apple cider, cinnamon-spiced tea, or freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate cozy treat. For a celebration, they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a curl of fresh whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting into classic squares for sharing, or use a round biscuit cutter for adorable dessert “coins.” Stack them on a rustic wood board with apple slices for autumn brunches, or box up a batch for gifting—homemade with heart always feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover blondies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain that luscious, creamy frosting. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days—if they last that long!

Freezing

You can freeze these treats, with or without the frosting. Place individual squares on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, frost after thawing, but they’ll still taste amazing either way.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey blondie, pop a square (unfrosted) into the microwave for 8–10 seconds before adding the frosting. If already frosted, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to gently soften everything without melting the topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is fantastic for its sweetness and crunch, you can use Granny Smith for a more tart flavor, or Fuji and Gala for similar sweetness—choose your favorite or a mix for depth.

Why should I brown the butter?

Browning the butter isn’t just a fancy extra step—it really deepens the flavor, giving your blondies a toasty, nutty richness that regular melted butter just can’t deliver.

Can these be made gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend. Just check your applesauce and baking powder for gluten if cross-contamination is a concern.

What’s the best way to cut perfect squares?

Make sure the blondies are completely cool and use a large, sharp knife wiped clean between each slice. For even tidier edges, you can chill them briefly before cutting.

Can I double the frosting?

If you’re a frosting fan, go for it! Double the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting ingredients for a super thick layer—no one has ever complained about extra frosting on Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting a try. There’s something irresistibly cozy and special about them—every bite brims with spiced apples, brown sugar richness, and creamy maple tang. Whether you’re baking up a batch for the holidays or just want to spoil yourself, this is one recipe guaranteed to bring smiles. Enjoy every sweet, comforting square!

Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12–16 blondies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Apple Cinnamon Blondies topped with a luscious Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet treat any time of day!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Brown Butter: Melt butter in a pan on low heat until slightly browned.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook Apples: Sauté chopped apples with butter and cinnamon.
Prepare Batter: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients and apples.
Bake Blondies: Bake in a lined baking dish for 35-45 minutes.
Make Frosting: Combine softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon for frosting.
Finish and Serve: Cool blondies, frost with cream cheese mixture, sprinkle with cinnamon, and cut into squares.

Notes

Make sure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth blending.
Adjust baking time based on your oven and type of baking dish.
Allow blondies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blondie
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Blondies, Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, Fall Dessert Recipe