Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting combine soft, chewy blondies studded with cinnamon-spiced fresh apples and topped with a rich, tangy maple-infused cream cheese frosting. This dessert offers a perfect balance of warm, cozy fall flavors and a luscious texture, making it an ideal treat for any occasion—from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Prepare the Apples: Toss peeled, diced apples with ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to infuse them with warm spices. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Mix the Blondie Batter: Beat softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and spices until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep blondies tender.
- Incorporate the Apples: Gently fold the spiced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout for a flavorful bite in every piece.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan (lined or greased). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs remaining.
- Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: While the blondies cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually along with maple syrup, whipping the mixture until fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the blondies have completely cooled, spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy this comforting dessert!
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide a delightful contrast to the sweet frosting.
- Chill the frosting before spreading to thicken it and make it easier to work with.
- Watch baking time carefully; overbaking can dry out the blondies. Check for doneness starting at 25 minutes.
- Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting the blondies to achieve clean edges and avoid messiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple blondies, maple cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, cinnamon blondies, chewy blondies, cozy dessert