Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it’s like the cozy hug of fall desserts all wrapped into one. The apples add just the right tender sweetness, while the maple cream cheese frosting kicks things up a notch with its rich, comforting flavor. Whenever I want something that’s a little different from your classic brownie but still delivers that sticky, buttery satisfaction, this recipe is my go-to.

What makes this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe really shine is how the browned butter deepens the flavor of the blondies, making them taste delightfully complex yet homey. You’ll find that this dessert works beautifully for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet weekend treat because it’s simple to bake but feels luxurious every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Using fresh apples and real maple syrup really makes a difference, so don’t skimp there!

• Butter: Brown it for the blondies and use softened butter for the frosting for smooth texture.
• Flour: Provides structure; I use all-purpose for best results.
• Baking powder: Helps your blondies rise just right without being cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Gives depth and chewiness to the blondies.
• Eggs: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the batter.
• Apples: I recommend peeled and chopped—Granny Smith or Fuji work great for a balance of tart and sweet.
• Powdered sugar: For a silky frosting texture.
• Pure maple syrup: Use 100% pure for that authentic, rich maple flavor in the frosting.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature to blend easily.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is. You can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or the season — it’s fun to experiment based on what I’m craving or what apples are fresh at the market.

• Swap Apples: I’ve tried using tart Granny Smith for more tang and sweeter Fuji apples for a mellow flavor—both work beautifully.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans if you like extra crunch; my family goes crazy over this twist.
• Go Gluten-Free: You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend, just be mindful of texture changes.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the blondie batter for a more complex autumn vibe.

How to Make Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter and Cook the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish. On medium-low heat, melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan and stir constantly until it smells nutty and turns a golden brown—this adds incredible depth to the blondies. Meanwhile, in another pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook your peeled and chopped apples with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon over medium heat until soft, around 10 minutes. Cooking the apples first helps to keep them tender, juicy, and infused with spice, which makes all the difference.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the apples and butter are doing their thing, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. I like to do this separately so the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed — it keeps the texture even and avoids clumping later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

In a large bowl, mix the browned butter with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the texture turns thick and caramel-like. This batter is luscious and smells heavenly! Gently fold in the dry ingredients, then carefully fold in the cooked apples. This step is all about folding to keep the tender texture intact without overworking the batter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the edges should be golden brown, and the center firm but not dry or jiggly. If you poke it with a toothpick, a few moist crumbs clinging are perfect. Let the blondies cool completely before frosting, or the frosting might melt into a mess.

Step 5: Whip Up the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and maple syrup until silky. The frosting is sweet but balanced by the tang of cream cheese and the deep maple flavor. Spread it generously over the cooled blondies and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top — this extra touch is my favorite little flourish.

How to Serve Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is a light dusting of cinnamon right after spreading the frosting—it brightens up the flavor and gives it a pretty finishing touch. Sometimes I sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a little contrast and crunch, which always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this as part of a dessert spread, I like pairing these blondies with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to up the indulgence factor. A hot cup of spiced cider or chai tea balances the sweetness perfectly, making for a cozy fall pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve decorated the blondies with little apple slices or edible flowers on top of the frosting for a stunning presentation. Another fun idea is cutting them into bite-sized squares and serving on a wooden platter with small forks for easy snacking at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover apple blondies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! After frosting and cutting the blondies, I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the frosting intact.

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, I recommend reheating unfrosted blondie pieces briefly in the microwave or oven, then spreading the frosting fresh or serving with a dollop of cream cheese frosting on the side. This keeps the texture and flavor at their best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those treats that feels like a gift you give yourself — comforting, joyful, and just a little bit special. I love how it bridges the gap between everyday baking and a seasonal indulgence with approachable ingredients and familiar flavors. If you give this a try, I think you’ll enjoy the layers of flavor and the fact that it’s not too complicated but still makes everyone’s eyes light up. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your repertoire for years to come!

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