Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Blondies topped with a luscious Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Featuring tender cooked apples infused with cinnamon, these blondies combine the warm spices of fall with a rich buttery base, finished off with a smooth, sweet cream cheese and maple syrup frosting. Perfect as a cozy dessert or an indulgent treat for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blondies
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 2⅓ cups flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⅔ cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Apples
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounce cream cheese (1 block), softened to room temperature
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Browning the Butter: In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Continue until the butter slightly browns, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Cooking the Apples: In a separate large saucepan, add the peeled and chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples become soft and flexible. Remove from heat, stir in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Make the Blondie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until you achieve a thick caramel-like consistency. Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture using a spatula, followed by the cooked apples seasoned with cinnamon.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is firm without jiggle. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Frost and Finish: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Dust with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon for a finishing touch. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Brown butter adds a nutty depth of flavor to the blondies.
- Make sure apples are cooked soft to integrate well without adding excess moisture.
- Allow blondies to cool fully before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
