Apple Cinnamon Blondies
These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are soft, buttery dessert bars packed with finely diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Topped with a creamy maple cream cheese frosting, these blondies are the perfect combination of cozy fall flavors and rich, chewy texture. They’re easy to make in an 8-inch square pan and are perfect for autumn baking, holidays, potlucks, or a simple homemade dessert.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Soft and buttery: Melted butter and brown sugar create rich, tender blondies with a deliciously chewy texture.
- Fresh apple flavor: Finely diced apples add natural sweetness, moisture, and little bursts of fruity flavor throughout every bite.
- Warm fall spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give these blondies a cozy, aromatic flavor.
- Maple cream cheese frosting: The creamy frosting adds tanginess and rich maple sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
- Easy one-pan dessert: These blondies are simple to prepare and bake in an 8-inch square pan, making them ideal for sharing.
Ingredients Overview
For the Blondies
- Unsalted butter – Melted butter provides richness and helps create the soft, chewy texture blondies are known for.
- Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together while giving the blondies structure.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and complements the warm spices.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the blondies tender.
- Baking powder – Gives the blondies a little lift without making them cakey.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds classic warm spice and enhances the apple flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – Provides a subtle earthy warmth that complements cinnamon and apples.
- Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.
- Diced apple – Adds fresh fruit flavor and moisture. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices because they hold their shape during baking.
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese – Creates a smooth, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Pure maple syrup – Provides natural maple flavor and pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract – Adds extra depth and rounds out the maple flavor.
- Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds an optional extra layer of warm spice.
Variations
- Apple Walnut Blondies – Fold ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel Apple Blondies – Drizzle caramel sauce over the maple cream cheese frosting for an indulgent caramel apple twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Pecan Blondies – Add chopped pecans along with the diced apples for a classic fall flavor combination.
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Blondies – Add extra cinnamon to the batter and drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the frosting.
- Spiced Apple Blondies – Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an even warmer fall spice profile.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make the blondies easier to lift out later.
Lightly grease the parchment and set the pan aside.
2. Combine the Butter and Brown Sugar
Add ½ cup of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar to a medium mixing bowl.
Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and well combined.
Add the large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fine sea salt.
This distributes the spices and leavening evenly throughout the flour.
4. Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the butter and brown sugar mixture.
Using a rubber spatula, stir until the ingredients are just combined.
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the finished blondies less tender.
5. Add the Apples
Fold 1 cup of peeled, finely diced apple into the batter.
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices because they stay firm and flavorful during baking.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Bake the Blondies
Place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Avoid overbaking, as this can make the blondies dry.
7. Cool Completely
Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the blondies to cool completely.
Do not frost them while they are warm, as the cream cheese frosting can melt and become difficult to spread.
8. Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Add 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter to a mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until smooth and completely lump-free.
Add ¼ cup pure maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt.
Mix until smooth.
9. Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first to prevent a cloud of sugar.
Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of maple syrup.
For extra warmth, add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
10. Frost and Slice
Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled blondies.
Chill for about 15 minutes to help the frosting set.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies from the pan.
Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets
- Choose the right apples: Use crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a delicious sweet-tart contrast.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher blondies.
- Cool before frosting: Make sure the blondies are completely cool before adding the maple cream cheese frosting. Warm bars can cause the frosting to melt.
- Line the pan well: Parchment paper with an overhang makes it much easier to lift the finished blondies from the pan and creates cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious apple pie-inspired dessert.
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent caramel apple combination.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
- Sprinkle the frosted bars with chopped pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Because these blondies are topped with cream cheese frosting, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For the best flavor and texture, allow the blondies to sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
If you want to freeze them, it is best to freeze the unfrosted blondies. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
Apple Cinnamon Blondies FAQs
What are the best apples for Apple Cinnamon Blondies?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices. Both varieties are crisp, flavorful, and hold their shape well during baking. You can also use another firm baking apple that you enjoy.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes. Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or other firm apples can work well. Avoid apples that become extremely soft when baked if you want noticeable pieces of apple throughout the blondies.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture. The peeled apples blend more naturally into the soft blondie batter.
Why are my blondies cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the batter or adding too much flour can affect the texture. Mix the batter only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and measure your flour carefully.
Can I add nuts to Apple Cinnamon Blondies?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans are delicious additions. Add approximately ½ cup to the batter along with the diced apples.
Can I make these blondies without the frosting?
Yes. The apple cinnamon blondies are delicious on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with caramel sauce instead.
Can I use cream cheese frosting from the store?
Yes. Homemade maple cream cheese frosting provides the best maple flavor, but prepared cream cheese frosting can be used as a convenient shortcut.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting thicker?
If the frosting is too soft, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Chilling the frosting briefly can also help firm it up.
Why should the blondies cool before frosting?
Cream cheese frosting can soften or melt when spread over warm blondies. Cooling the bars completely helps the frosting remain thick and creamy.
Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Blondies?
Yes, but unfrosted blondies freeze best. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding the frosting.
How long do Apple Cinnamon Blondies last?
Frosted blondies can be refrigerated for up to 4 days when stored in a covered container. Allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- parchment paper
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- rubber spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
- cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup peeled, finely diced apple (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apple)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting, and lightly grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until glossy and well combined. Whisk in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apple. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 22–28 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the blondies cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until creamy and lump-free. Mix in the maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar (and cinnamon if using), beating on low then increasing to medium until fluffy and spreadable. If needed, add a spoonful more powdered sugar to thicken or a teaspoon of maple syrup to loosen.
- Spread frosting over cooled blondies. Chill 15 minutes to set, then lift from the pan, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
