Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

The Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples with a creamy maple frosting. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy evenings at home, these blondies stand out with their rich taste and inviting aroma. They are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy frosting creates a taste sensation that you won’t forget.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, anyone can whip up these blondies in no time.
• Versatile dessert: These blondies are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to casual get-togethers or simply as a sweet indulgence on a quiet night.
• Make-ahead option: You can bake these blondies ahead of time and enjoy them later, making them great for meal prep or holiday baking.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or swap in different spices to make this recipe your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 baking dish
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without making a mess. A good set allows you to easily mix both dry and wet components.
• Hand mixer or whisk: A hand mixer saves time and effort when blending ingredients thoroughly. If you prefer a workout, a whisk can do the job too!

Ingredients

For the Blondies

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups diced apples

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large pan over low heat, melt the butter until it becomes slightly browned. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until evenly combined.

Step 4: Sauté the Apples

While your butter is browning, sauté diced apples in another pan with a little butter over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add cinnamon during cooking and stir well before removing from heat.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add melted butter along with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well using either a hand mixer or whisk until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Then gently fold in the sautéed apples.

Step 7: Bake the Blondies

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and firm in the center.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While your blondies bake, prepare the frosting. In another bowl, combine cream cheese and softened butter using a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and maple syrup until fluffy. Place in the fridge briefly.

Step 9: Cool Blondies

Once baked, let blondies cool for one hour in their pan before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely (about another hour) before frosting.

Step 10: Frost Your Blondies

After cooling completely, spread your maple cream cheese frosting over the blondies and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Allow frosting to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your delightful Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

These delicious Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you want to serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as a cozy treat at home, there are plenty of options to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these blondies alongside a warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Top with Extra Apples

• Add sliced fresh apples on top for added texture and flavor, enhancing the apple goodness.

Serve Warm with Ice Cream

• For an indulgent experience, serve warm blondies topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch that complements the soft blondies.

Drizzle with Additional Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful presentation.

How to Perfect Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Apple Cinnamon Blondies is easier than you might think. Follow these tips to ensure your blondies turn out just right every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your blondies from becoming too dense.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat slices.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts based on your personal preference for warmth and spice.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cinnamon Blondies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Yogurt
   A creamy vanilla yogurt adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet blondies.

2. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the dessert while adding freshness.

3. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully.

4. Cheese Plate
   Offer slices of mild cheese like brie or gouda to balance the sweetness of the blondies.

5. Chai Spiced Nuts
   Spiced nuts add savory crunch and complement the flavors in the blondies nicely.

6. Cinnamon Whipped Cream
   Lightly whipped cream flavored with cinnamon can enhance each bite, making it more indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and these common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking dish with parchment can cause the blondies to stick. Always use parchment for easy removal.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Incorrect measurements can ruin the texture of your blondies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense blondies. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different; don’t assume yours is accurate. Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperatures.
• Cutting too soon: Slicing into warm blondies can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before cutting for perfect squares.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will last for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.

Freezing Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual blondies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place blondies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one blondie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

You can substitute honey or agave syrup as alternate sweeteners in your frosting.

How can I customize my Apple Cinnamon Blondies?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or try different spices such as cardamom or ginger for extra flavor.

Are these blondies suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These Apple Cinnamon Blondies store well and make for a delightful treat throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite nuts or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!