If you’re anything like me, fall is basically an excuse to eat all things Maple Apple Desserts. And let’s be real—there’s something undeniably magical about the combo of crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and a little bit of maple sweetness. Enter these Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: a dessert that’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, this one deserves a spot on your Fall Theme Recipes rotation.
Ever wondered what it would be like if a classic apple pie met a gooey blondie? Yeah, it’s basically this dessert in a pan. With the Cream Cheese Blondies Recipe element, each bite is soft, buttery, and layered with just the right hint of spice. And the frosting? Maple syrup meets cream cheese in a dreamy union—what’s not to love?
What Makes These Blondies So Irresistible
Here’s the deal: it’s all about balance. The sweetness from the apples, the buttery richness of the blondie base, and the slight tang from the cream cheese frosting make this Fall Blondies Recipe a knockout. Add in optional walnuts for crunch or skip them for a smooth texture, and you’ve got a dessert that pleases everyone at the table.
Why else do people love it? Well, let’s be honest: who doesn’t like a dessert that screams cozy without requiring hours in the kitchen? These blondies are perfect for busy bakers looking for Fall Bake Recipes that actually deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down into two simple parts: the blondies and the frosting.
Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional—swap for seeds for a nut-free version!)
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tip: Using peeled, diced apples ensures each bite gets a soft, juicy chunk without overpowering the blondie base.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×13-inch pan. Proper preheating ensures even baking—a small detail that makes a huge difference.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the moist, sweet foundation for your blondies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This combo provides structure, flavor, and that classic blondie texture we all love.
Step 4: Combine
Slowly stir the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix—you want a tender blondie, not a brick.
Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in your diced apples and nuts. The apples bring juicy sweetness, and the nuts (if using) add crunch and depth.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Frosting Magic
While the blondies cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over the slightly cooled blondies for a dreamy Maple Cream Cheese Frosting finish.
Healthier Alternatives (Yes, You Can!)
Want to indulge without the guilt? Try these swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for extra fiber.
- Swap brown sugar for honey or agave syrup to lower glycemic impact.
- Use coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce in place of butter for a lighter base.
These tweaks let you enjoy your dessert while still keeping an eye on health, which is perfect for weekday baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for a gooey experience, or chill for a firmer, sliceable treat. Some top pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream—because classic combos never fail.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar for elegance.
You can also experiment with toppings: extra nuts, candied pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Call Dessert done right!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Can make the blondies tough. Mix until just combined.
- Wrong Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer helps keep baking perfect.
- Imprecise Measuring: Baking is chemistry—eyeballing it can throw off results.
Storage Tips
Keep your blondies fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I swap apples for other fruits?
Yes! Pears or peaches make excellent alternatives, bringing new flavors without losing the fall vibe.
Can I make the frosting vegan?
Totally. Use vegan cream cheese and coconut-based butter for a dairy-free option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
A quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave keeps them moist and delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; your blondies will still be soft and flavorful.
With their perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery, these Apple Cinnamon Blondies are truly the ultimate Fall Recipes With Apples. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just treating yourself, these blondies make a Unique Fall Dessert Recipe that will earn you serious dessert cred.
So grab your pan, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake your way into fall heaven. Don’t forget: sharing is caring—but we won’t judge if you sneak an extra square (or three). Print
Apple Cinnamon Blondies | Fall Favorite With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
Description
Treat yourself to soft, spiced blondies packed with tender apple pieces and finished with a creamy maple cream cheese glaze—a fall dessert that’s pure indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together—don’t overmix.
- Gently incorporate the diced apples and, if desired, the chopped nuts for added texture.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the blondies cool, beat together the cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla to create a smooth frosting.
- Once the blondies are cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams