If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the warm, cozy feeling of savoring a freshly baked treat that combines rich flavors and delightful textures all in one bite. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—a heavenly marriage of spiced, buttery blondies studded with tender caramelized apples, finished with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and hearts with a little extra happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet guarantees layers of taste and texture that will make you swoon. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the nutty depth of browned butter to the sweet, spiced apples that add moisture and warmth, all tied together with a creamy frosting that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
- Browned butter: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that forms the backbone of the blondie batter.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps keep the blondies moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the blondies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, comforting note.
- All-purpose flour: The structure-builder that creates a soft, chewy blondie base.
- Baking powder: Gives the blondies a slight lift and lightness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the blondies and apples with a warm, spicy kick.
- Apples (peeled and chopped): Add juicy bursts of caramelized sweetness and tender texture.
- Cream cheese: Forms the tangy, silky core of the frosting.
- Butter (for frosting and sautéing): Adds richness to both the blondies and caramelized apples.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a fine texture.
- Maple syrup: Introduces a subtle complexity and natural sweetness to the frosting.
How to Make Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by gently melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and releases a warm, nutty aroma. This step is key to infusing your blondies with deep, irresistible flavor. Once browned, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
While the butter cools, sauté the peeled and chopped apples in a little butter along with cinnamon until the apples soften and lightly caramelize. This process brings out their natural sweetness and adds a fragrant warmth that complements the blondies perfectly. Let the apples cool to avoid affecting the batter’s texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This mixture becomes the moist, flavorful base for your blondies.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the blondies.
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender crumb. Then gently fold in the cooled caramelized apples, ensuring even pockets of that sweet, cinnamon-spiced fruit throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the blondies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.
Step 7: Frost with Cream Cheese Mixture
Make a luscious frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, a touch of maple syrup, and cinnamon. This creamy topping adds a wonderful tang and sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced blondies and caramelized apples.
How to Serve Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top of the frosting. Toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft blondies.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the indulgence. A warm cup of spiced apple cider or a robust coffee complements the flavors beautifully for an afternoon treat or dessert.
Cream Cheese Frosting and Presentation
Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies for a smooth, attractive finish. For a playful twist, cut the blondies into bite-sized squares and stack them on a platter for a charming dessert tower at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store any leftover blondies tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated; this also helps the frosting stay firm and luscious.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted blondies by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw completely before adding the cream cheese frosting to keep everything tasting fresh.
Reheating
Warm individual blondie portions gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back softness without melting the frosting, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully as they hold their shape and balance sweetness and tartness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites for varied flavor profiles.
Is browned butter necessary?
While you can use regular melted butter, browning it enhances the depth of flavor with its nutty notes, making the blondies extra special and aromatic.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the texture. The blondies will still turn out deliciously tender.
How thick should the frosting be?
The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but thick enough to hold its shape without running. Adjust powdered sugar or maple syrup slightly to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I omit the apples?
Technically yes, but the caramelized apples add moisture and a wonderful flavor contrast that really elevates this recipe. Leaving them out would change the experience quite a bit.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these blondies wrap up cozy spices and fruity sweetness with creamy frosting in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert that everyone will keep asking for again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious cinnamon blondies featuring browned butter and warm, caramelized apples, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting infused with maple syrup and cinnamon. Perfectly moist and rich with a comforting fall flavor.
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1 cup browned butter
- 1 2/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Caramelize the apples: In a skillet, sauté the peeled and chopped apples with a bit of butter and cinnamon over medium heat until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool completely.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold the cooled caramelized apples into the batter ensuring even distribution. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the blondies for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies moist.
- Cool before frosting: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Frost blondies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Slice into 12 servings and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the browned butter is cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness.
- The blondies can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the blondies after frosting.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste if you prefer a bolder or milder spice presence.
