Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Meet your new autumn obsession: soft, spiced apple blondies that are gooey in the center, golden at the edges, and bursting with cozy flavor. Whether topped with rich maple frosting or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these bars make every chilly night feel like a special occasion.
🍎 Ingredients
For the Blondies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (melted, cooled) | ½ cup |
| Packed light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ÂĽ tsp |
| Fine sea salt | ÂĽ tsp |
| Finely diced peeled apple | 1 cup (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, etc.) |
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Softened cream cheese | 4 oz |
| Softened unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Pure maple syrup | ÂĽ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
| Fine sea salt | Pinch |
| Ground cinnamon (optional) | ÂĽ tsp |
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting. Lightly grease the paper.
2. Make the Blondie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar until the mixture is glossy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently stir dry ingredients into wet using a spatula—mix just until no streaks remain. Fold in the chopped apple.
3. Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center has just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
4. Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Mix in maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Slowly add powdered sugar (plus cinnamon if using), beating until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust with more sugar or syrup if needed for texture.
5. Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Chill for about 15 minutes to firm up. Lift the slab out using parchment, slice into 16 bars, and enjoy!
🍂 Tips & Variations
- Add crunch: Mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese.
- Flavor boost: Swap maple syrup for honey, or add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a festive kick.
