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.

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🍎 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	¼ tsp
Fine sea salt	¼ 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	¼ cup
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Vanilla extract	½ tsp
Fine sea salt	Pinch
Ground cinnamon (optional)	¼ tsp

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👩‍🍳 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!

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🍂 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.