Delight in soft Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect combination of sweet, tender blondies bursting with warm apple flavor and topped with a luscious, smooth maple-infused cream cheese frosting. This cozy dessert brings the spirit of fall right to your table, offering a deliciously moist texture and rich taste that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply craving something comforting, these blondies are an absolute must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Fall Comfort: Warm spices and fresh apples make these blondies a seasonal favorite that feels like a cozy hug.
Perfectly Moist Texture: The combination of apples and brown sugar creates a tender, chewy blondie that melts in your mouth.
Maple Cream Cheese Magic: The frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the blondie’s caramel notes flawlessly.
Simple Ingredients: Made from common pantry staples plus fresh apples, it’s easy to prepare without fuss.
Versatile Occasion Treat: Ideal for potlucks, dessert tables, or even afternoon snacks with coffee or tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to build incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each component has a purpose, from the tender apples to the warming spices and the creamy frosting.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the blondies while keeping them soft and chewy.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel depth that pairs beautifully with apples.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding lightness.
Fresh apples: Diced tart apples provide juicy bursts and natural sweetness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that amplify the fall flavors.
Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise for the perfect blondie texture.
Cream cheese: The base for the frosting, bringing creaminess and tanginess.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the frosting naturally with an earthy, rich flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors both in the blondies and the frosting.

Variations for Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Feel empowered to customize this recipe to your liking! Whether you want to tweak the flavors, adjust for dietary needs, or experiment with mix-ins, these blondies are wonderfully adaptable and easy to personalize.

Nut-friendly twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
Gluten-free swap: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs; substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Extra fruity flair: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for additional chew and tartness.
Spice adjustment: Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves for a bolder spice profile.

Irresistible Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing fresh apples into small, even pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the blondies. This helps every bite burst with fruity sweetness and adds moisture to the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Setting these aromatic spices with the flour ensures the blondies have a consistent flavor foundation.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy, creating the perfect base that lends moistness and caramel notes to the blondies.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, combining thoroughly before mixing in vanilla extract, which brightens the overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in the diced apples to keep the fruit pieces intact within the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the blondies cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then blend in maple syrup and vanilla extract for a silky frosting with just the right touch of sweetness and tang.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Cut into squares and enjoy the perfect fall-inspired bite.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Use tart apple varieties: Granny Smith or Braeburn work beautifully by balancing sweetness with acidity.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold to maintain a tender crumb and avoid toughness.
Fully cool before frosting: This prevents melting and keeps your frosting smooth and creamy.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temp for easier mixing and better texture.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Maple syrup in the frosting adds natural sweetness; feel free to tweak based on preference.

How to Serve Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for an inviting finish that adds texture and enhances the autumnal feel.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of chai tea to complement their spicy, creamy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on a rustic wooden board or in mini individual jars for a charming presentation. Adding caramel drizzle or dried apple chips makes them look as fantastic as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, moist texture without drying out.

Freezing

Wrap blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

Warm individual blondie squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel; add frosting after reheating for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are preferred for their crisp texture and natural juiciness, but if you must, drain canned apples well and chop before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the blondies, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a slight tart bite if you enjoy a more rustic feel.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives to create a luscious frosting suitable for dairy-free diets.

How long can I keep frosted blondies at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store the blondies refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works well—just be sure to use a larger baking pan and extend baking time slightly as needed.

Final Thoughts

Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting combine the best of fall flavors into one irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft, sweet, and so full of comforting spices, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Dive in and enjoy every cozy bite!

Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

Soft and moist Apple Blondies bursting with warm fall spices and juicy fresh apples, topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. This cozy dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or as a comforting treat any time of year.

Author: James
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 blondie squares 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondies

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Braeburn)

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Your Apples: Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small, even pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the blondies and add moisture and fruity sweetness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to create a consistent aromatic base for the blondies.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy, forming a moist base with rich caramel notes for the blondies.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract to brighten and balance the sweetness.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples carefully to keep the fruit pieces intact within the batter.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: While the blondies cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Blend in the maple syrup and vanilla extract to create a silky, tangy frosting with just the right sweetness.
Frost and Serve: Once the blondies are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy the perfect fall-inspired treat.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn to balance sweetness with acidity.
Do not overmix the batter; gently fold ingredients to maintain a tender crumb and avoid toughness.
Ensure blondies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and keep frosting smooth.
Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, butter, cream cheese) for easier mixing and better texture.
Adjust the maple syrup amount in the frosting to suit your desired sweetness level.
Store blondies refrigerated due to cream cheese frosting and consume within 3 to 4 days for freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blondie square
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Apple blondies, maple cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, apple dessert, blondie recipe, autumn baking, cozy dessert