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Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/apple-blondies-with-maple-cream-cheese-frosting/