Name: Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup browned butter; 1⅔ cups brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples; 1 tbsp butter; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 3 tbsp maple syrup

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Soft, chewy cinnamon blondies topped with caramelized apples and finished with a rich cream cheese frosting infused with maple syrup—a decadent dessert that tastes like fall in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These blondies take a classic chewy bar dessert to the next level with warm spices, sweet buttery apples, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re cozy, indulgent, and perfect for autumn gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Blondies

1 cup browned butter
1⅔ cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Caramelized Apples

2 cups peeled and chopped apples
1 tbsp butter
¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp maple syrup

Directions

Prepare the Blondie Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk browned butter and brown sugar until well combined.
Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare the Apples

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized.

Bake the Blondies

Spread blondie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Spoon caramelized apples over the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow blondies to cool completely in the pan.

Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup, beating until light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve

Spread frosting evenly over cooled blondies. Cut into bars and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12–15 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~2 hours

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
Swap maple syrup with honey for a lighter sweetness.
Use pears instead of apples for a different seasonal flavor.
Stir white chocolate chips into the blondie batter for extra indulgence.
Replace frosting with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a quicker finish.
Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the blondie batter for a spicier kick.
Make mini blondies in a muffin tin—reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Use browned butter in the frosting for a nutty flavor boost.
Dust frosted blondies with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Layer frosting with an extra drizzle of maple glaze for a show-stopping presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store frosted blondies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freeze unfrosted blondies for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then frost before serving.

FAQs

What are blondies?

Blondies are chewy dessert bars similar to brownies but flavored with brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa.

Can I make these without caramelizing the apples?

Yes, but caramelizing adds a richer, deeper flavor. Raw apples will bake, but the flavor won’t be as sweet or buttery.

Do I have to use browned butter?

No, but browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that enhances the blondies.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, but buttercream or caramel glaze also work.

What apples are best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well when cooked.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did my blondies turn cakey?

Overmixing the batter can make blondies more cake-like. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.

Can I bake these in a smaller pan?

Yes, but baking time will increase. For thicker blondies, use an 8×8-inch pan.

How do I cut neat bars?

Chill the frosted blondies before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Yes—nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit make great additions.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent fall dessert that combines cozy spices, chewy bars, buttery apples, and tangy-sweet frosting. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat, they capture all the flavors of the season in each bite.