If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, you’ve got to try these Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine chewy, spiced blondies bursting with tender chunks of apple, all topped with a luscious, tangy maple cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This scrumptious treat combines classic autumn tastes with a moist, soft texture that will make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a sweet pick-me-up, these blondies hit every note you crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of flavors: The warm spices and fresh apples blend beautifully with the sweet maple frosting.
Easy to make: Simple pantry ingredients come together quickly without any complicated steps.
Versatile dessert option: Enjoy it as a snack, after-dinner treat, or part of a fall-themed party spread.
Moist and chewy texture: Every bite boasts a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Impressively beautiful: The frosting’s creamy swirl on top makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in these Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. From the fruity sweetness of the apples to the rich, tangy cream cheese, everything works in harmony to create a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and chewy texture for the blondies.
Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough while keeping them dense and moist.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Give warm, cozy spice notes that complement the apples perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the blondies.
Brown sugar: Deeply sweet with molasses hints, it enhances moisture and flavor.
Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and add a silky texture.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its sweet, aromatic essence.
Fresh apples: Chopped into small pieces, they bring juicy bursts of freshness throughout.
Cream cheese: The base for the frosting, providing that tangy richness that balances sweetness.
Pure maple syrup: Sweetens the frosting naturally with floral undertones.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting texture.

Variations for Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

One of the best things about this Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add some crunch, swap ingredients for health reasons, or boost the flavors even more, these variations make it simple to customize your dessert masterpiece.

Nutty upgrade: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs well with apples.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
Spice it up: Increase cinnamon and add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a bolder spice profile.
Vegan-friendly version: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg substitute, and swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
Fruit swap: Try adding chopped pears or even a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Irresistible Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the apple mixture

Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of cinnamon to infuse flavor while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step ensures a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then blend in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding carefully to avoid overmixing, which could make the blondies tough.

Step 6: Fold in the apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout without breaking them down.

Step 7: Bake the blondies

Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The blondies should be set at the edges and slightly springy in the center.

Step 8: Prepare the maple cream cheese frosting

While the blondies bake, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and drizzle in pure maple syrup until luscious and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and chill

Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the top in a thick, even layer. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the frosting set beautifully before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Use tart apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer a great balance of tartness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Don’t overmix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to keep the texture tender and chewy.
Chill the frosting: Keep your cream cheese and butter chilled before mixing to avoid a runny frosting.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; moist crumbs mean they’re done, but avoid wet batter.
Slice after chilling: Cutting the blondies after the frosting is firm helps create cleaner, neater squares.

How to Serve Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a few thin apple slices on top for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot apple cider to amplify the cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the blondies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or stack them with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and whipped cream for a decadent dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover apple blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze both the blondies and the frosting separately or together—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back the soft texture without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use dried apples instead of fresh in Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting?

Fresh apples provide moisture and a juicy texture that dried apples can’t replicate, but you can use rehydrated dried apples if needed, keeping in mind the blondies may be less moist.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to keep it dairy-free.

How long do the blondies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the blondies will stay fresh and delicious for about 4 days.

Can I make Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The blondies and frosting can be made a day or two in advance and stored separately until ready to assemble and serve.

What’s the best type of maple syrup to use in the frosting?

Grade A pure maple syrup is best for a rich, authentic flavor that blends well with the cream cheese frosting without overpowering the blondies.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting bring together the ultimate flavors of fall in a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. With their soft texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!

Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

These Apple Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect cozy fall dessert. Featuring chewy, spiced blondies with tender apple chunks and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, this treat balances warm spices and sweet maple flavors with a moist, soft texture. Ideal for family gatherings, fall parties, or a comforting sweet snack, these blondies are both simple to make and beautifully impressive.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9-12 blondies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

Ingredients

Scale

Blondies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 2 medium apples)

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese alternative)
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A)

Instructions

Prepare the apple mixture: Peel, core, and finely chop the fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of cinnamon to infuse flavor while you prepare the batter.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, ensuring a tender crumb.
Add eggs and vanilla: Slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract to enhance overall flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding carefully to avoid overmixing which can make the blondies tough.
Fold in the apples: Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
Bake the blondies: Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly springy.
Prepare the maple cream cheese frosting: While the blondies bake, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and drizzle in pure maple syrup until the frosting is luscious and spreadable.
Frost and chill: Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the top in a thick layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the frosting before slicing.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavors.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
Keep cream cheese and butter chilled before making the frosting to prevent it from being runny.
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; moist crumbs mean they are done but avoid wet batter.
Slice the blondies after the frosting is chilled to achieve clean, neat squares.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blondie
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: apple blondies, maple cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, spiced blondies, chewy blondies, autumn recipe, gluten-free dessert, easy blondies