Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies have become my go-to treat as soon as the leaves start to turn. There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet, caramelized apples filling my kitchen, promising a bite of pure comfort. I remember the first time I made this apple cinnamon blondie recipe; the goal was to capture that cozy feeling of autumn in a bar. The result was even better than I imagined – perfectly chewy blondies studded with tender, baked apples, all enhanced by a hint of maple cream cheese frosting. These homemade apple cinnamon blondies are truly a slice of fall heaven. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Blondie Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these amazing bars! They’re truly the best apple cinnamon blondies because they hit all the right notes. You’ll adore the incredibly moist and chewy texture that makes every bite a delight. Plus, you get those wonderful bursts of tender, caramelized apple mixed with a warm, inviting cinnamon-spice flavor that just screams fall. I’ve found these to be the most easy apple cinnamon blondies to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a festive gathering. They’re truly a delightful fall dessert that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
- Incredibly moist and chewy texture
- Generous bursts of tender, caramelized apple
- Warm, inviting cinnamon-spice flavor
- Surprisingly easy to make
- Perfect for fall gatherings and potlucks
- A truly delightful seasonal dessert
Ingredients for the Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Gather these simple ingredients for the most delightful blondies with apples and cinnamon. The secret to their incredible texture lies in the combination of melted butter and plenty of packed light brown sugar, which guarantees chewiness. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring that classic fall aroma, while the apples add both moisture and a sweet, tender bite. I’ve also included notes on how to prepare each item for the best results.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – for that rich, buttery base
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar – essential for chewiness and deep flavor
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature for better incorporation
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure of our blondies
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – to give them a slight lift
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the star spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a warm depth
- 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced – for bursts of fruity goodness
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for caramelizing apples)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelizing apples)
- For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious apple cinnamon blondie bars! This straightforward how to make apple cinnamon blondies guide ensures you get perfectly chewy and flavorful results every time.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 2 cups of packed light brown sugar until they are well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter for the best texture.
- Step 6: For the caramelized apples, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Step 7: Gently fold the cooled, caramelized apples into the blondie batter. This ensures you get lovely pockets of fruit throughout your apple spice blondies recipe.
- Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
- Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached – this indicates they are perfectly baked for that chewy consistency.
- Step 10: While the blondies are baking, prepare the maple cream cheese frosting. Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter together in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Step 11: Gradually beat in 1 cup of powdered sugar until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 12: Stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Step 13: Once the blondies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting.
- Step 14: Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.
- Step 15: Cut into bars and serve your incredibly irresistible apple cinnamon blondies!
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Want to elevate your apple cinnamon blondie bars from good to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve got a few secrets up my sleeve that make all the difference. These tips will ensure your blondies have that perfect texture and incredible flavor every single time.
- Resist the urge to overmix the blondie batter! Gentle folding is key to achieving that desirable chewy texture.
- Don’t skip caramelizing the apples separately. This step concentrates their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that raw apples just can’t match.
- Patience is a virtue! Make absolutely sure your blondies are completely cooled before you even think about frosting them. This prevents a melty mess and ensures a clean, beautiful finish.
What’s the secret to perfectly chewy apple cinnamon blondies?
The magic is in the melted butter and generous amount of packed brown sugar. This combination is what promotes that wonderful chewiness. Also, be careful not to overbake them; a toothpick with moist crumbs is your sign of perfection for truly chewy apple cinnamon blondies. For more baking tips, check out this guide on testing the elements.
Can I make apple cinnamon blondie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are fantastic candidates for making ahead. You can bake them a day in advance and frost them just before serving, or store them unfrosted. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for other make-ahead desserts, consider our pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with apple cinnamon blondies?
A couple of common pitfalls can be easily avoided. First, overmixing the batter creates tough blondies, so mix until just combined. Second, underbaking can leave you with a gooey, raw center, so watch for those moist crumbs. Finally, frosting warm blondies will cause the frosting to melt right off, so always let them cool completely! For more baking insights, you might find this article on the beauty of food helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Your Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Once these delightful cinnamon apple dessert bars are baked and frosted, the real fun begins: enjoying them! I love serving these warm blondies with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bar and the cold ice cream is simply divine. Another perfect pairing is a hot cup of apple cider – it just doubles down on that cozy fall flavor we all crave. You could also arrange them as part of a beautiful fall dessert platter, perhaps alongside some spiced nuts or mini pumpkin pies. A dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar also makes them extra special, turning these bars into an unforgettable treat. For other delightful fall treats, check out our apple pie recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for these delightful apple cinnamon blondie bars. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Moist Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Keeping your irresistible apple cinnamon blondies fresh is super simple, even after you’ve baked them. First things first, make sure they’ve completely cooled down before you even think about storing them. Trying to store them warm will just make them soggy! Once cool, place them in an airtight container. This is key to keeping them wonderfully moist. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days, which is perfect for enjoying them throughout the week. If you want them to last longer, pop that airtight container into the refrigerator for up to a week. For even longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave, and they’ll be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Blondies
What kind of apples are best for these blondies?
For the most delicious results, I recommend using crisp, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are fantastic choices. They caramelize beautifully and add a wonderful sweetness and texture, ensuring your blondies aren’t too mushy, leaning more towards that perfect fudgy apple cinnamon blondies texture.
Can I add nuts to these apple cinnamon blondies?
Absolutely! Nuts are a wonderful addition to these bars. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly. Just fold about 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts into the batter along with the apples before baking.
Can I omit the frosting from these apple cinnamon blondie bars?
Yes, you certainly can! While the maple cream cheese frosting is delicious, these blondies are incredibly tasty on their own. They’re wonderful plain, or you can dust them with a little powdered sugar right before serving for a simple, elegant finish. They still offer that fantastic chewy texture and warm spice flavor.
Why are my blondies not as fudgy as I expected?
A couple of things can affect the fudginess. Make sure you’re using melted butter and plenty of brown sugar, as these are key for chewiness. Also, be careful not to overbake them; pulling them out when a toothpick has moist crumbs attached is crucial for that desired fudgy consistency.
Variations of Apple Cinnamon Blondies You Can Try
Ready to take your blondies to the next level? These variations add exciting new flavors and textures to the classic apple cinnamon blondies. They’re perfect for switching things up or catering to different tastes. Trying these ideas can transform your dessert into something truly special!
- Add Nuts for Crunch: Fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter along with the apples. They add a fantastic nutty flavor and a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft blondie base.
- Caramel Swirl Bliss: For an extra decadent treat, gently swirl about 1/4 cup of thick caramel sauce into the blondie batter just before baking. Imagine those gooey pockets of caramel mixed with apples – pure heaven! These become amazing apple caramel blondies.
- Mixed Apple Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of apple! Using a combination of sweet and tart apples, like a Honeycrisp mixed with a Granny Smith, provides a more complex flavor and varied texture. It really enhances the overall experience.
- Tart Cranberry Zing: Add about 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the batter. Their tartness provides a lovely contrast to the sweet blondies and apples, making each bite more interesting. These are almost like delightful apple crumble blondies with that added chew.
Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Blondies: 1 Magic Bite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible apple cinnamon blondies with a maple cream cheese frosting. This recipe offers a chewy, buttery blondie base filled with tender, caramelized apples and warm cinnamon spices. It’s a delightful seasonal twist on a classic dessert bar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for caramelizing apples)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelizing apples)
- For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
- Gently fold the caramelized apples into the blondie batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- While the blondies are baking, prepare the maple cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Once the blondies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.
- Cut into bars and serve your irresistible apple cinnamon blondies.
Notes
- For chewier blondies, do not overbake.
- Ensure your apples are diced into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- If you prefer a stronger apple flavor, you can add more apples.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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