Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese

Nothing says cozy quite like the scent of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. These Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese are chewy, moist, and loaded with warm spices, tender apple chunks, and the creamiest swirl of maple-kissed frosting. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just treating yourself, trust me, these bars are going to win hearts and satisfy cravings in one sweet bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a simple desire to merge two beloved classics: blondies and spiced apple desserts. I wanted something that felt like biting into a warm apple pie and a soft cinnamon cookie all at once, but with a twist. The maple cream cheese topping? That’s the finishing touch that makes these blondies feel like a bakery-style indulgence you can whip up at home.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Blondies, often called the “blonde cousin” to brownies, originated in the United States during the early 1900s. They gained popularity thanks to their caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and their simple preparation. The pairing of apple and cinnamon draws inspiration from classic American apple desserts, particularly apple pie. Maple syrup, long associated with Canadian and Northeastern U.S. cuisine, brings a sweet, woodsy depth that pairs beautifully with tart apples and warm spices.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese

There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe on repeat.

Versatile: Great for potlucks, dessert tables, or just a cozy night in with tea or cider.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, with fresh apples being the star.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and baking time, with no fancy equipment required.

Customizable: Try different apples, add nuts, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are rich, flavorful, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake and frost them a day ahead for even better flavor.

Great for Leftovers: Stays moist and chewy for days, perfect for snacking or gifting.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Even the easiest bakes benefit from a few insider secrets.

1. Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better blending.
2. Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added, to keep the texture chewy, not tough.
3. Dice apples finely so they bake evenly and distribute well throughout the blondies.
4. Swirl the cream cheese gently into the top of the batter rather than fully mixing it in.
5. Let the blondies cool completely before slicing to avoid a sticky mess.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few essentials make this bake a breeze.

Mixing Bowls: One for dry, one for wet, and a small one for the cream cheese topping.

Whisk and Spatula: For mixing your ingredients gently and scraping the sides clean.

9×9-Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for thick, chewy blondies.

Parchment Paper: Makes lifting and slicing much easier.

Electric Mixer: Helps whip the cream cheese and maple syrup into a smooth swirl.

Ingredients in Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese

These ingredients come together in the most delicious harmony of texture and taste.

1. Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted – Gives the blondies a rich, buttery base.
2. Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed – Adds caramel-like sweetness and chew.
3. Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup – Balances the deeper notes of brown sugar.
4. Eggs: 2 large – Provide structure and richness.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1½ teaspoons – Adds warm, aromatic depth.
6. All-Purpose Flour: 1¼ cups – The foundation that binds everything together.
7. Cinnamon: 1½ teaspoons – Delivers that classic fall spice.
8. Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon – A subtle background warmth.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
10. Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon – Gives a slight lift and prevents the bars from being too dense.
11. Apple: 1 medium, peeled and finely diced – Adds moisture and bursts of fruitiness.
12. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened – The tangy star of the maple swirl.
13. Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (pure) – Sweet, earthy complement to the frosting.
14. Powdered Sugar: ⅓ cup – Softens and sweetens the cream cheese topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

When you’re missing something, don’t worry. You can still make magic happen.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or additional white sugar with a spoonful of molasses.

Apples: Try pears or shredded zucchini for a fun twist.

Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup (though the flavor profile will shift slightly).

Cream Cheese: Mascarpone for a milder, creamy alternative.

All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Apple: Choose a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the blondie base.

Maple Syrup: Go for 100% pure maple syrup. The depth and aroma it brings are unmatched by artificial syrups.

Instructions for Making Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese

Let’s get into the heart of it! Here are the steps you’ll follow from mixing bowl to first bite.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy removal.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just incorporated. Gently fold in the diced apples. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the batter, then swirl with a knife.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. The edges should be golden brown and the center set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use parchment to lift and transfer to a cutting board.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice into 12 bars and enjoy as-is or slightly warmed. Perfect with a cup of spiced tea or apple cider.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Each bite is a contrast of chewy, soft, and creamy. The base has a moist, dense crumb thanks to the brown sugar and butter, while the finely diced apples melt into little juicy pockets. The maple cream cheese adds a tangy, sweet swirl that cuts through the richness and warms up the cinnamon flavor even more.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few simple tricks that make a big difference.

• Use freshly grated nutmeg for more intense aroma.
• For cleaner cuts, chill the bars slightly before slicing.
• Double the maple swirl for extra creamy topping.

What to Avoid

A few small missteps can throw things off, but they’re easy to dodge.

• Overbaking: Will lead to dry, cakey bars instead of chewy perfection.
• Large apple chunks: Can cause uneven baking or sogginess.
• Skipping the salt: It’s essential to balance sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 265

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can absolutely bake these blondies a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and serve at room temp or warm slightly in the microwave.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese

These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced cider. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of warm caramel for a dessert-worthy finish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you.

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick sundae.
• Layer with whipped cream in mini trifle cups.
• Warm and serve with yogurt for a cozy breakfast.

Additional Tips

For an extra layer of spice, add a pinch of clove or ginger to the batter. Want to dress it up? Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking or top with a few crushed pecans for crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Stack the blondies on a rustic wood board lined with parchment. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, and scatter a few thin apple slices or cinnamon sticks around for that bakery-style finish.

Variations to Try

• Caramel Drizzle Blondies: Add a swirl of caramel sauce with the cream cheese.
• Nutty Apple Blondies: Fold in chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Pumpkin Apple Blondies: Replace ¼ cup of butter with pumpkin puree.
• Spiced Pear Blondies: Use diced pears and cardamom instead of apple and cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these blondies without the cream cheese topping?

A1: Yes, you can skip it or replace it with a light glaze or streusel topping.

Q2: What type of apples work best?

A2: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking.

Q3: Can I double this recipe?

A3: Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

Q4: Can I freeze these blondies?

A4: Yes. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.

Q5: How do I know when the blondies are done?

A5: The center should be set and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q6: Can I use oil instead of butter?

A6: Butter is preferred for flavor, but melted coconut oil can work in a pinch.

Q7: Can I use pre-shredded apples?

A7: It’s best to dice fresh apples to control moisture and texture.

Q8: Can I make these vegan?

A8: Try using vegan butter, egg replacer, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Q9: How should I store leftovers?

A9: In an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

Q10: Do I need to peel the apples?

A10: Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s up to personal preference.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably comforting about apple, cinnamon, and maple all coming together in one chewy, creamy bite. These blondies are perfect for sharing, savoring, or sneaking one more piece when no one’s looking. Bake a batch and let the warm, spiced magic fill your kitchen and your soul.

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