Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in diced apples.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and edges are golden. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Lift from the pan using parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of ground clove or ginger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple blondies, cinnamon blondies, maple cream cheese bars, fall dessert, easy apple dessert