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To make Cinnamon Apple Blondies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith) - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) For the cream cheese frosting, you will need: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for consistency) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Substitute brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter flavor. - Replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg. - For gluten-free blondies, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Accurate measurements matter for great results. Here are my tips: - Use a kitchen scale for precise weight, especially for flour and sugar. - When measuring flour, spoon it into your cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down. - For brown sugar, scoop it firmly into your measuring cup. It should hold its shape when you remove it. - If you need to measure sticky ingredients like butter, use a liquid measuring cup. Fill it with water, note the level, then add your butter until it reaches the original level. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with some butter or oil. Next, line the bottom with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the blondies out later. In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter. Add 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar. Mix these two together with a whisk or spatula until they blend well. Once smooth, add two large eggs one at a time. Stir well after each egg. This ensures the eggs mix into the batter nicely. After that, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Now, take another bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these until they are evenly distributed. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix. You want a slightly lumpy batter. Finally, fold in 1 cup of peeled and diced apples. If you like nuts, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. This adds extra texture and flavor. For perfect blondies, keep an eye on the baking time. I recommend setting your timer for 25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your blondies are ready. If it has a few crumbs, they are still good. Remove them from the oven right away to avoid overbaking. Overbaking can dry out the blondies, making them less enjoyable. To get the right texture, mix your wet and dry ingredients carefully. When combining them, stir until just blended. This keeps the batter slightly lumpy. A lumpy batter leads to a soft and chewy blondie. Also, folding in the apples gently helps maintain the moisture. Avoid overmixing to keep those delightful pockets of flavor intact. For a smooth cream cheese frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Beat them together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar to prevent lumps. If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk. This helps achieve a lovely spreadable consistency. For a polished look, use a spatula to apply the frosting evenly across the blondies. Pro Tips Fresh Apples: Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the blondies. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smoother frosting. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the blondies tender. Frosting Variations: Experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or maple extract to the frosting for a unique flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can change the blondies by adding other fruits or nuts. Instead of apples, try diced pears or peaches. They add a nice sweetness. If you want a crunch, use nuts like almonds or pecans. You can even mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a fun twist. Each fruit or nut brings its own flavor, making your blondies unique. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Just make sure it has a good mix of starches and flours. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour for a different taste. Adjust the liquid ingredients if needed, as these flours can absorb more moisture. The cream cheese frosting is delicious on its own, but you can change it up! Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. If you love fruit, try adding lemon or orange zest. This brightens the flavor and gives a fresh taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite frosting flavor! To keep your blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Blondies stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Freezing blondies is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. Reheating blondies brings back their fresh-baked taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it. Enjoy them warm with cream cheese frosting! I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well. Their crisp texture adds a nice bite to the blondies. Other good options are Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These varieties bring a sweet flavor and juiciness that blend nicely with the cinnamon. Yes, you can make these blondies vegan! Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. You can also choose a non-dairy milk for the frosting if you need it thinner. These swaps keep all the flavor and texture. To check if your blondies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be firm but not overbaked. Remember, blondies continue to cook a bit after you take them out. You now have all you need to bake amazing blondies. From ingredients to storage tips, each step leads to delicious results. Remember to experiment with fruits and nuts to find your favorite mix. Keep an eye on your blondies while they bake, checking for doneness. With these simple tips and tricks, you'll create a dessert everyone loves. Try out the variations and enjoy your sweet treats. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Apple Blondies

Deliciously moist blondies infused with cinnamon and filled with diced apples, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1.5 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for consistency)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  • Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, stirring well after each addition to ensure everything is combined. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy for a tender blondie.
  • Carefully fold in the diced apples and the nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, spread it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, as you want the blondies to remain moist.
  • While the blondies are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick for your liking, incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Once the blondies have cooled completely in the pan, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Transfer to a cutting board.
  • Cut the blondies into squares or rectangles. Generously apply the cream cheese frosting on top of each piece.

Notes

For a delightful touch, dust the frosted blondies with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Serve them on a rustic wooden board and garnish with thin apple slices to elevate their visual appeal.
Keyword apple, blondies, cinnamon, dessert