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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - 1 small apple, peeled and chopped - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of ground cinnamon - You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier twist. - For eggs, use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan substitute. - If you need gluten-free blondies, try using almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - Instead of caramel sauce, pure maple syrup can add a different sweetness. To make these cinnamon blondies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This step helps when you remove the blondies later. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the mix is smooth. Then, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Make sure to whisk after each egg. Add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract next. Mix until everything blends well. In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. Slowly fold this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula and be gentle. Overmixing can make the blondies tough. Now, pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. While your blondies bake, you can make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Use an electric mixer. Mix until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar. Continue mixing until fully combined. Next, add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, 1 small peeled and chopped apple, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth. This frosting is rich and has a lovely apple flavor. Here are some tips to help you bake perfect blondies: - Don’t overmix: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mix. This keeps them soft. - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and baking powder make a big difference. - Cool before frosting: Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan. This prevents the frosting from melting. - Check your oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help you bake at the right heat. These steps will guide you to delicious cinnamon blondies with caramel apple cream cheese frosting. Enjoy the process and the tasty results! To get that perfect blondie texture, start by mixing your sugars and melted butter well. This step creates a smooth base. When adding eggs, whisk them in one at a time. This helps create a fluffy texture. When you mix in the flour, do it gently. Overmixing can make blondies tough. You want to mix just until no dry flour shows. Bake until a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not wet batter. This will ensure a chewy, soft blondie. Many home bakers face common pitfalls that can ruin blondies. Here are a few to watch for: - Overmixing the Batter: This can make blondies dense. Mix just enough to combine. - Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Use a spoon to fluff up the flour, then spoon it into the measuring cup. Too much flour can lead to dry blondies. - Ignoring Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. A cold oven can change baking times. - Skipping Cooling Time: Let the blondies cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting. For a beautiful presentation, cut the blondies into neat squares. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a rich look. You can also place them on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with thin apple slices for a pop of color. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch. These little details make your dessert stand out at any gathering. {{image_4}} You can make your blondies even better by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. One cup of nuts mixed in works well. If you love chocolate, add a cup of chocolate chips instead. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Mix them in right before you pour the batter into the pan. This gives each bite a fun surprise. While the caramel apple cream cheese frosting is great, you can try other frostings too. A simple vanilla buttercream can work well. Just beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together. For a twist, use a cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest. This gives a fresh taste. You could also try a chocolate ganache for a rich flavor. Heat some heavy cream and pour it over chocolate to melt. Let it cool and spread it over your blondies. Feel free to change flavors with the seasons. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the batter for a cozy flavor. You could also mix in some mashed bananas for a banana blondie. In summer, use fresh berries instead of apples. Strawberries or blueberries add a nice burst of flavor. During winter, try adding peppermint extract to the frosting. This gives a festive touch to your blondies. Experimenting with flavors keeps your treats exciting and fun! To keep your cinnamon blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for best taste. Avoid refrigerating them, as cold can change the texture. Cinnamon blondies can last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. They taste great even after a bit of time. To freeze cinnamon blondies, first, let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, 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 them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the blondies. Just pick a blend that works well for baking. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum for best results. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. The blondies may be slightly denser, but they will still taste great. You can tell when the blondies are done by checking them with a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes. The edges should also look set and lightly golden. Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about three days. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for a bit. This will make it easier to spread on the blondies. In this post, I covered how to make delicious blondies and caramel apple cream cheese frosting. I shared tips on achieving the perfect texture and ways to avoid common baking mistakes. You can also try different variations, flavors, and storage tips to keep your treats fresh. Remember, the right ingredients and careful preparation make all the difference. Enjoy your baking and impress others with your skills!

Cinnamon Blondies with Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the fall flavors with these Cinnamon Blondies topped with creamy Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful dessert combines buttery blondies with luscious frosting and bits of fresh apple for the perfect treat. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these blondies are a must-try! Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking this irresistible dessert that will wow your friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup tightly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for a richer flavor)

1 small apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

A pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

      Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Next, stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined.

        In a separate medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and fine salt.

          Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender blondie texture.

            Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

              While the blondies are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

                Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Then, add the caramel sauce, chopped apple, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined for a luscious frosting.

                  Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the caramel apple cream cheese frosting generously over the top with an offset spatula.

                    To finish, lightly sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the frosting for a delightful touch. Cut into squares and serve.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16

                        - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce artfully over the sliced blondies and place them on a rustic wooden board or a stylish serving platter, garnished with a few apple slices on the side. Enjoy your decadent dessert!