melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, these Cinnamon Blondies with melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting are absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, spiced blondies bursting with soft, caramelized apple pieces, all topped with a rich, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances every bite. The melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting add a luscious depth that turns a simple blondie into an unforgettable treat you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself). Whether for a cozy family gathering or a special weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a key role in crafting the rich, comforting flavor and irresistible texture of this dessert. From the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sweetness of browned butter and maple syrup, every element contributes to making this dish shine.

• 1 cup browned butter: Adds a nutty, deep flavor that elevates the blondie base beautifully.
• 1 2/3 cups brown sugar: Brings sweetness and moisture for soft, chewy blondies.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that holds the blondies together.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives a subtle lift for tender texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a signature spice note.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides depth and a cozy autumnal flavor.
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples: The star component for that juicy, melized apple goodness.
• 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the apples to caramelized perfection.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apples): Infuses the fruit with a sweet cinnamon hint.
• 1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature: Base for the creamy, tangy frosting.
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the frosting): Gives that subtle spice that ties everything together.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness with a hint of depth to the frosting.

How to Make melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your blondies come out cleanly and with perfect edges—no sticking or crumbling here.

Step 2: Whisk Together Browned Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk the golden browned butter and brown sugar until they come together in a smooth, glossy mix. This step is crucial for that rich caramel undertone in every bite, setting the tone for the entire blondie.

Step 3: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla

Add in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow up with vanilla extract, mixing until everything is silky and unified. The eggs bring structure, while the vanilla enhances all the other flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined, careful not to overwork the batter so the blondies stay tender and soft instead of tough.

Step 5: Caramelize the Apples

Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your peeled, chopped apples and sprinkle with cinnamon, then cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. You want the apples softened and just starting to caramelize, releasing their sweetness and that beautiful golden color—that’s the heart of the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting experience.

Step 6: Bake the Blondies

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the sautéed apple mixture on top, gently pressing them down so they nestle into the batter. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs—this guarantees a fudgy, chewy texture.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the blondies bake, mix room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Then add your powdered sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and maple syrup, beating until you achieve a velvety, luscious frosting that’s bursting with flavor and creamy perfection.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let the blondies cool completely in the pan. Once cool, generously spread the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting over the top, turning these blondies into something truly special and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Topping these blondies with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds that extra crunch and spice that complements the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting perfectly. Fresh apple slices on the side bring a crisp contrast too.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A hot cup of chai tea or a rich coffee also works beautifully to balance the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra special, try serving squares of these blondies layered between thin apple slices or as a decadent topping over pancakes or waffles. You can even pipe the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting to make petite blondie cupcakes look like little autumn masterpieces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and the apples tender. This way, you can enjoy that melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting flavor anytime.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted blondies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Once thawed completely, whip up a fresh batch of the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting to frost just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Warm blondie squares gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving to bring out the flavors without melting the frosting too much. This little touch helps recreate the freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape when cooked and bring a nice balance of tartness. But feel free to experiment based on your taste preference.

Is there a substitute for browned butter in this recipe?

You can use regular melted butter, but browning it adds a rich, nutty flavor that really complements the cinnamon and apples, so it’s highly recommended if you want that extra depth.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes, swapping in dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives works well. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the cinnamon and maple syrup in the melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting will still shine through.

What if I prefer less sweet frosting?

You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use less maple syrup in the cream cheese frosting. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance that suits your palate.

How long do the cinnamon blondies stay fresh?

Once frosted, they keep best refrigerated and eaten within 4 days, but the scent and flavor are at their peak within the first couple of days after baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Blondies with melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of cozy spice, tender fruit, and creamy sweetness all in one bite. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and experience the magic of melized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting for yourself. Trust me, this recipe will hold a special place in your heart (and on your dessert plate) for many seasons to come.

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