There’s something magical about biting into a warm square of Apple Cinnamon Blondies—soft, buttery, and studded with tender Honeycrisp apples. If fall had a flavor, this would be it. Picture yourself wrapped in a cozy blanket, cup of tea in hand, and these golden bars cooling on the counter. The aroma alone might have your neighbors “accidentally” dropping by.

What I love about this blondie recipe is how it marries simple pantry staples with seasonal apples and a swirl of warming spices. And don’t even get me started on the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s tangy, silky, and has just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here).

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dessert table, baking for your family on a chilly weekend, or just need a little edible comfort, these blondies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best part? They’re easier than pie—literally.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Blondies

They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with apple flavor.
The brown butter base gives them a rich, nutty depth.
That frosting…oh my. Maple syrup + cream cheese = fall’s power couple.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or a “just because” baking day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Blondies:

1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly browned
2 1/3 cups (290 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 2/3 cups (330 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apples:

2 cups (about 250 g) peeled and chopped Honeycrisp apples
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Directions

Brown the butter – Melt 1 cup butter over low heat, then increase heat slightly and cook until golden brown and nutty. Stir often!
Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare apples – Sauté apples with 1 tbsp butter and 1/4 tsp cinnamon for 10 minutes until softened. Set aside.
Make the blondie base – In a large bowl, beat browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the dry mixture.
Add apples – Fold sautéed apples into the batter, then spread evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan.
Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes (28–30 minutes in a metal pan), until golden brown and set in the center.
Cool completely – Let blondies cool 1 hour in the pan, then transfer to a rack for another 1–2 hours.
Make frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Chill until ready to use.
Frost & serve – Spread frosting on cooled blondies, sprinkle with cinnamon, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Blondie Recipe

Don’t rush the cooling process. I know, it’s torture. But frosting warm blondies is a recipe for a melty, messy situation.
Brown butter is the secret weapon. It deepens the flavor without adding extra ingredients. Once you smell that nutty aroma, you’ll understand.
Choose the right apples. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and just enough bite, but Granny Smith works if you like a little tartness.
Storage hack: If making ahead for Thanksgiving, bake and frost the day before, then refrigerate. They’ll taste even better the next day.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

These blondies actually came about one crisp October afternoon when I had just enough apples left over from our annual orchard trip. I didn’t want another pie (don’t get me wrong, I adore pie, but sometimes you just need something different). So, I experimented. Out came these golden bars, warm and cinnamon-kissed, and when my husband walked in, he asked, “What smells like fall in here?” That’s when I knew I had a keeper. Now, they’ve earned a permanent spot at our Thanksgiving dessert table—right next to the pumpkin pie.

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Blondies

These blondies are heavenly on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch:

Pair with hot apple cider or a cinnamon latte for the ultimate cozy treat.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert.
For Thanksgiving, set them on a platter alongside pumpkin pie and pecan bars to give your guests plenty of festive variety.

How to Store Your Blondies

Room Temp: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days (especially if frosted).
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Pro tip: If freezing, wait to frost until after thawing for the best texture.

FAQs About Apple Cinnamon Blondies

Can I make these without frosting?

Yes! The blondies are delicious plain, but the maple cream cheese frosting really makes them shine.

Can I substitute another apple?

Absolutely. Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji all work, but Honeycrisp is my personal favorite for its sweetness and crunch.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just bake in two pans. Blondies are a great fall dessert to bring to big gatherings.

Do they taste more like cake or brownies?

They’re right in the middle—dense and chewy like a brownie, but warmly spiced like cake. The perfect blondie recipe balance.

The Sweetest Ending

If autumn had a love letter, these Apple Cinnamon Blondies would be it. With their buttery crumb, tender apples, and silky maple cream cheese topping, they’re the kind of dessert that makes you pause, smile, and maybe sneak another square when no one’s looking. Whether you’re baking for a Thanksgiving dessert, a cozy family weekend, or just a Tuesday that needs cheering up, this recipe brings fall’s best flavors right to your table.

So grab your apron, cue up your favorite fall playlist, and let’s bake a little joy together.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies

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Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 12–16 blondies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Blondies are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, chewy, and infused with buttery brown sugar, warm spices, and tender Honeycrisp apples. Topped with a silky maple cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a sweet taste of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondies:

1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, melted and browned
2 1/3 cups (290 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 2/3 cups (330 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apples:

2 cups (about 250 g) peeled and chopped Honeycrisp apples
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

Brown the butter: Melt butter over low heat, then cook until golden and nutty.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook apples: Sauté apples with butter and cinnamon for 10 minutes until softened.
Make blondie base: Beat browned butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in dry mixture.
Add apples: Stir in sautéed apples. Spread into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes (28–30 minutes if using a metal pan), until golden and set.
Cool completely: 1 hour in pan, then 1–2 hours on a rack.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Chill.
Frost & serve: Spread frosting on cooled blondies, sprinkle with cinnamon, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

Don’t frost warm blondies—let them cool fully.

Brown butter enhances the depth of flavor.

Honeycrisp works best, but Granny Smith or Gala are fine substitutes.

Store frosted blondies in the fridge; unfrosted ones freeze well.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting – A Fall Dessert to Remember