Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting – Cozy Fall Bars

Apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream cheese frosting are the ultimate cozy dessert. These bars are soft, spiced, and bursting with real apple flavor—perfect for fall gatherings, afternoon treats, or holiday dessert tables. Topped with a creamy maple frosting, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced. In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact ingredients, simple steps, and smart baking tips I use to get them just right. Whether you’re baking for family or just want something warm and sweet, this is a dessert you’ll come back to all season long.

How These Apple Cinnamon Blondies Became a Fall Favorite

Fall is my favorite excuse to bake. When the air turns crisp and apples fill the kitchen, I start reaching for cinnamon, brown sugar, and all things cozy. One afternoon, I had a few apples that were just soft enough to bake with—but I didn’t want to make pie. That’s when these apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream cheese frosting were born.

I love a good brownie, but sometimes I crave something spiced and tender instead of chocolatey. These blondies hit the mark. They’re buttery and full of cinnamon, with bits of fresh apple baked right into the batter. But what really takes them over the top is the maple cream cheese frosting. It’s smooth, sweet, and just rich enough to turn these bars into something special.

Jonah called them “apple cake bars with frosting,” and honestly, he’s not wrong. They remind me of cinnamon apple bread and baked apple fritters, but in bar form and way easier to serve at a party or family get-together.

This recipe has become our go-to treat for apple season. And if you’re new to baking from scratch, don’t worry—this one’s simple and forgiving. By the time you’re spreading that maple frosting, your kitchen will smell like fall and feel like home.

What You’ll Need for These Cozy Blondies

Apple Cinnamon Blondie Ingredients

The base of these blondies is buttery, rich, and warmly spiced. You’ll need:

• All-purpose flour – Keeps the bars soft but sturdy.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – Melted for easy mixing and extra flavor.
• Fresh apples – Peeled and diced finely. I love using Honeycrisp or Gala.
• Eggs – To bind everything together.
• Ground cinnamon + nutmeg – These warm spices give it that classic fall flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle background flavor.

If you’ve made our apple pie oatmeal cookies or southern fried apples, the ingredient list will feel familiar. These recipes all rely on that magical mix of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

Optional Add-ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. You can also throw in a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

The frosting is simple but irresistible:

• Cream cheese – Softened for smooth blending.
• Unsalted butter – Balances the tang of the cream cheese.
• Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Powdered sugar – For that silky-smooth texture.
• Pinch of salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness.

Pro tip: Taste the frosting as you go. If you like it sweeter, add more powdered sugar. Want it bolder? Use dark maple syrup instead of golden.

With your ingredients prepped, you’re ready to bake and frost these blondies into warm, spiced perfection.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Blondies (Step by Step)

Blondie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps the blondies lift out cleanly after baking.

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and stir until combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then, fold in your finely diced apples. The batter will be thick and a little sticky—perfect for blondies.

Spread the batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the blondies cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add maple syrup and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust if you prefer it sweeter or more maple-forward.

Once your blondies are cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. I like to chill them for 10–15 minutes to help the frosting set before slicing.

Use a sharp knife to cut into clean squares or bars. If you’re serving for a gathering, sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with extra maple syrup for a decorative touch.

These cut like a dream and stay super moist—just like our pumpkin bars and caramel apple cider cookies, which follow a similar baking rhythm.

Storage, Easy Variations & Your Top Questions

How to Store and Freeze Blondies

These blondies store beautifully. Once frosted, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft texture and rich flavor.

Want to make them ahead? You can bake the blondies a day early, wrap tightly, and frost the next day. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted blondies in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw fully before adding the cream cheese frosting.

I’ve even frozen them fully assembled! Just wrap individual bars and place them in a sealed container. They thaw perfectly for school snacks or coffee breaks.

Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is flexible and fun to adapt. You can:

• Add chopped nuts like pecans for crunch.
• Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Use maple glaze instead of frosting for a lighter finish.

Feeling inspired by other fall treats? These bars pair well with a warm drink and taste just as cozy as our apple cinnamon rolls or even these pumpkin brownies.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples in apple cinnamon blondies?
Yes! Fresh apples add great texture and moisture. Dice them small so they bake evenly into the batter.

What’s the best way to make maple cream cheese frosting?
Use room-temp cream cheese and butter. Beat them until smooth before adding maple syrup and powdered sugar.

How do I store blondies to keep them soft?
Refrigerate in an airtight container, but let them come to room temp before eating for the softest bite.

Can I freeze blondies with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely. Wrap each bar individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight for best results.