Cozy Apple Cinnamon Blondies (Print Version)

The ultimate fall treat! Chewy, brown sugar apple cinnamon blondies loaded with fresh apples and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. So easy and cozy!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16 Blondies
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ For the Apple Blondies

01 - 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup (220g) packed dark brown sugar
03 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped

→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting

11 - 4 oz (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Garnish

16 - Flaky sea salt
17 - A sprinkle of cinnamon

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, and then subsides, and brown specks appear at the bottom. It will smell nutty. Immediately pour the browned butter into a large mixing bowl to cool for 5-10 minutes.
02 - Once the butter has cooled slightly, add the packed brown sugar to the bowl and whisk until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk again until smooth and glossy.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
04 - Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold together with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour remaining is okay.
05 - Gently fold in the chopped apples. Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
06 - Remove from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the texture and to ensure the frosting doesn't melt.
07 - While the blondies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and pinch of salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
08 - Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overbake the blondies! Pull them out when the center is still a little gooey for the best chewy texture.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
03 - Try swapping the apples for firm pears or adding 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch.
04 - For the best flavor, serve these at room temperature or slightly warmed.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x9 inch baking pan
02 - Parchment paper
03 - Mixing bowls
04 - Whisk
05 - Rubber spatula
06 - Light-colored saucepan

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 3g

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