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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cinnamon Blondies Recipe with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

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These blondies combine nutty brown butter, tender apples, and warm cinnamon, topped with a sweet and tangy maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy occasions and quick to make in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
  • 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups (120-180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams, then browns, turning a golden amber color and releasing a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning. Once browned, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix sugar and eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (300g) packed light brown sugar and 2 large eggs until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add vanilla and brown butter: Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then slowly pour in the cooled browned butter, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  5. Mix dry into wet: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
  6. Fold in apples: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples until evenly distributed.
  7. Bake: Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch (23x33cm) pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Allow blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this can take about 1 hour.
  9. Make the maple cream cheese frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat 8 oz (227g) softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup (60g) softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add 1 to 1 1/2 cups (120-180g) powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Mix in 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or maple flavor to taste.
  10. Frost the blondies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Optionally sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top.
  11. Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; stir constantly and watch the color. Pat apples dry if very juicy to prevent soggy blondies. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting. If frosting is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before spreading. Tent blondies with foil if apples brown too fast during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter blondies, apple cinnamon blondies, maple cream cheese frosting, cozy dessert, autumn dessert, quick blondies, easy blondie recipe

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/cozy-brown-butter-apple-cinnamon-blondies-recipe-with-maple-cream-cheese-frosting/