Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting

These cinnamon blondies with caramelized apples and cream cheese frosting are warm, spiced, and absolutely decadent. I love how the layers work together—the chewy cinnamon blondie base, the tender, buttery apples, and the rich frosting come together in one dreamy dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time I want something cozy and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a simple blondie into something special. The cinnamon in the blondie gives it a deep, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramelized apples. And that cream cheese frosting? It adds a smooth, tangy finish that balances everything out. These are the kind of bars I make when I want to impress without too much fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cinnamon blondies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the caramelized apples:

• 2 apples, peeled and diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. To make the blondies, I stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. I mix in the egg and vanilla, then stir in the flour, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

3. I spread the blondie batter evenly in the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. I let them cool completely before frosting.

4. While the blondies bake, I cook the apples. I melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook for 6–8 minutes until the apples are soft and coated in a sticky caramel. I let them cool slightly.

5. To make the frosting, I beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.

6. Once the blondies are cool, I spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and spoon the caramelized apples evenly over the frosting.

7. I chill for 15–20 minutes for cleaner slicing, or serve right away if I’m feeling impatient.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9–12 bars. It takes me 20 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake, and a little time to cool and frost—so I plan for about 1 hour total.

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans to the blondie batter for crunch.

• I drizzle caramel sauce over the apples for extra richness.

• I use pears instead of apples for a fun seasonal twist.

• I skip the frosting when I want a slightly lighter version—still delicious.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy them warm, I let them come to room temperature or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well (without frosting) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of caramelized apples?

Yes, I can use canned filling for convenience, but I love the texture and flavor of homemade caramelized apples best.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the blondies a day ahead and frost them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Do I have to refrigerate them after frosting?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, I always store them in the fridge.

What kind of apples work best?

I like using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well when caramelized.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double everything and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing the bake time to 25–30 minutes.

Conclusion

These cinnamon blondies with caramelized apples and cream cheese frosting are the kind of dessert I keep coming back to. They’re warm, rich, and full of comforting flavors that make every bite feel like a special treat. Whether it’s for a gathering or just a cozy night in, they always hit the spot.