Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting
Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of blondies with the sweetness of caramelized apples, all topped off with a creamy frosting. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply for satisfying your sweet tooth. In this article, we will explore the essential details of this recipe, including presentation, ingredients, instructions, the benefits of this craft, tips for success, what the taste looks like, how to store the dessert, and a conclusion summarizing its charm. Additionally, we’ll address some frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need to make this delicious treat.
Ingredients
To make these Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for caramelizing apples)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan for the blondies.
Prepare the Caramelized Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped apples and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sauté the apples until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Mix the Blondie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the caramelized apples into the batter.
Bake: Pour the blondie mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Frosting: While the blondies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth consistency is achieved.
Frost the Blondies: Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the sweet and warm flavors of the blondies complemented by the creamy frosting.
Benefits of This Craft
Baking Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting offers numerous benefits beyond just satisfying your sweet cravings. Baking at home encourages creativity, promoting a sense of accomplishment while modifying the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. This dessert is not only indulgent but can also be made healthier by substituting some ingredients, such as reducing sugar or using whole grain flour. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to bond with friends or family while creating something delicious together.
Tips
To ensure your Cinnamon Blondies turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully for caramelizing.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the blondies tender.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Taste Testing: You can taste the batter (without raw eggs) to adjust the sweetness before baking if desired.
What Taste Looks Like?
Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The blondies have a chewy, gooey texture with a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by cinnamon, creating a warm and comforting feeling reminiscent of homemade treats. The caramelized apples add a burst of sweetness and a fruity component that pairs harmoniously with the blondies’ flavor. Finally, the cream cheese frosting brings a tangy and creamy contrast, making each bite incredibly satisfying. The combination of moist blondies, sweet apples, and velvety frosting is truly a feast for the senses.
How to Store
To ensure your Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting stay fresh:
Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool to room temperature before storing them.
Wrap Properly: Place the blondies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Refrigerate: If you live in a warm climate or want to keep the frosting fresh, store the blondies in the refrigerator. They can last for up to one week when refrigerated.
Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the blondies without frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw them at room temperature and add the frosting before serving.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting is an exquisite dessert that effortlessly brings together rich flavors, inviting textures, and an eye-catching presentation. With its simple instructions and readily available ingredients, it’s a fantastic recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these blondies will surely impress. Embrace the joys of baking with this recipe, and enjoy every delicious bite.
FAQ
1. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?
Yes, you can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use whipped cream for a lighter option.
2. How can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
3. Can I skip the caramelized apples?
Yes, you can omit the apples if preferred or replace them with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture.
4. How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the blondies; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan version.
Cinnamon Blondies with Caramelized Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining rich blondies, sweet caramelized apples, and creamy frosting, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for caramelizing apples)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft and caramelized (5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the caramelized apples.
- Pour blondie mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth to prepare frosting.
- Once blondies are cool, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Use fresh apples for the best flavor. Allow blondies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.