1-Gathering Your Supplies: First off, get everything lined up to make apple cinnamon blondies a snap. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step takes about 20 minutes of prep, so measure out 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams), 290 grams all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 2/3 cups brown sugar (330 grams), 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Don’t forget the apples peel and chop 2 cups of them, then sauté with 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for 10 minutes.

2-Mixing the Batter: Once your apples are ready, whisk the dry ingredients flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl and set it aside. In a large bowl, mix the melted and browned butter with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until it turns into a caramel-like mix; a hand mixer makes this quick. Fold in the dry mix gently, then add those sautéed apples to keep the texture just right.

3-Baking and Finishing Touches: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes check earlier if you’re using a metal pan, around 28-30 minutes, until the tops are golden and the center is firm. While it bakes, whip up the frosting by beating 6 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 stick softened butter together, then stir in 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Refrigerate the frosting until needed. After baking, cool the blondies in the pan for 1 hour, then move to a rack for another 1 to 2 hours before spreading on the frosting, sprinkling with cinnamon, and cutting into squares. For a fun twist, try baking as muffins with about 12-15 minutes of bake time.