Apple Brownies Recipe

If you haven’t yet discovered the joy of Apple Brownies, you’re in for a treat! This delightful dessert combines the tender, moist texture of a classic brownie with the fresh, sweet, and tart notes of apples baked right in. Imagine biting into a rich, buttery square with juicy apple chunks and toasted pecans adding a satisfying crunch. These Apple Brownies are wonderfully comforting, perfect for cozy afternoons or impressing your friends at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple is part of what makes this recipe so approachable. Each element plays a vital role, from the tartness of the apples to the warm hint of cinnamon that brings everything together, making these Apple Brownies unforgettable.

• 2 medium to large apples: Using a Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offers a balance of tart and sweet flavors that brighten the brownies.
• Butter (salted): Adds rich moisture and helps create that tender, fudgy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with caramelization during baking.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and lends structure.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together in the perfect brownie consistency.
• Baking powder: A touch of lift to keep the brownies from being too dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apples marvelously.
• Pecan pieces: Toasted for crunch and a buttery nutty note that elevates the texture.

How to Make Apple Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8 x 8 baking dish and coat it with baking spray or line it with parchment paper. I prefer the baking spray here as the sticky batter tends to cling, making it easier to remove the brownies later.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Toast your pecans lightly in a skillet or under the broiler for just a minute or so, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. If you feel adventurous, toss them in a little butter and brown sugar before toasting for a sweet, caramelized touch.

Step 3: Chop the Apples

Peel and chop your apples into small, roughly half-inch pieces. Using both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples ensures a wonderful balance of tart and sweet in each bite. Only use about one cup of chopped apples for the batter — trust me, more isn’t better here because of the moisture content!

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they are fluffy and light. This step is key to achieving the perfect texture for your Apple Brownies, as it incorporates air and sweetness evenly.

Step 5: Add Egg and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the egg until well combined, then stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until the batter is smooth with no white streaks. This mixture forms the hearty base that will hug the apple chunks inside your Apple Brownies.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Gently fold the chopped apples and toasted pecans into the batter. It will become thick and sticky — that’s exactly what you want! This batter is packed with flavor and texture, making every bite exciting.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, pressing slightly to fill corners and smooth the top. If you want, sprinkle a few extra pecans and apple pieces on top for visual appeal and a little extra crunch. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still tender.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Apple Brownies to cool for at least 15 minutes, ideally closer to 30. This resting time helps them firm up, making slicing easier. But if you can’t wait, digging in while warm is absolutely heavenly as well!

How to Serve Apple Brownies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant look and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the baked apples. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes these Apple Brownies to dessert superstar status instantly.

Side Dishes

Pairing Apple Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chai tea highlights their warm spice and apple flavors beautifully. For a brunch treat, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced coffee or warm cider for a cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Apple Brownies into bite-sized squares and skewering them with apple slices and pecans for a fun party appetizer. Or serve them layered with Greek yogurt and granola in a parfait for a delightful sweet snack with a nutritious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their moist texture while preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Apple Brownies later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat Apple Brownies in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or microwave them briefly. You can also crisp them up a bit under the broiler for a minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Apple Brownies?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties. Just remember to keep the chopped apple quantity to about a cup to maintain the right texture.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully, adding their unique crunch and flavor. Toast them first to get the most out of their nutty aroma.

Is it possible to make these Apple Brownies gluten-free?

You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suited for baking. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor should remain just as delightful.

How do I prevent my Apple Brownies from becoming too soft?

Stick to the recommended amount of apples (about one cup) since too much moisture can soften the bars excessively. If they feel too soft after cooling, a quick few minutes under the broiler can help crispen the edges.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Definitely! Pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves all work beautifully with apples. Adjust according to your taste preference to make the Apple Brownies uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Brownies have become one of my absolute favorite treats to bake and share. They perfectly blend the cozy warmth of fall flavors with the rich indulgence of a brownie in every bite. Once you try them, I’m sure they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. So grab those apples and your baking dish — trust me, you won’t regret it!

Print