When fall rolls around, apples take center stage in the kitchen. While apple pie and apple crisp get a lot of attention, there’s another treat that deserves a place on your table: Apple Brownies. These moist, dense bars aren’t your typical chocolate brownies. Instead, they’re a sweet apple-infused dessert with a cake-like texture and just the right amount of spice.
Perfectly chewy with chunks of fresh apple and a hint of cinnamon, these brownies are a cozy treat for chilly afternoons, bake sales, or family gatherings. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with vanilla ice cream, they’re a dessert that feels both nostalgic and comforting.
If you’ve never tried baking brownies with apples, this recipe is about to become one of your fall favorites.
Why You’ll Love Apple Brownies
- Moist and chewy – Fresh apples keep the texture soft and tender.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, one bowl, and no complicated steps.
- Perfect for fall – Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make each bite cozy.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even with your morning coffee.
- Crowd-pleasing – A great recipe to bring to potlucks or family dinners.
How to Make Apple Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Step 3 – Combine the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Step 4 – Add apples and nuts
- Stir in diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 5 – Bake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
What to Serve With Apple Brownies
- Vanilla ice cream – For a classic warm-and-cold pairing.
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy topping for extra sweetness.
- Caramel sauce – Drizzle on top for a decadent twist.
- Coffee or cider – The perfect cozy beverage pairing.
Tips for Perfecting Apple Brownies
- Use tart apples – Granny Smith balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined for a tender texture.
- Add extra spice – A pinch of cloves or allspice enhances the fall flavor.
- Check doneness carefully – Overbaking can dry them out; look for slightly moist crumbs on the toothpick.
- Cut when cool – Let brownies cool fully for clean slices.
Storing and Reheating
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps for up to 1 week.
- Freezer – Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Are apple brownies the same as blondies?
Not exactly. Blondies usually feature brown sugar and butter with a caramel-like flavor, while apple brownies are spiced and include chunks of apple for moisture and flavor.
Can I make these apple brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Which apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best since they hold up during baking and balance the sweetness.
Can I add chocolate to apple brownies?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips or a drizzle of dark chocolate add a fun twist.
Conclusion
These Apple Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining the coziness of apple desserts with the ease of a brownie bar. Whether you enjoy them warm with ice cream or as a grab-and-go treat, they’re bound to become a staple in your fall baking rotation.
So grab a basket of apples and whip up a batch—you’ll see just how irresistible they are!
Apple Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Fold in diced apples and walnuts (if using).
- Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into squares.