When fall arrives, nothing beats a warm, spiced dessert made with fresh apples. These Apple Brownies are the perfect combination of chewy, cake-like brownies and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple bars. Unlike chocolate brownies, these are filled with juicy apples, brown sugar, and warm spices, creating a rich, moist dessert that’s bursting with autumn flavor.
They’re easy to make, require basic pantry ingredients, and are great for holidays, bake sales, or cozy family nights. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible fall treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir into wet mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples
- Gently fold in chopped apples and nuts (if using). Batter will be thick.
Step 5: Bake
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Variation
- Caramel Apple Brownies: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Apple Cream Cheese Brownies: Swirl cream cheese mixture into batter before baking.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts for a soft, chewy texture.
- Apple Blondies: Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cooking Notes
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
- Don’t overbake—brownies should stay moist and chewy.
- These taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea.
- Add to fall dessert platters with apple pie and apple cookies.
- Wrap individually for bake sales or holiday gifts.
Tips
- Chop apples small so they bake evenly into the batter.
- Use parchment for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge up to 5 days.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
Nutritional Info (per brownie, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Apple Brownies ahead of time?
- Yes, bake a day in advance—they taste even better the next day.
Q2: Can I freeze Apple Brownies?
- Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q3: Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling is best for smooth texture, but skins can be left on for rustic brownies.
Q4: Can I add chocolate to Apple Brownies?
- Yes, stir in white or milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Q5: How do I keep them moist?
- Avoid overbaking and store tightly wrapped to lock in moisture.
Conclusion
These Apple Brownies are the perfect fall dessert—moist, chewy, and full of cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Simple to make and endlessly versatile, they’re a great alternative to classic apple pie or chocolate brownies. Whether served plain, topped with ice cream, or drizzled with caramel, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite.