Name: Apple Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour (133 g); ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g); 1 cup sugar (200 g); 1 egg; 1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g); ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the fresh, juicy sweetness of fall apples, then these Apple Brownies are exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, cinnamon-spiced brownie studded with tender apple chunks and crunchy toasted pecans—it’s like a comforting hug in dessert form. This delightful twist on traditional brownies brings a burst of fruity freshness that makes them irresistibly unique and simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Apple Brownies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect combination of moistness, flavor, and texture you’ll absolutely love.

Butter, salted (1/2 cup / 112 g): Using salted butter adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
Sugar (1 cup / 200 g): Sweetens the batter while contributing to the tender crumb of the brownies.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness for a luscious texture.
All-purpose flour (1 cup / 133 g): The foundation that gives structure without making it too dense.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the brownies rise just enough for a soft, light bite.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness and cinnamon.
Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the apple.
Chopped apple pieces (1 cup / 100 g): Fresh apples bring moisture and a delightful fruity burst in every bite.
Toasted pecan pieces (½ cup / 53 g): Adds crunch and a nutty richness that lifts the whole experience.

How to Make Apple Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Nuts

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. While it warms up, toast your pecan pieces in a small pan until they release their irresistible aroma—this step really brings out their flavor. Set them aside to cool before adding to the batter.

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized chunks about half an inch wide. The size is key here—it ensures you get tender pockets of apple without overwhelming the brownie texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the salted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process creates air bubbles that give your brownies a lovely soft crumb. Add the egg next and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and has a nice, airy consistency.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl (or directly in your mixing bowl), whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your brownies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Now it’s time to add your chopped apples and toasted pecans into the batter. Mix gently but thoroughly—the batter will become a bit sticky and wet because of the apples’ moisture, which makes these Apple Brownies beautifully moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into a buttered or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish, pressing gently to even it out. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, keeping an eye for a golden-brown crust on top. My oven took about 35 minutes for perfectly baked Apple Brownies, but your timing might vary.

Step 7: Cool Then Slice

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the brownies cool for around 15 minutes—this resting time allows the structure to set, making slicing easier and cleaner. Cut into squares and prepare for the best part: tasting!

How to Serve Apple Brownies

Garnishes

Apple Brownies are delightful on their own, but topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates everything. A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds just the right touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

Serving these Apple Brownies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a freshly brewed coffee creates a cozy and balanced dessert experience. You can also pair them with fresh fruit slices or a crunchy green salad for a contrast in textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering Apple Brownies in a parfait glass with alternating layers of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. You could also cut them into bite-sized bars for a party platter or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Apple Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them moist and flavorful. If you prefer, keep them covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap to preserve their fresh texture.

Freezing

Apple Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to two months without losing their moisture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your Apple Brownies as if freshly baked, reheat them gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a 300℉ oven for 10 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for these Apple Brownies?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will enhance the brownie’s natural sugary notes. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for even baking.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

If you need to skip the nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a lovely crunch and nutty flavor without the allergy risks. Alternatively, you can omit nuts entirely for a smoother texture.

Can these Apple Brownies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The results will still be deliciously moist and tender.

How do I know when the Apple Brownies are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown crust on top and the edges pulling slightly away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Because of the apples, they won’t be as dry as traditional brownies.

Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Definitely! Nutmeg, allspice, or cloves all work wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors. Start with a pinch to avoid overpowering the apples, and adjust to your taste on future batches.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Brownies quickly become a beloved classic the moment you take a bite. With their warm spices, juicy apples, and that perfectly chewy texture, they offer a delicious twist on a familiar favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family—once you do, these Apple Brownies will become your new go-to dessert, guaranteed!

Apple Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Apple Brownies combine the comforting spices of cinnamon with tender apple chunks and crunchy toasted pecans. These brownies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a soft, cake-like texture enhanced by the freshness of apples. Ideal for a cozy dessert or an indulgent snack, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Author: nova
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings (1 brownie square each) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour (133 g)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

½ cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g)
1 cup sugar (200 g)
1 egg

Add-ins

1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g)
½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for even baking.
Toast Pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces until they become fragrant, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks approximately ½ inch in size for even distribution and texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Egg: Crack in the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans, mixing until they are evenly distributed. The batter will be sticky and moist due to the apples.
Prepare Baking Dish: Butter an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Press it evenly into the pan for uniform thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. The brownies are done when the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool and Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Serve Suggestion: These apple brownies are delightful on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
Apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well due to their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
If you prefer a less sweet brownie, reduce sugar to ¾ cup (150 g).
For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Check doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the brownies.
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.