Apple Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of chewy, soft, and slightly crisp textures

• Full of real apple flavor in every bite

• Simple pantry ingredients and easy to make

• Great make-ahead dessert for gatherings

• Delicious served warm, at room temp, or even slightly chilled

• Pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Can be made in advance and even frozen

• Easily doubled for a crowd

• No mixer needed—just a bowl and spoon

• A cozy treat that tastes like autumn in a bite

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• butter, salted, room temperature

• sugar

• egg

• all purpose flour

• baking powder

• salt

• cinnamon

• chopped apple pieces

• toasted pecan pieces

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.

2. In a small pan, toast the pecans until fragrant, then set aside to cool.

3. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small ½-inch chunks.

4. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.

5. Add the egg and mix again until the mixture becomes fluffy.

6. Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until just combined.

7. Fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans. The batter will be sticky and moist.

8. Pour and press the batter into a buttered or parchment-lined 8×8 baking dish.

9. Bake for 30–45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle. Bake time may vary; 35 minutes is typical.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing.

11. Cut into squares and serve—great on their own or with a scoop of ice cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or shredded coconut.

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a deeper fall spice flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Vegan: Use a vegan butter and an egg substitute like a flax egg.

• Chocolate Apple Brownies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

• Different Apples: Try Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Fuji for a sweeter variation.

• Extra Crunch: Add more toasted nuts or granola on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover apple brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigerate them for an additional 2–3 days. The texture becomes softer over time, but they remain flavorful.

To freeze, place cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can reheat in a 300℉ oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.

FAQs

1. Can this be made ahead?

Yes, but they are best the day they’re baked. Over time, the apples release moisture, which softens the bars and gives them a more cake-like texture. Still delicious, just different.

2. Can you freeze this recipe?

Absolutely. These apple brownies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature. You can reheat briefly in the oven to crisp up the top again.

3. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Perfect for feeding a crowd.

4. What type of apple should I use?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are great choices. Use a firmer apple to keep the texture balanced during baking.

5. Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, but add an extra pinch of salt to the batter to balance the flavor.

6. Can I skip the pecans?

Yes, feel free to omit the nuts or substitute with something else like walnuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips.

7. Are these more like cake or brownies?

They’re a cross between blondies and cake. Initially chewy with a dense crumb, they become softer the longer they sit.

8. How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

9. Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic feel.

10. Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon?

Yes, try pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, or a dash of ginger for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These apple brownies are the perfect blend of warm spices, fresh apples, and rich, buttery goodness. Whether served warm with ice cream or packed as a lunchbox treat, they’re a simple and satisfying dessert that brings a taste of fall to any time of year. Make a batch today and enjoy the sweet comfort of homemade apple brownies.

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