Apple brownies may sound unusual at first, but trust me, this is the cozy fall dessert you never knew you needed. Moist, chewy, slightly spiced, and studded with apple chunks, these brownies are a twist on a classic that brings the warm comfort of apple pie to the handheld joy of a brownie bar.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and a believer that simple recipes can be the most comforting. Apple brownies are one of those recipes I stumbled on when I had a few apples sitting on the counter and no desire to make a pie. My husband, who is the ultimate dessert critic in our house, took one bite and said, “This is dangerous.” Safe to say, the pan didn’t last the night.
This recipe has since become a fall staple, especially when we want something warm and sweet but quicker than a pie or crumble. Whether you’re serving them after dinner or sneaking one with coffee, these apple brownies are the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen.
If you’re already obsessed with cozy apple desserts like these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes, get ready to add this one to your list.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about the combo of apples and cinnamon that feels like home. But when you mix it with the dense, chewy texture of a brownie, magic happens.
- Quick to make: No mixer needed and ready in under 45 minutes.
- One bowl: Fewer dishes, more joy.
- Great texture: Moist inside, slightly crispy edges.
- Customizable: Nuts or no nuts, your call.
- Perfect for fall: But honestly, we make them year-round.
They have the ease of a blondie and the warm spice of your favorite apple cake. It’s a recipe that will sit next to your favorites like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars without missing a beat.
Print
Apple Brownies
Moist, chewy, and warmly spiced, these apple brownies are the perfect fall dessert. Simple to make and packed with fresh apple chunks.
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups chopped apples (peeled)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan.
2. Whisk eggs, sugars, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped apples and nuts, if using.
5. Pour into pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Best served slightly warm. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
To make these apple brownies, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and some fresh apples. Here’s what you’ll use:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Apples (peeled, chopped) | 2 cups (about 2 medium apples) |
| Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans | 1/2 cup |
How to Make Apple Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples (and nuts if using).
- Spread batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
These brownies smell like fall and slice like a dream. Want something similarly easy? Check out these Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts for a weekend brunch idea.
Tips and Variations
- Apple types: Use a mix of tart and sweet—Granny Smith + Honeycrisp work beautifully.
- Spice it up: Add nutmeg or cloves for deeper fall flavor.
- No nuts? Skip or swap with white chocolate chips.
- Make ahead: These store well in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
You can even add a cinnamon sugar topping before baking for a bit of crunch, similar to how the crumble in Apple Crumble Cheesecake adds texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze apple brownies?
Yes! Let them cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze. Thaw overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a gooey texture.
What apples are best for apple brownies?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp hold their shape and flavor best.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to around 40–45 minutes.
Are these more like cake or brownies?
They’re a hybrid! Chewy like brownies, but with the soft, moist bite of apple cake; think rustic meets rich.
Final Bite
Apple brownies are proof that you don’t need a fancy dessert to wow a crowd. They’re easy, cozy, and full of flavor; like a warm hug in dessert form. And the best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry already.
So next time you’re craving a fall-inspired treat, skip the pie dough and stir up these easy apple brownies.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
