Apple Brownies

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When autumn rolls in and the apples are bursting with juicy flavor, there’s no better way to celebrate than baking up a batch of these soft, spiced Apple Brownies. They blend the coziness of a classic blondie with the fresh sweetness of apples and a touch of cinnamon. Slightly crispy on the edges and perfectly gooey in the center, they make the perfect dessert or snack to welcome sweater weather.

Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, these are made with a buttery brown sugar base that highlights the apple chunks and spice. They’re easy to make with simple pantry staples and come together in under an hour. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday dessert tray or need something comforting on a chilly day, these apple brownies won’t disappoint.

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What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Brownies?

You want apples that hold their shape during baking but still soften nicely. A tart variety like Granny Smith contrasts beautifully with the sweet batter, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn also add a touch of natural sweetness and texture. Avoid apples that turn mushy like Red Delicious.

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Ingredients for the Apple Brownies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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How To Make the Apple Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the cinnamon and salt. Then add the flour, mixing just until the batter comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store These Apple Brownies

Apple Brownies taste incredible served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra cozy touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. They’re also great chilled straight from the fridge.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them in a single layer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Applesauce will change the texture and make them more cake-like. For chewy brownies, stick with chopped apples.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Are these apple brownies dairy-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute vegan butter and it will work just fine.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother bite, but if you love the texture of the skin, feel free to leave it on.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these chewy Apple Brownies, check out these other tasty bar recipes to keep your baking game strong:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich and fruity treat.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole if you’re craving decadent breakfast-for-dessert vibes.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for sweet, cinnamon-kissed goodness.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread to satisfy your bakery-style cravings.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for a bite-sized holiday favorite.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Granny Smith or something sweeter like Fuji? Add in cinnamon chips? Swap in almonds?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Follow me on Pinterest for more daily recipe ideas: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

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