Hi there! I’m Sandy Wilder, and I’m so happy you’re here. Baking always reminds me of cozy weekends when the house fills with the scent of cinnamon and butter. These apple brownies are the kind of dessert I love to share at family dinners — simple, rustic, and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
I’m not a trained pastry chef, just a mom who enjoys creating easy recipes that anyone can make at home. If you’ve enjoyed my Apple Crumble Cheesecake, you’ll fall in love with these chewy apple-studded bars that taste like a cross between blondies and apple cake.
Why You’ll Love Apple Brownies
1. A Perfect Fall Dessert
Apple brownies combine the best of two worlds: the dense, chewy texture of brownies with the sweet and spiced flavor of baked apples.
2. Easy Pantry Ingredients
Made with butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and apples, this recipe calls for ingredients you probably already have at home.
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Apple Brownies – Chewy, Cinnamon-Spiced Dessert Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy, cinnamon-spiced apple brownies loaded with fresh apples and toasted pecans. A cozy fall dessert bar perfect with ice cream.
Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter, room temp
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped apples
1/2 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Toast pecans until fragrant, then cool.
3. Peel, core, and chop apples into 1/2-inch chunks.
4. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg until fluffy.
5. Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Fold in apples and pecans until combined.
7. Spread into buttered 8×8 pan.
8. Bake 30–45 minutes until golden.
9. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.
10. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Use firm apples for best results.
Double recipe in 9×13 pan, adjust bake time.
Store in airtight container for 3–5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple brownies, apple dessert bars, cinnamon apple bars
Ingredients for Apple Brownies
1. The Basics
- Butter: Salted butter adds richness and depth.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that chewy crust.
- Egg: Binds everything together.
2. Flavor Boosters
- Apples: Fresh chopped apple chunks add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans bring a nutty crunch.
- Cinnamon: The spice that makes these bars cozy and warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Batter
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, then add flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in chopped apples and pecans until combined.
2. Bake and Cool
- Spread batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 baking dish.
- Bake at 350℉ for 30–45 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
(Tip: I tested this twice, and 35 minutes gave me a perfectly chewy texture.)
Serving and Storage Tips
1. Best Way to Serve
These brownies are fantastic warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
2. How to Store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
For another apple-inspired treat, check out these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Variations on Apple Brownies
1. Nut-Free Version
Skip the pecans and add extra apples or substitute with raisins for a chewy texture.
2. Spiced Twist
Try adding nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of cardamom to boost the fall flavors.
If you enjoy spiced apple desserts, you’ll love these Dutch Apple Pie Cookies.
FAQ About Apple Brownies
Q1: What apples are best for apple brownies?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape when baked.
Q2: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in a 9×13 dish and increase baking time to about 45–50 minutes.
Q3: How do I know when they’re done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Q4: Can I replace pecans with walnuts?
Yes, walnuts work just as well.
Q5: Why are they called “brownies” if there’s no chocolate?
They get their name from the chewy, dense texture similar to a blondie, but with apples instead of cocoa.
Conclusion
These apple brownies are the perfect dessert when you want something quick, cozy, and full of flavor. I’ve tested them to ensure you get chewy bars with a crisp top and tender apple bites in every square.
Whether served warm with ice cream or packed in a lunchbox, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and they’ll become a family favorite!
If you love creative apple desserts, don’t miss my Funnel Cake Apple Fries.
