Apple Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Apple brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert by combining moist, cinnamon-spiced batter with tender apple chunks and crunchy toasted pecans. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g)
• 1 cup sugar (200 g)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (133 g)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g)
• ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Step 2: In a small pan, toast the pecan pieces over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks about 1/2 inch in size.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well until combined.
5. Step 5: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the bowl. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans, mixing until evenly distributed. The batter will be sticky and moist from the apples.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into a buttered 8×8 inch baking dish, or one lined with parchment paper. Press the batter evenly into the pan.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Oven times vary, but around 35 minutes is typical.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
10. Step 10: Serve warm or at room temperature. These apple brownies are especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or leave nuts out for a nut-free version.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra chew and sweetness.
• Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust.

Storage

Store apple brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use different apple varieties depending on your preference. Firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to keep the texture balanced.

How do I know when the apple brownies are done?

The brownies are ready when the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Baking time may vary based on your oven.

Apple Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

These Apple Brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic brownie by incorporating fresh apples and toasted pecans for a moist, flavorful treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and featuring a tender crumb, they combine the sweetness of apples with the crunch of pecans, baked into a rich buttery base.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (3×3 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature (112 g)
• 1 cup sugar (200 g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (133 g)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chopped apple pieces, about 1/2 inch chunks (100 g)
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the brownies.
2. Toast Pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool to enhance their flavor and crunch.
3. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks about 1/2 inch in size to ensure they cook evenly within the batter.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
5. Add Egg: Beat in the egg thoroughly until fully incorporated to bind the ingredients well.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten.
7. Mix in Apples and Pecans: Fold the chopped apples and toasted pecan pieces into the batter. The mixture will be sticky and moist due to the apples.
8. Prepare Baking Dish and Bake: Pour and press the batter evenly into a buttered 8×8 inch baking dish or one lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. About 35 minutes usually works.
9. Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the baking pan for about 15 minutes. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. These brownies are especially delicious accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep brownies tender.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven; start checking at 30 minutes.
• Apples add moisture, so the batter will be wetter than traditional brownies.
• Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and crunch.
• These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: apple brownies, pecan brownies, cinnamon brownies, fruit brownies, baked dessert, easy brownie recipe