These Apple Brownies are a sweet treat packed with delicious apples and warm spices. They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-easy to make, perfect for those cozy afternoons!
Did I mention how good they smell while baking? It’s hard to resist sneaking a piece right out of the pan! 🍏 I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—simply amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil or a vegetable oil blend, but butter really gives the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: I find 2 cups gives a sweet balance, but you could reduce it to 1 1/2 cups if you want a less sweet treat. Brown sugar would also work, adding a slight molasses flavor!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness; they balance the sweetness well. You can swap with Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer sweeter apples.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices boost flavor! If you want a twist, try adding a dash of ginger or cardamom. They can really enhance the warm taste.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Be Chewy and Not Cake-Like?
Achieving that chewy brownie texture can be tricky! Here are some helpful tips:
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Just mix until combined—this keeps the texture dense.
- Use the correct size baking pan. A smaller pan means thicker brownies, while a larger one could make them dry out.
- Don’t overbake! Check your brownies at the 35-minute mark, and remove them from the oven when the toothpick has some moist crumbs.
Following these tips will help achieve those perfectly chewy apple brownies. Enjoy baking!
Apple Brownies Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the brownies to cool before cutting and serving. Overall, you can expect to spend just about 1 hour for delicious, homemade apple brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleaning easier, line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add in the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together well until it’s light and fluffy—this will take a minute or two of mixing.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Make sure the dry ingredients are mixed well to ensure even flavor throughout the brownies.
5. Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet:
Next, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this gently and just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tougher brownies!
6. Add Apples:
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped apples. Gently mix them into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed so that every bite has a delicious piece of apple!
7. Pour into the Baking Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula so it bakes uniformly.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter attached.
9. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set up perfectly.
10. Dust and Serve:
When the brownies are cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Cut them into squares and enjoy these deliciously moist, apple-filled treats!
Enjoy your homemade apple brownies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience! 🍏
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use any apples you have on hand, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples could make your brownies a bit sweeter!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon separately if it doesn’t. This will help maintain the texture of the brownies!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips can make these even more indulgent. Just fold in about 1 cup of either option along with the apples for a delicious twist!