Apple Brownies: Simple Autumn Treat

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When apples are in season and the air carries a crisp autumn chill, there’s no better comfort than a batch of warm Apple Brownies. These rich, buttery bars are packed with tender apple chunks and topped with a light cinnamon crunch that melts in your mouth. Perfectly chewy on the inside and golden on the outside, they blend the coziness of apple pie with the simplicity of a brownie.

This recipe is a celebration of fall flavors and a great way to use up those fresh orchard apples. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together, looking for a quick dessert after dinner, or packing treats for lunchboxes, these Apple Brownies are a timeless crowd-pleaser. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them with a warm mug of tea for the ultimate seasonal treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Brownies Recipe

These Apple Brownies are incredibly easy to make, using basic pantry staples and fresh apples. Their soft, dense texture and deep caramelized edges give that comforting brownie feel, while the sweet apples and cinnamon bring all the warmth of fall baking. Best of all, you don’t need a mixer or any fancy ingredients. Just stir, bake, and enjoy.

The balance of sweet and tart from the apples ensures every bite is flavorful without being overly sugary. It’s a versatile dessert that can be adapted with nuts, raisins, or even a maple glaze if you feel fancy.

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What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Brownies?

When baking Apple Brownies, it’s best to use apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of tart and sweet. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal choices. They don’t become mushy during baking and provide that juicy bite in every square. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can break down too much in the oven.

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Ingredients for the Apple Brownies

To bring out the best in these Apple Brownies, each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor and texture.

• Apples: The star of the recipe! Fresh, crisp apples add moisture, sweetness, and a slight tartness that balances the richness of the brownie.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, buttery base and gives the brownies their tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that caramelized edge.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses and extra chewiness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the soft, dense texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the structure without making the brownies too cakey.
• Baking Powder: A touch of lift to prevent the bars from becoming too heavy.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle warmth.
• Cinnamon: Brings that classic fall spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Chopped Pecans (optional): Add crunch and a nutty richness for extra texture.

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How To Make the Apple Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the pecans. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Serving and Storing These Apple Brownies

These Apple Brownies are perfect for serving warm straight from the pan or cooled and sliced into tidy squares. They make a delightful dessert, a cozy breakfast treat, or a lunchbox snack. This recipe yields about 12 generous squares, making it ideal for a family gathering or a small party.

To store, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to bring back their soft texture.

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What to Serve With Apple Brownies?

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic pairing. The creaminess and cool temperature contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced brownies.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle a little caramel over your brownies for an extra indulgent treat.

Whipped Cream

Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delicate finish to this dense dessert.

A Cup of Chai or Spiced Tea

The warm spices in chai enhance the cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

It might sound surprising, but a thin slice of sharp cheddar with apple brownies offers a savory twist that’s unexpectedly delicious.

Maple Glaze

A drizzle of maple glaze adds a sweet, earthy touch that complements the fall flavors.

Toasted Nuts

Serve with a sprinkle of freshly toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Apple Brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies store beautifully and can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for the best texture, but if you prefer a more rustic bite with extra fiber, you can leave the skins on.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well in this recipe. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on doneness.

What other mix-ins can I add?
You can add raisins, chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 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 try adding pecans or go classic with just apples? Did you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it on its own?

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

Check out more of my recipes on Pinterest @LifeWithLivia for more cozy bakes and seasonal ideas!

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Conclusion

Apple Brownies are the kind of recipe that brings a whole lot of joy with very little effort. With just a few ingredients, you get all the fall flavor and warmth of a pie in an easy-to-slice bar. Whether for dessert, breakfast, or a holiday tray, these moist, cinnamon-spiced squares are guaranteed to please.

Don’t wait for the leaves to fall—make a batch today and taste the comfort of homemade goodness.

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