I make these apple brownies as a soft, moist dessert bar filled with fresh apples, cozy cinnamon, and buttery sweetness. I love how simple they are to prepare, and I find them perfect for fall baking, afternoon snacks, or an easy homemade dessert to share.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I use these simple ingredients to make the brownies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then I grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so the brownies release easily after baking.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps me distribute the dry ingredients evenly before I add them to the batter.
In a large bowl, I mix the melted butter and sugar until everything is well combined. After that, I beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth.
Next, I stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. I try not to overmix at this stage because I want the brownies to stay soft and tender.
I fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until they are evenly spread throughout the batter. Then I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
I bake the brownies for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they are done, I let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares and serving.
Servings and timing
I get 12 servings from this recipe, which makes it great for family dessert, casual gatherings, or keeping a few pieces for later.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Variations
I like changing this recipe in small ways depending on the season or what I have at home. Sometimes I swap the walnuts for pecans when I want a slightly different nutty flavor. I also like adding a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper fall taste. When I want a sweeter finish, I drizzle a light vanilla glaze over the cooled brownies. For a fruitier version, I sometimes mix in a handful of raisins along with the apples.
Storage/Reheating
I usually store these apple brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want them to last longer, I keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, I like to let them come to room temperature, or I warm a piece in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to make it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
I can use several kinds of apples for this recipe, but I usually prefer firm apples that hold their shape well while baking. I find that sweet-tart apples give the best balance of flavor.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Yes, I can leave out the walnuts if I want a nut-free version. The brownies still bake up soft and flavorful without them.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
I check the center with a toothpick. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, I know the brownies are ready to come out of the oven.
Can I freeze apple brownies?
Yes, I can freeze them after they have cooled completely. I like wrapping individual pieces well and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Why are they called brownies if they are not chocolate?
I think the name comes more from the bar-style shape and texture than from chocolate. These are more like a fruity dessert bar with the soft, dense feel of a brownie.
Conclusion
I love how these apple brownies turn simple ingredients into a cozy and satisfying dessert. The soft texture, sweet apples, and hint of cinnamon make them a recipe I enjoy baking again and again. Whether I serve them for a family dessert, a fall gathering, or a simple treat with coffee, I always get a comforting homemade result.
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These apple brownies are soft, moist dessert bars packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery sweetness. Perfect for fall baking or an easy homemade treat to share.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts evenly.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
Swap walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper fall flavor.
Optional: drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 2 months.
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
