Apple Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the rich, chocolatey goodness of traditional brownies with the fresh, juicy bite of apples. They’re moist and fudgy with little pockets of sweet apple that add a lovely texture and flavor surprise in every bite. These brownies are perfect for anyone who loves a bit of fruit in their dessert without losing that deep chocolate fix.
I love making these when apples are in season because they add such a natural sweetness and moisture to the brownies, which means you don’t have to add as much sugar or fat. Plus, carving out the apples and watching them soften while baking is pretty satisfying. A tip I always follow is to use tart apples like Granny Smith—they hold their shape better and give a nice balance to the rich chocolate.
These apple brownies are great for a cozy afternoon snack or to bring to a friend’s housewarming party; everyone is usually surprised and happy to taste the apple twist in a dessert they know and love. I find they stay fresh for a few days wrapped up, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they keep their shape and balance the sweetness. If you want a softer texture, Fuji or Gala apples are good substitutes. Just peel and dice evenly for uniform baking.
Butter & Sugar: Melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar create a chewy, rich texture. You can swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option, and use coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a natural sweetener substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the flavor. If you prefer, ground ginger or allspice can be added or swapped to suit your taste.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour is standard here, but you can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. The baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly, giving a nice structure without making them cake-like.
How Do I Get the Right Texture with Apples in Brownies?
Adding apples can change the texture, so it’s important to prepare and mix them properly.
- Peel and core your apples to avoid bitterness from the skin or seeds.
- Dice apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly without sogginess.
- Fold them gently into the batter at the end to prevent breaking them up too much.
- Keep an eye on baking time; the moisture from apples may require a few extra minutes, but test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Following these tips helps keep tender apple pieces in the brownies, adding a pleasant burst of juiciness without making them mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – I like using this size because it gives the brownies a nice thick texture.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift out the brownies once baked and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for mixing dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients; I find separate bowls help keep things organized.
- Whisk or spoon – for combining ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate ingredient portions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in dark chocolate chips or chunks to make it extra indulgent.
- Use different spices like ginger or allspice to change the warm flavor profile.
- Replace apples with pears for a similar texture with a milder, sweeter taste.
Apple Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 2 medium apples (preferably tart like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to bake. Add about 10 minutes to cool before slicing and serving. In under an hour, you’ll have delicious apple brownies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper on the edges to help lift out the brownies later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blends the spices well with the flour and ensures even flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, stir melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and slightly cooled. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
4. Make the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Then fold in the diced apples, spreading them evenly through the batter.
5. Bake Your Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares. Enjoy your chewy, spiced apple brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for Apple Brownies?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before folding into the batter. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures your brownies bake evenly.
Can I Substitute Apples with Pears?
Absolutely! Pears work well as a substitute and provide a slightly sweeter, softer texture. Just peel, core, and dice them the same way you would apples.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to This Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make great add-ins—just fold them into the batter along with the diced apples for extra texture and flavor.
