If you’re craving the comforting flavors of fall, these Easy Apple Brownies are just what you need. Soft, chewy, and filled with chunks of fresh apple and warm cinnamon, this dessert is the perfect cross between a blondie and a spiced apple cake. I made these on a crisp autumn afternoon, and the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven filled the whole house—it was pure fall magic. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with a drizzle of caramel, these brownies make the perfect seasonal treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Apple Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic fall dessert. They’re incredibly moist, buttery, and packed with cozy flavors like brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The diced apples create little bursts of sweetness in every bite, while the crisp edges give you that irresistible brownie texture. Best of all, they’re easy to make—no mixer required and ready in under an hour. Perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee, these brownies capture the taste of fall in every bite.
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Easy Apple Brownies – Perfect for Fall Baking Bliss
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Apple Brownies are a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that combines the chewy texture of a brownie with the warm, spiced sweetness of baked apples. Loaded with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chunks of apple, these bars are perfect for autumn baking and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar or caramel sauce for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- These apple brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice flavor balance. Peel, core, and dice them finely.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for your brownies—gives structure while keeping them soft.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture with a subtle caramel note.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the flavor and helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Butter: Melted butter gives the brownies richness and a slightly dense, fudgy bite.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the apples and spices.
Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly for a soft, cake-like texture.
Cinnamon: Brings classic fall warmth and complements the apples beautifully.
Nutmeg (optional): Adds an extra cozy, spiced undertone.
Salt: Balances all the sweet and spiced flavors.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Combine and Add Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be soft but set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 9–12 brownies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Perfect for serving 6–8 people as a dessert or snack.
Storage/reheating
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking or after cooling for an extra decadent treat.
Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Add a layer of cinnamon-sugar filling in the middle of the batter for a layered flavor.
Glazed Apple Brownies: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla to create a simple glaze to drizzle over cooled brownies.
Apple Pie Brownies: Stir in apple pie filling instead of diced apples for a gooier texture.
Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or replace them with white chocolate chips.
Maple Twist: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed eggs.
Spiced Chai Brownies: Add a pinch of cardamom and allspice for extra warmth.
Cranberry Apple Brownies: Fold in dried cranberries for a tart, festive touch.
Salted Caramel Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel drizzle for a gourmet finish.
FAQs
1. What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness perfectly.
2. Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly since pie filling is already sweetened.
3. How do I make the brownies extra moist?
Don’t overbake—remove them when the center is just set.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, they pair beautifully with the cinnamon and apple flavors.
6. How should I store them?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
7. Are these brownies more cakey or chewy?
They’re soft and chewy with a slight cake-like texture in the center.
8. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but expect a slightly denser texture.
9. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a great result.
10. Can I serve these warm?
Absolutely—they’re amazing warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Conclusion
These Easy Apple Brownies are the perfect way to celebrate fall’s best flavors. With their buttery texture, warm spices, and sweet apple bits, they’re a dessert that feels as comforting as a crisp autumn day. Whether you bake them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy at home, these brownies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. Simple, delicious, and undeniably cozy—this is fall baking at its best.