If you’ve never had Apple Brownies before, let me tell you, you’re missing out. These aren’t your typical chocolate brownies. Instead, they have a soft, chewy, and slightly fudgy texture, packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery brown sugar goodness. Think of them as a cross between Apple Blondies and a classic Apple Bars Recipe Easy enough for anyone to make.
I first made these on a lazy weekend when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to deal with frosting, layers, or anything complicated.
I had apples sitting in my kitchen and thought, Why not throw them into a brownie-like bar? The result? A rich, buttery, Apple Brownies Recipe that disappeared way too fast.
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If you love Apple Blondies Recipe or anything with that perfect balance of chewy and soft, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Brownies Recipe
✔ Fudgy but not cakey – These aren’t dry or crumbly; they have that perfect dense, chewy texture.
✔ Packed with real apples – No applesauce here! Fresh chunks of apple give bursts of sweetness in every bite.
✔ Cinnamon-spiced perfection – The warm spices make these taste like fall in every bite, but trust me, they’re delicious year-round.
✔ One bowl, no fuss – Just mix, bake, and enjoy. No complicated steps!
✔ Great for snacking or dessert – Whether you eat them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, they hit the spot.
Try my Banana Brownies recipe, it’s another fruit brownie that is sure to impress!
How to Make Fudgy Apple Brownies
Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little trick will not only make sure your Apple Blondies don’t stick, but it will also make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, whisking until it’s smooth and velvety.
The sugar and butter combo is what gives these brownies their rich, chewy texture. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until everything’s perfectly mixed. This is where that mouthwatering aroma starts to fill the air!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and a warm pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The spices are the secret ingredient that transforms these Apple Brownies from just delicious to utterly irresistible. The cinnamon adds that cozy fall flavor, and the nutmeg gives them that extra comforting kick.
Make the Batter
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! We want to keep that thick, fudgy texture that will bake into the perfect brownie base.
Once mixed, gently fold in your diced apples (be sure to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and any optional nuts (if you’re adding them). The batter should be thick and rich, just waiting to be baked into something magical.
Bake Your Apple Brownies
Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Keep an eye on them—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re done! T
his is key to getting that perfect fudgy texture. Every bite should be chewy and delicious.
Cool & Slice
Once baked, let your Apple Brownies cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. This step is super important, as it helps them set up and hold that delicious, fudgy texture when sliced.
After they’ve cooled a bit, cut them into squares (or rectangles if you’re feeling fancy!) and enjoy that warm, spiced apple goodness.
Tips for the Best Apple Brownies
Best Apples for Baking:
When it comes to baking, not all apples perform the same! For the best Apple Brownies, I recommend Granny Smith for that perfect tangy crunch or Honeycrisp if you want a more mellow sweetness.
Both hold up really well in the batter without getting mushy. Stay away from overly soft apples like Red Delicious, they can break down and get a bit mushy in your brownies.
Want an Extra Fudgy Texture?
If you’re a fudgy brownie fan (who isn’t?), here’s a little secret: underbake them just slightly. Bake them for around 28 minutes and then let them rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
This allows the brownies to set without drying out the middle, giving you that ultra-chewy, almost gooey center you’ll crave.
Boost the Flavor
Take these apple brownies up a notch by adding a drizzle of honey or even a little caramel sauce on top once they’re baked.
The sweet richness of honey will perfectly complement the apples, and the caramel adds a touch of indulgence that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of sea salt on top takes the flavor to another level—trust me.
Make Them Cozier:
Want to amp up the fall vibes? Add a pinch of ginger or ground cloves to the batter for a subtle spice kick.
These cozy spices make your Apple Brownies feel like a warm sweater on a crisp autumn day. You won’t believe how much they enhance the apple flavor. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is enough!
How to Store & Freeze Apple Brownies
- Keep sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to a week (but let them come to room temp before eating for the best texture).
- Freeze individually wrapped portions for up to three months.
(Pro tip: Warm Apple Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Absolute heaven.)
FAQs About Fudgy Apple Brownies
Can I Use Different Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of Apple Brownies is their versatility. While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for that balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also experiment with other apples like Fuji or Pink Lady. Just be sure to choose apples that won’t turn mushy when baked, so avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious.
How Do I Know When the Apple Brownies Are Done Baking?
Here’s the trick: Insert a toothpick into the center of your Apple Brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re ready. Remember, we’re aiming for that fudgy, slightly gooey center, so it’s better to underbake than overbake. If you prefer a firmer texture, feel free to bake a couple of extra minutes, but keep an eye on them!
Can I Make These Apple Brownies Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free! Just swap the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will ensure your brownies maintain the same chewy, fudgy texture.
Can I Make These Apple Brownies in a Larger Pan?
You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on them and check around the 35 minute mark. You’ll likely need a little extra time but always use the toothpick test to ensure that fudgy perfection is still there!
Apple Brownies Recipe: The Perfect Cozy Dessert
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup 200g packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 medium apples about 1 1/2 cups diced, peeled and cored.
- 1/2 cup 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make sure the brownies come out easily after baking.
- In a spacious bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.Â
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring softly until they are just combined.
- Then, gently fold in the diced apples and any optional nuts.Â
- The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for that fudgy texture.Â
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.Â
- To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.Â
- Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before cutting into squares for that perfect fudgy bite.
Notes
- If you want an even fudgier texture, try slightly underbaking the brownies and letting them set outside the oven. This will keep the center ultra-chewy, just the way we love it.
- For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce on top of the brownies to enhance the flavor.
