Name: Apple Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter (112 g); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g); 1 egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour (133 g); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup chopped apples (100 g); 1/2 cup toasted pecans (53 g)

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If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug, these Apple Brownies are just the ticket! They combine the comforting flavors of apples and pecans with a chewy brownie texture that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or when family and friends gather around the table. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven or with a scoop of ice cream, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple chunks and crunchy pecans.
Versatile treat: Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering.
Make-ahead option: These brownies store well, making them perfect for meal prep or snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create these delicious Apple Brownies!

1/2 cup butter, salted, room temp (112 g)
1 cup sugar (200 g)
1 egg
1 cup all purpose flour (133 g)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g)
½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)

Variations

The beauty of these Apple Brownies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients for different flavor profiles. Here are some fun ideas:

Add chocolate chips: For an extra indulgent treat, mix in some dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Substitute nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds instead.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an aromatic twist.
Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for everyone.

How to Make Apple Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This ensures that your Apple Brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a small pan, toast the pecan pieces over medium heat until they become fragrant. This step brings out their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks—about half an inch works best. The apples will provide moisture and sweetness to your brownies, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then add in one egg and mix again until combined. This creates a rich base for your batter.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix! This helps maintain that dense brownie texture we love.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans until evenly distributed. Your batter will be sticky and wet at this point—that’s exactly what you want!

Step 7: Bake Your Brownies

Pour and press the batter into a buttered 8×8 baking dish (or line it with parchment paper). Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Every oven is different; mine took about 35 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps set their shape before you slice into squares.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut into squares and enjoy your warm Apple Brownies! They’re fantastic on their own but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Brownies

Baking is an adventure, and a few helpful tips can make your Apple Brownies even more delightful!

Choose the right apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and tartness. Their texture holds up well during baking, adding a pleasant bite to your brownies.
Don’t skip the toasting: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to your brownies. This simple step brings out the nutty essence that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
Mix gently: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies at around 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Let them cool: Allowing your brownies to cool before slicing ensures they hold their shape better. Plus, letting them rest allows flavors to meld together, making each bite even tastier!

How to Serve Apple Brownies

Apple Brownies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a little flair can elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich brownies.
Drizzle of caramel sauce: A sweet caramel drizzle enhances both the flavor and visual appeal—perfect for impressing guests!
Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some extra toasted pecans on top gives added texture and nutty goodness.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, spiced flavors of the brownies.
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the richness of the brownies.
Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with dessert.
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the cozy atmosphere while balancing out the sweetness of your brownies.

Enjoy these Apple Brownies as a comforting treat or share them with loved ones—either way, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Brownies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the cooled brownies into squares.
Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen brownies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these Apple Brownies:

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Brownies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Each type will bring its unique flavor and texture to your brownies!

How do I know when my Apple Brownies are done?

Keep an eye on the color; they should turn golden brown around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done!

Can I make these Apple Brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose has a good structure for baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful Apple Brownies! They offer a comforting mix of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert, they are sure to bring smiles to your table. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!

Apple Brownies

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the cozy comfort of these delightful Apple Brownies! Combining the classic flavors of fresh apples and crunchy pecans, this dessert offers a chewy texture that warms the heart. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight treat, these brownies are quick to make and even easier to enjoy. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch as smiles spread around the table. With their wholesome ingredients, these Apple Brownies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup salted butter (112 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour (133 g)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped apples (100 g)
1/2 cup toasted pecans (53 g)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking dish.
Toast the pecans in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant; set aside.
Chop apples into small chunks.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and mix well.
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into the mixture until just mixed.
Fold in apples and toasted pecans gently.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Bake for 30-45 minutes until golden brown on top.
Let cool before slicing into squares.