Apple Brownies – Easy, Gooey Fall Dessert
These Apple Brownies are the perfect fall treat! Soft, gooey, and bursting with apple flavor, they combine the best of classic brownies with fresh, spiced apples. Easy to make and ideal for cozy autumn afternoons, dessert tables, or holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Peeler and knife
- Cheese grater (optional, if adding nuts or chocolate shavings)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 2–3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (optional, for lighter texture)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Prep Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples. Toss with cinnamon if desired.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg.
- Combine: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until smooth.
- Fold in Apples & Mix-Ins: Gently incorporate apple chunks and optional nuts/chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly soft.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool 10–15 minutes. Slice into squares. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle caramel before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Crispier Edges: Pre-bake apples for 5–10 minutes if extra firm texture is desired.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap baked or unbaked brownies tightly; freeze up to 2–3 months.
- Flavor Variations: Try pears, cranberries, or additional spices like cloves and ginger.
- Kid-Friendly Tip: Keep classic with just chocolate chips and cinnamon for picky eaters.