There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking together – it instantly makes my kitchen feel like home. These apple brownies have been my go-to fall treat ever since my mom first made them when I was little. She’d always use the apples we picked together at the orchard, and now I do the same with my kids. What I love most is how simple they are – just a few basic ingredients transform into the most comforting dessert. The toasted pecans add this wonderful crunch, and the apples keep every bite so moist. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your family’s new favorite too!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Apple Brownies
Let me count the ways these apple brownies will steal your heart! First off, they’re so easy – just one bowl and about 10 minutes of prep. The smell alone as they bake is worth it, filling your kitchen with that cozy cinnamon-apple aroma. They’re:
- Perfectly moist thanks to fresh apples (no dry brownies here!)
- Packed with flavor from toasted pecans and warm spices
- Just sweet enough without being overwhelming
- Great for dessert or even breakfast (I won’t judge!)
- An excellent way to use up those extra apples sitting in your fruit bowl
Seriously, they disappear every time I make them. My kids beg for them, my neighbors “just happen” to stop by when they smell them baking – they’re that good!
Ingredients for Apple Brownies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible apple brownies – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably have on hand already! The exact measurements matter here, so I’ve included weights for precision:
- 1/2 cup butter, salted, room temp (112 g) – trust me, room temp makes all the difference
- 1 cup sugar (200 g) – just regular granulated works great
- 1 large egg – helps bind everything together
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (133 g) – spoon and level it so you don’t pack too much
- ½ tsp baking powder – our little rising helper
- ½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness perfectly
- ½ tsp cinnamon – the magic spice!
- 1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g) – see my notes below about varieties
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g) – toasted equals flavor explosion
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Now let’s talk about those stars of the show! For apples, I always use Granny Smith – their tartness cuts through the sweetness and they hold their shape beautifully when baked. If you must substitute, Honeycrisp works too. The pecans? Totally worth toasting – just 5 minutes in a dry pan until fragrant. No pecans? Walnuts make a fine substitute, or you can skip nuts altogether if needed. Oh, and if you’re out of butter, coconut oil works in a pinch, though the flavor changes slightly. The key is using what you have while staying true to the spirit of these delicious apple brownies!
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy here – just the basics! Grab an 8×8 baking dish (I like to butter mine or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup), a mixing bowl, and a small pan for toasting those pecans. That’s it – let’s get baking!
How to Make Apple Brownies
Ready to make the easiest, most delicious apple brownies? Let’s do this! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pan full of warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Trust me, this step is crucial – a properly heated oven makes all the difference.
- Toast the pecans. Toss them in a small dry pan over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they smell amazing. Set them aside to cool – they’ll add so much flavor!
- Chop the apples. Peel, core, and cut them into small 1/2-inch chunks. You want them to bake evenly and add the perfect texture.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until just combined.
- Add the dry ingredients. Toss in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until everything comes together – don’t overdo it!
- Fold in the apples and pecans. Gently stir them into the batter. It’ll be thick and sticky, but that’s perfect.
- Press the batter into your pan. Spread it evenly into a buttered 8×8 baking dish (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal).
- Bake for 30-45 minutes. Start checking at 35 minutes – the top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. Serve warm if you can resist!
Tips for Perfect Apple Brownies
Here’s how to make sure your apple brownies turn out absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter – it can make them dense instead of tender.
- Toast the pecans until fragrant – it’s a flavor game-changer!
- Ovens vary, so start checking at 35 minutes – better to underbake slightly than overbake.
Irresistible Apple Brownies Recipe: 10-Min Prep Magic
Delicious apple brownies made with fresh apples, toasted pecans, and warm cinnamon. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a small pan, toast the pecan pieces until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
- Peel, core, and chop apples into small 1/2-inch chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and mix until fluffy.
- Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in the apples and pecans. The batter will be sticky.
- Pour and press the batter into a buttered 8×8 baking dish (or lined with parchment).
- Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown (check after 35 minutes).
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve, optionally with ice cream.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for better texture.
- Toast pecans for extra flavor.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Serving Suggestions
Oh, you’re gonna love dressing up these apple brownies! For pure indulgence, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – that hot-cold combo is heavenly. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence at fall parties. They’re also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream or just as-is with your afternoon coffee. My kids love them packed in lunchboxes too – though they rarely make it that far in my house!
Storing and Reheating
These apple brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to save some for later? They freeze great for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth!
Apple Brownies FAQs
Got questions about these apple brownies? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most often:
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith is my go-to for their perfect tartness and texture, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady apples work well too. Just avoid super soft varieties – you want apples that’ll hold their shape when baked.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Start checking at 35 minutes – the top should be golden brown and the edges slightly pulling away from the pan. The real test? A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Of course! The pecans add wonderful crunch, but if you’re allergic or just not a fan, you can skip them entirely. The brownies will still be delicious – maybe add a few extra apple pieces to compensate.
Why is my batter so thick?
Don’t worry – that’s exactly how it should be! The apple pieces will release moisture as they bake, keeping everything perfectly moist. Just press it firmly into the pan – no thinning needed.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty apple brownies! Nutrition will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients and brands, but each serving is roughly:
220 calories | 11g fat (5g saturated) | 30g carbs (1g fiber, 18g sugar) | 2g protein. Not too shabby for such a delicious treat! Remember, these are just estimates – the real numbers are in how much joy each bite brings.
Share Your Thoughts
Did you love these apple brownies as much as my family does? I’d adore seeing your creations! Tag me @FrostyRecipes on Instagram or leave a comment below – happy baking!
