Name: Apple Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced apples (peeled, tart variety like Granny Smith); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These apple brownies are the ultimate cozy dessert bar—chewy, buttery, and filled with tender apple chunks in every bite. Imagine the classic texture of a brownie, but infused with cinnamon and fresh apple instead of chocolate. It’s like your favorite apple pie and a soft blondie had the sweetest baby.

Whether you’re serving these for a holiday gathering or want a quick autumn-inspired treat, apple brownies hit that perfect balance between rustic charm and indulgent sweetness. With their golden crackly tops and moist, cake-like centers, they’re irresistible straight from the oven or chilled from the fridge.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Brownies

Perfect for fall: These are a must-make when apples are in season, but delicious year-round.
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here—you likely have everything in your pantry already.
No frosting needed: They’re rich and flavorful enough on their own.
Crowd-pleasing: Great for bake sales, potlucks, or family dessert night.
Warm & spiced: A cozy blend of cinnamon and apples gives these bars that comforting, nostalgic flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making apple brownies is super straightforward, but having the right tools can make it even smoother:

Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium): Essential for separating your dry and wet ingredients before combining them smoothly.
Whisk & Silicone Spatula: A whisk helps blend the eggs and sugar evenly; a spatula is ideal for folding in apple chunks without crushing them.
8×8-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size to yield thick, chewy brownies with crisp edges.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes lifting the whole batch out of the pan super easy for slicing.
Cooling Rack: Cools the brownies evenly and avoids a soggy bottom.

Each tool plays a small but crucial role in ensuring your brownies have the perfect texture, bake evenly, and are easy to serve.

Ingredients for the Apple Brownies

Each ingredient in these apple brownies serves a delicious purpose:

Apples: The star of the show—choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: Provides a rich, moist base and deepens the flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and a soft, chewy crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the moisture and sweetness.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone that gives brownies their shape.
Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
Baking Powder: Adds a gentle lift without making the brownies cakey.
Salt: Balances and boosts the overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the taste with a smooth aromatic finish.

How To Make the Apple Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks. Set aside and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth, rich batter base.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Smooth out the top and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slice into squares and enjoy!

Best Ways to Serve and Store Apple Brownies

Apple brownies are versatile and easy to serve in any setting. They’re lovely on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

For a cozy fall brunch, pair them with coffee or hot apple cider. Their spiced aroma makes them feel right at home on a festive dessert table or as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea.

To store, let them cool completely and keep in an airtight container:

Room Temperature: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Extends freshness to 5-6 days. Serve chilled or bring to room temp.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep apple brownies moist?

Be sure not to overbake and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Using brown sugar and plenty of apples also helps keep them soft and chewy.

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Pink Lady add the best flavor and hold their shape during baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and slightly increase the baking time to around 40–45 minutes.

Are these brownies supposed to be cakey or fudgy?

They fall somewhere in between—a moist, chewy center with a lightly crisp top. Not too cakey, not too gooey.

Can I add nuts?

Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious crunchy addition. Stir them in with the apples.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you love a bit of bite and rustic feel, you can leave the peels on.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you enjoyed these chewy and cozy apple brownies, you’ll fall in love with these other unique dessert bar favorites:

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy treat.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups if you’re craving that classic sweet-salty combo.
Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a hearty, chewy bite.
Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake for a nostalgic twist with berry bliss.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake if you love chilled, layered desserts.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

Let me know how your apple brownies turned out in the comments! Did you try adding nuts? Serve them warm with ice cream? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

And if you have any baking questions, drop them below—we’re in this sweet journey together!