Easy Apple Brownies – Perfect for Cozy Fall Baking

When autumn rolls around, nothing says comfort quite like the scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the kitchen. These Easy Apple Brownies are the perfect fall treat—soft, buttery, and packed with chunks of fresh apple in every bite. They’re not quite a brownie in the chocolate sense, but more like a cross between a blondie and a spiced apple cake. The result? A moist, chewy dessert that’s full of cozy fall flavor. I once made these with a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples, and the sweet-tart balance was just right. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a fall festival, or just a quiet evening with tea, these apple brownies are sure to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Brownies are a celebration of everything fall—apples, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar—all baked into one decadent square. They’re simple to make with pantry staples and require no mixer or fancy techniques. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of soft apples and chewy edges, making them irresistible for dessert (or even breakfast).

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples – Fresh apples are the star of this recipe. Choose firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and gives the brownies their chewy, cake-like crumb.

Brown sugar – Adds moisture, sweetness, and that warm caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with apples.

Granulated sugar – Balances the flavor and helps create a slight crust on top.

Unsalted butter – Gives richness and helps the brownies stay moist. Melted butter makes the texture soft and fudgy.

Eggs – Bind the batter and add a bit of lift.

Vanilla extract – Enhances all the warm flavors and adds depth to the sweetness.

Baking powder – A small amount ensures the brownies rise just enough while staying dense and chewy.

Cinnamon – The ultimate fall spice, it infuses the brownies with cozy warmth.

Nutmeg – Adds a subtle spice that complements the apples perfectly.

Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix. Gently stir in the chopped apples (and nuts, if using). The batter will be thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).

Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 brownies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days. Warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Caramel Apple Brownies – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving for an indulgent twist.

Maple Glazed – Add a simple maple icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup for a sweet finish.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl – Mix in a swirl of cinnamon sugar through the batter before baking for a layered look.

Nutty Crunch – Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Spiced Chai Version – Add a pinch of cardamom and cloves for a chai-inspired flavor profile.

Apple Pie Style – Add a layer of thinly sliced apples on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Cream Cheese Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the batter and swirl with a knife for a cheesecake effect.

Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Oatmeal Apple Bars – Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.

Double Apple Delight – Use both fresh apples and a bit of unsweetened applesauce for maximum flavor and moisture.

FAQs

1. What’s the best apple for baking these brownies?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their texture and provide great flavor.

2. Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but use half the amount and expect a softer texture.

3. Do these taste like traditional chocolate brownies?

No, they’re more like apple blondies—sweet, spiced, and chewy.

4. Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter or coconut oil as a substitute.

5. How do I make them extra moist?

Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter or a spoonful of applesauce.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to 40–45 minutes.

7. What glaze goes best with apple brownies?

A simple vanilla or maple glaze pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.

8. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! White chocolate or caramel chips add an indulgent touch.

9. How do I prevent the brownies from being too dry?

Don’t overbake—remove them as soon as the edges are golden and the center is just set.

10. Can I serve these warm?

Definitely. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.

Conclusion

These Easy Apple Brownies are the essence of fall baking—simple, cozy, and absolutely irresistible. With tender apple chunks, warm spices, and a buttery texture, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with coffee, cider, or a cozy blanket. Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together or baking just because, these brownies are guaranteed to fill your home with the comforting aroma of autumn and bring smiles to every table.

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