Apple Brownies Recipe
These Apple Brownies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic brownies with fresh, juicy apples and toasted pecans for a delightful twist. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavors, these baked treats are perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, fruity dessert.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (3x3 inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g)
- 1 cup sugar (200 g)
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour (133 g)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped apple pieces (about 100 g)
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Toast Pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This enhances their flavor. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks about 1/2 inch in size to ensure they incorporate well into the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step creates a creamy base for the brownies.
- Add Egg: Add the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix thoroughly until combined and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated — do not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans gently into the batter. The batter may become sticky and moist due to the apples.
- Bake: Pour and press the batter evenly into a buttered or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The exact baking time may vary; around 35 minutes works well for most ovens.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. These apple brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a contrast of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the brownies tender.
- Check the brownies early after 30 minutes to prevent overbaking, as ovens vary.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Apple brownies, apple dessert, pecan brownies, cinnamon brownies, baked apple treats, fall dessert, quick dessert