Apple Brownies – The Best Easy Fall Dessert

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If you’re searching for easy desserts that capture the flavors of fall, these Apple Brownies are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, they’re a cozy twist on classic brownies. Unlike chocolate brownies, apple brownies (sometimes called blondies) bring a fruity sweetness and cake-like texture that’s ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday tables, or a simple family snack.

This recipe uses fresh apples, brown sugar, and warm spices to create a dessert that feels comforting yet effortless. With minimal prep and basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious fall-inspired dessert ready to share in no time.

Why You’ll Love Apple Brownies

• Easy and quick – Just one bowl and a few pantry staples
• Perfect fall dessert – Packed with cinnamon and apple flavor
• Kid-approved – Sweet, soft, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks
• Great for gatherings – Works for potlucks, Thanksgiving, or cozy family dinners
• Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later

Ingredients

For the batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh apples (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)

Optional add-ins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the baking dish

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

Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3 – Combine wet ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 4 – Add apples

Fold in the chopped apples. The mixture will look thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5 – Combine everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If using nuts or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6 – Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7 – Cool and serve

Allow the apple brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the right apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work best
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until the flour disappears to keep brownies tender
• Check doneness early – Every oven is different, so start checking at 28 minutes
• Add texture – Walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips add fun variations
• Serve warm – A quick reheat makes the brownies extra soft and fragrant

Flavor Variations

• Caramel Apple Brownies – Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving
• Apple Cinnamon Swirl – Add a cinnamon sugar swirl in the middle of the batter
• Apple Blondies with Frosting – Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled brownies
• Apple Oat Brownies – Add 1/4 cup rolled oats to the batter for a chewy bite
• Apple-Pear Mix – Swap half the apples for pears for a fruity twist

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle
• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or apple cider for a cozy fall afternoon
• Cut into small squares and serve on a holiday dessert platter
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise

Storage and Freezing Instructions

At room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
In the fridge – Keeps well for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving
Freezing – Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds

Nutrition Facts (per serving – based on 12 squares)

(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

FAQ

Final Thoughts

These Apple Brownies are the ultimate easy fall dessert. They’re quick to prepare, packed with cozy apple-cinnamon flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you enjoy them warm with ice cream or as a grab-and-go snack, they’re guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Apple Brownies

If you’re searching for easy desserts that capture the flavors of fall, these Apple Brownies are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, they’re a cozy twist on classic brownies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 squares

Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients

  

Batter

• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 113 g unsalted butter, melted
• 200 g light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g chopped fresh apples peeled or unpeeled

Optional Add-ins

• 60 g chopped walnuts or pecans
• 40 g raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions

 

• Step 1 – Prepare the baking dish
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Step 3 – Combine wet ingredients
  In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
• Step 4 – Add apples
  Fold in the chopped apples. The mixture will look thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want.
• Step 5 – Combine everything
  Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If using nuts or dried fruit, fold them in now.
• Step 6 – Bake
  Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 7 – Cool and serve
  Allow the apple brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Choose the right apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture. For extra variation, try adding white chocolate chips, oats, or drizzling caramel on top.

Flavor Variations:
• Caramel Apple – drizzle caramel sauce on top.
• Swirl – add a cinnamon sugar swirl.
• Frosted – top with cream cheese frosting.
• Oat version – add 1/4 cup rolled oats.
• Apple-Pear – replace half the apples with pears.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with ice cream, coffee, or cider. Great for lunchboxes, holiday platters, or afternoon treats.

Storage:
Room temp: up to 3 days. Fridge: up to 5 days. Freezer: up to 2 months wrapped individually.

Keyword apple bars, apple brownies, blondies, easy apple recipe, fall dessert

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