These apple brownies are a warm, sweet treat that pairs rich chocolate with juicy apple pieces. Each bite is a lovely mix of gooey and fruity goodness!
Honestly, who can resist brownies? And with apples added, I feel slightly healthier, right? 😂 I love enjoying these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the brownies. If they’re not available, any firm apples will do, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here, but if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but it will still be delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferable for flavor control. You can swap it with coconut oil or vegetable oil if you’re looking to make it dairy-free. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you could replace half of it with brown sugar for deeper flavor. Alternatively, a sugar substitute could work too, especially for those watching their sugar intake!
How Do I Get My Brownies to Rise Perfectly?
Making sure your brownies rise right involves a few key steps. First, don’t skip whisking the baking powder with the dry ingredients. This helps distribute it evenly. Next, beat the butter and sugar well, as this creates air pockets that help with rising.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed—overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
- Monitor your baking time closely; a toothpick inserted should come out clean to avoid drying them out.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously fluffy apple brownies every time!
Apple Brownies Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 to 50 minutes to bake. So, in about one hour or so, you’ll have a warm, delicious treat ready to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly. While it’s heating, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep everything from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This adds lots of warm flavor to the brownies! Set the bowl aside for now.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Use a whisk or a mixer to blend them together until well combined and fluffy. This mixture should be light in texture!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that yummy flavor that’s gonna make your kitchen smell amazing.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Do this gently until it’s just combined—this keeps your brownies nice and soft!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently mix in the chopped apples, ensuring they get evenly distributed throughout. This is what gives your brownies that delicious fruity taste!
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. After it cools for a bit, cut into squares. Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream along with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your moist, cinnamon-spiced apple brownies—a perfect fall-inspired dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness, feel free to use any firm apples you have on hand, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Each type will give a slightly different flavor to the brownies!
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! These apple brownies can be made a day in advance. Simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just warm them up before serving for the best taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to these brownies. You can mix in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!
