If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly blends fruity freshness with a chewy, sweet texture, you’ve got to try this Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert! Recipe. These apple brownies bring a unique twist to the classic treat by incorporating tender apple pieces and toasted pecans, resulting in a delightfully moist and flavor-packed bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite that’s as simple as it is scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and inviting color. From the rich butter lending moisture and depth, to the warm cinnamon awakening the senses, these basics come together to make magic happen in your oven.
- 1/2 cup (112 g) salted butter, room temperature: Softened butter ensures a creamy, tender crumb while adding richness and flavor.
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tartness of the apples perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder for all ingredients, providing structure and moisture to the brownies.
- 1 cup (133 g) all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient giving the brownies their chewy, satisfying body.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Lightly helps the brownies rise, making them soft without losing chewiness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop with taste.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the apples.
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped apple pieces: Fresh apples bring juicy bursts and a delightful texture contrast.
- ½ cup (53 g) toasted pecan pieces: Toasting nuts intensifies their flavor, adding a perfect crunch and nutty aroma.
How to Make Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert! Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Pan and Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which sets the perfect temperature for that golden edge and chewy center you crave. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Peel, core, and dice your apples into pieces roughly ½-inch to ¾-inch in size, giving you just the right chunkiness for delightful texture in every bite.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened salted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air, which helps give your brownies a tender crumb that’s richer and more inviting.
Step 3: Add Egg
Next, mix in the large egg until fully blended. Don’t rush it; a smooth, homogenous mixture means your batter will be perfectly cohesive and ready to embrace the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and just ¼ of your cinnamon together. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, which makes a big difference in the overall flavor and texture once combined.
Step 5: Mix Batter
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful to avoid overmixing—overdoing it can make your brownies tough, and we want chewy and tender instead! After the batter is just combined, gently fold in your chopped apple and toasted pecans. This little fold introduces exciting textures and natural sweetness throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it to one even layer so it bakes uniformly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, promising every bite is rich and fudgy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, pull your pan out and let the apple brownies cool completely on a wire rack for a good 2 to 3 hours to set up that irresistible chewy texture. For an even fudgier result and easier slicing, pop the pan in the refrigerator for another hour or two before lifting the brownies out using the parchment and cutting them into heavenly squares ready to eat.
How to Serve Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert! Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these apple brownies, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These touches add an extra layer of indulgence and play beautifully against the spicy apple notes.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of chai tea—both offer comforting contrasts that compliment the chewy, sweet depth of these apple treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, you might cut the brownies into mini squares and serve them on a festive platter garnished with fresh apple slices and chopped pecans. Or try stacking them in a layered dessert cup with whipped cream and cinnamon for a show-stopping treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple brownies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, retaining their chewy magic and fresh apple bites. Beyond that, refrigeration helps extend their life without drying them out.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture restoration.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop chilled or thawed brownies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or briefly warm them in a low oven. This step enhances the gooey texture and revives the subtle spice aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when baked to keep that lovely texture contrast.
What if I don’t have toasted pecans?
You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even leave out nuts altogether. Toasting enhances nutty flavors, but it’s still delicious without them.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking, but texture might vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg in place of the large egg. Adjust baking times as needed and enjoy!
How can I tell when the apple brownies are done?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures a chewy, fudgy center rather than an undercooked one.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert! Recipe is a treasure you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique that yields a dessert full of comforting flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly you can bring joy to your table with these luscious apple-infused brownies.
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Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert! Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining chewy, sweet brownie texture with fresh apple pieces and toasted pecans. Easy to make and perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert with a fruity touch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (112 g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (133 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (use 1/4 tsp for dry ingredients, reserve rest)
Add-ins
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped apple pieces (peeled, cored, diced 1/2 to 3/4 inch)
- 1/2 cup (53 g) toasted pecan pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Peel, core, and dice the apples into pieces about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter together with the sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes a few minutes and helps create a tender texture in the brownies.
- Add Egg: Crack in the large egg and continue beating until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. Carefully fold in the chopped apple pieces and toasted pecan pieces evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the lined baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownie pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 2-3 hours. For best slicing and a fudgy texture, refrigerate the cooled brownies for an additional 1-2 hours. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
- Chilling the brownies after baking improves sliceability and enhances texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
