If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the comforting richness of traditional brownies with the fresh, natural sweetness of apples and a delightful crunch from toasted pecans, these chewy apple brownies offer a perfect balance of flavors and texture. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is straightforward, approachable, and yields a luscious dessert that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create those perfect chewy, sweet apple brownies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich texture, warm flavors, and subtle spice that make this dessert truly special.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup / 112 g): Room temperature butter adds moisture and richness to the batter for a tender crumb.
- Sugar (1 cup / 200 g): Provides sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture we all love.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the brownies.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup / 133 g): The foundation of the batter, giving it body and structure.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Just enough lift to keep the brownies light but still dense and chewy.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the apples.
- Chopped apple pieces (1 cup / 100 g): The star ingredient that brings freshness and natural juiciness.
- Toasted pecan pieces (½ cup / 53 g): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
How to Make Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Pan and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang. This will help you easily lift the brownies out once cooled. Next, peel, core, and dice the apples into quarter to half-inch pieces. Uniform pieces ensure even distribution and delightful pockets of juicy apple in each bite.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened salted butter and sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is essential for introducing air into the batter, which helps achieve that irresistible chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Egg
Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth. The egg gives structure to your apple brownies, making sure everything holds together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and a quarter teaspoon of the ground cinnamon. This pre-mixing ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 5: Mix Batter
Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining just until everything is mixed—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces and toasted pecan pieces so the flavors and textures are perfectly woven throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, maintaining that perfect chewy consistency.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove your apple brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan for at least 2-3 hours. For easier slicing and an even fudgier texture, consider chilling the pan in the refrigerator for an hour or two. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the slab out, slice into squares, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apples. For a fresh contrast, add a small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
These apple brownies shine on their own, but can also be served alongside warm spiced beverages like chai tea or mulled cider to enhance their cozy vibe. For celebrations, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes an irresistible partner, melting over the warm, chewy brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange apple brownie squares on a wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and toasted pecans for a rustic look. Alternatively, cut brownies into smaller bite-sized pieces and offer them on a platter as a party-friendly finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best chewiness, keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. After that, refrigeration helps retain their freshness for up to a week.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for 2 to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your apple brownies after freezing or chilling, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This warms the apples and softens the brownies, bringing back that chewy, fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp also work wonderfully. Just be mindful that sweeter apples may make the brownies even sweeter.
What if I don’t have pecans? Can I substitute them?
Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or leave out nuts altogether if you have allergies or preferences. Each nut will add its own unique flavor and crunch to the apple brownies.
How do I ensure the brownies stay chewy and not cakey?
The key is not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, and to bake until just done. Watching for that golden edge and moist crumbs on a toothpick test helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that some blends absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust baking times slightly.
How long should I let the brownies cool before slicing?
Cooling completely in the pan for 2-3 hours, followed by chilling in the fridge for an hour or two, gives the best results. This allows them to firm up, making slicing easier and preserving that chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about biting into these apple brownies that manage to be chewy, sweet, and satisfyingly easy to make all at once. I can’t wait for you to try this Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert Recipe and experience the perfect blend of apple freshness, warming cinnamon, and nutty pecan crunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
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Apple Brownies Recipe: Chewy, Sweet & Easy Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Brownies are a chewy, sweet, and easy dessert combining tender chunks of apple with toasted pecans in a soft buttery batter. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies with a fruity and nutty flavor that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat.
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
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped apple pieces
- ½ 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 for easy removal later. Peel, core, and dice apples into ½-inch to ¾-inch pieces to ensure even distribution and texture in the brownies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to incorporate air and ensure a tender crumb.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg thoroughly until fully blended and the mixture becomes smooth, which helps bind the batter together.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ¼ teaspoon of the ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spice.
- Mix Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies. Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans to add moisture, flavor, and crunch.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top as needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 2 to 3 hours to set the texture. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for an additional 1 to 2 hours to make slicing easier and enhance the fudginess. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan, slice into 12 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use crisp tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and chewy.
- Chilling before slicing helps achieve clean cuts and a fudgier consistency.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned.
