Decadent Apple Brownies That’ll Steal Your Heart Recipe

Introduction

These decadent apple brownies blend the rich, buttery texture of classic brownies with the fresh sweetness of chopped apples and the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for an autumn treat or any time you want a heartwarming dessert that’s a little different from the usual.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter (salted, room temp)
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Chopped apple pieces (mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp)
• 1/2 cup Toasted pecan pieces (or walnuts)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Toast the pecan pieces in a small pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant, then remove and let cool.
3. Step 3: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Sift in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into the wet mixture and mix gently until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the diced apples and toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly, then press down gently.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool in the pan for 15–30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to enhance flavor complexity and balance sweetness.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts for a different nutty twist.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
• For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the apple brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm oven to restore softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith and Honey Crisp are great for balancing tartness and sweetness, but Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn also work well.

Do the apples make the brownies soggy?

The chopped apples add moisture but if they are cut into small chunks and evenly mixed in, the brownies maintain a nice texture with just a moist crumb, not soggy.

Decadent Apple Brownies That’ll Steal Your Heart Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 126 reviews

These decadent apple brownies combine a moist, spiced batter with fresh apple chunks and toasted pecans for a deliciously heartwarming treat. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting dessert, these brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic by incorporating fresh fruit and nuts, creating a luscious, tender texture with a hint of cinnamon spice.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (9 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 1/2 cup Butter (salted, room temperature)
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Mix-ins

• 1 cup Chopped apple pieces (mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp)
• 1/2 cup Toasted pecan pieces (or walnuts)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Toast Pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
3. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks; set aside for later mixing.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Then add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Apples and Pecans: Carefully fold the chopped apples and toasted pecans into the batter to ensure even distribution.
7. Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15–30 minutes before slicing into squares to serve.

Notes

• Adjust the cinnamon amount to your taste preference for milder or spicier flavor.
• Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honey Crisp) apples to achieve balanced flavor and texture.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred, and ensure nuts are toasted for enhanced flavor.
• Allow brownies to cool before cutting to get clean slices and to let flavors meld.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: apple brownies, apple dessert, pecan brownies, cinnamon brownies, fall dessert, easy brownies, fruit brownies