Apple Brownies Recipe
These Apple Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining the moist sweetness of apples with the rich, buttery texture of a classic brownie. Enhanced with toasted pecans for a crunchy contrast and a hint of cinnamon for warm spice, these treats are perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (8x8 inch pan, cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour (133 g)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g)
- 1 cup sugar (200 g)
- 1 egg
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g)
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Toast Pecans: In a small pan, toast the pecan pieces over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Set them aside to cool before mixing into the batter.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks about 1/2 inch in size to provide tender bites throughout the brownies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated and airy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans. The batter will be sticky and moist due to the apples.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Bake: Pour and press the batter evenly into a buttered 8×8 inch baking dish or one lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven; it took about 35 minutes for this recipe.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, which helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. They go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- To toast pecans, stir frequently in a dry skillet over medium heat to avoid burning.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature to properly cream with sugar for a fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added; this will prevent the brownies from becoming tough.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 50 g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: apple brownies, cinnamon brownies, pecan brownies, apple dessert, baked apple treat