When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing better than baking something sweet that fills your home with the smell of cinnamon and apples. These Apple Brownies — sometimes called apple blondies — are the perfect easy dessert recipe for fall. They’re soft, chewy, full of apple chunks, and lightly spiced for that cozy autumn flavor we all crave.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with fresh apples after a big orchard trip or Thanksgiving weekend, this recipe is your answer. It’s quick to make, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers that warm, buttery texture of brownies with a fruity twist. The combination of fresh apples and cinnamon makes these the kind of dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Brownies
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
- Perfect fall flavor: Apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon make a comforting autumn treat.
- Texture you’ll love: Soft and chewy like brownies, but with the brightness of apples.
- Versatile dessert: Great for potlucks, Thanksgiving gatherings, or weeknight treats.
Whether you call them apple blondes or apple bars, this dessert brings together the best parts of fall baking — warm spices, tender fruit, and that homemade coziness we all crave when the weather cools down.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Fold in apples: Add diced apples (and nuts, if using) to the batter and fold gently until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve as-is, or warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream for an extra treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Brownies
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overbake — you want the center to stay moist and chewy like a true brownie.
- Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a twist on recipes using dried apples.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup — the apples will still add plenty of flavor.
Serving Ideas
These apple brownies are wonderful on their own, but you can make them extra special by serving them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy fall dinner, pair them with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup or Jalapeño Popper Soup for the perfect sweet ending. They also make a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving apple recipes lineup — something different from the usual pie but just as comforting.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for gooey caramel swirls.
- Apple Oat Blondies: Replace ¼ cup flour with rolled oats for added texture and fiber.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Healthy Fall Dessert: Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce to lighten it up without losing flavor.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. These bars also freeze beautifully — wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
FAQ
Can I use dried apples instead of fresh?
Yes! Rehydrate dried apples in warm water for 15 minutes, then chop and use in place of fresh apples for a chewy texture.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are great because they hold up well during baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 40 minutes.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Bake a day ahead — the flavors deepen overnight, making them even better the next day.
Are these brownies or blondies?
They’re technically apple blondies — chewy like brownies, but flavored with apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar instead of chocolate.
This apple brownie recipe is the perfect way to celebrate fall’s best fruit. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just craving something cozy, this easy dessert will make your kitchen smell amazing and bring that perfect touch of homemade sweetness to your day.
Apple Brownies (Easy Fall Dessert)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh apples
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 pan.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet.
- Fold in apples and nuts; spread into pan.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and set; cool before slicing.
