Apple brownies stuffed with chunks of apple and walnut are easy apple bars that bring a smile to everyone’s face ~ make a batch today for a back to school lunch box, the guys at the office, or just for you…you deserve it!
apple brownies are the perfect fall snack
Friends ~ these are really really good, don’t miss them!! It’s a good thing these apple brownies are baked in a 9×13 pan, because they go fast. Nobody ever turns one down ~ why would they? They’re chewy, packed with juicy apples and crunchy walnuts in butterscotch-y batter with a hint of spice. And they taste like…fall!
I recommend this recipe if you’re looking for a foolproof treat to share with friends. People are intrigued right off the bat by the concept, and get that goofy this is delicious grin on their face after the first bite. They’ll ask for the recipe, so be prepared!
ingredients for apple brownies
This is an easy one bowl batter, the most time consuming part is peeling and chopping the apples.
- apples, peeled and chopped in half-inch chunks.
- I used Granny Smith apples, but any variety you like will work. Honeycrisp would be my second choice.
- butter
- granulated and brown sugar
- large eggs
- walnuts
- substitute pecans, or leave them out entirely if you prefer.
- flour
- vanilla
- apple pie spice or cinnamon
- my apple pie spice is from McCormick and it’s a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. I like it because it’s a little softer and more complex than cinnamon alone.
- baking powder, baking soda, salt
helpful tips for making apple brownies
1/2 inch chunks of apple seemed to be the sweet spot. Any smaller and they melt into the batter and you don’t get bursts of apple in every bite. Any larger and the brownies won’t hold together as well.
As with all brownies and blondies there is a risk of over-baking. 35-38 minutes was perfect for me, and I like to confirm my oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
These brownies get a lot of moisture from the chunks of fresh apple, and they tend to get even moister as they sit, so I don’t cover them tightly with plastic wrap. I like to keep them on the counter loosely covered with foil, or under my glass cake dome.
serving suggestion
Yes these apple bars have a homey coffee break in the kitchen or after school snack vibe; they’re easy to eat out of hand, or pack and take with you anywhere.
But nothing says you can’t go for it with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You do you.
if you love apple brownies I bet you’ll also love
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- The BEST Maple Walnut Blondies
- Triple Lemon Brownies
- Moist Zucchini Brownies
- Apple Crisp Muffins
- Easy Apple Fritter Bread
- Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
Moist Apple Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13 pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp apple pie spice, or cinnamon
- 2 cups peeled chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9×13 pan. I like to line it with parchment paper so I can remove the brownies for slicing, but that's optional.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter with the white and brown sugars. Make sure to smooth out any lumps of brown sugar.
- Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts.
- Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then fold in the flour and mix just until well combined, but don't over mix.
- Spread the batter evenly in your pan. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until golden. If unsure, insert a toothpick somewhere near the center, it should come out without wet batter on it (moist crumbs are fine.) Don't over bake, apple brownies can go from almost done to over-baked in a matter of minutes.
- Let the brownies cool somewhat before slicing and devouring ๐
Tasty, but mine were more cake like than brownie. I had, unfortunately, picked up self-rising flour on a recent shopping trip so I omitted the baking powder, baking soda and salt. I baked them for 35 minutes and was not as moist as I expected.
I’ll be dreaming about these forever. I used Bobs Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour and sprinkled extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking. Served with a spiced powdered sugar glaze. 10/10
I made this for guest this week, added a little more spice, came out perfectly. Everyone loved it, moist, flavorful. Nothing left, the guests took them home, with the recipe.
There is no way to “whisk” the baking powder, soda, and salt in once the walnuts and apples have been added. I suggest that the soda, baking powder, salt and flour get whisked together then folded into the rest of the ingredients. Taste is wonderful!
This is next on my list to try. Or maybe I will just let you adopt me and move in to let you do all the cooking. I’ll clean up!
Deal!!
These are soooo good! I think they should be called Blondies though.
These were delicious Sue! A very nice moist crumb with an almost crispy exterior. My Husband enjoyed them on their own and I had a scoop of ice cream with a little maple syrup drizzled over. I did freeze them and they are every bit as good once thawed. Thank you!
Thanks Glenda!!
Can we freeze these apple brownies! Thanks.
Yes, they’ll freeze well.
Hi – I LOVE tahini and was wondering if you have any suggestions for substituting tahini for some of the butter or swirling it in the batter? thanks!
That sounds amazing Louise, but I haven’t baked with tahini so I’m not exactly sure. I think a light swirl of tahini would work, but you’d have to experiment with subbing it for some of the butter. I’d try half and half first.
Please, share if you do this and let us know how it goes! I’m a tahini fanatic, as well! What a great idea.
I will call them apple blondies