The scent of apples and cinnamon always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every fall, she’d bake something amazing. This year, I wanted to capture that comforting feeling in a single, delicious treat. And what’s more comforting than a fudgy brownie? That’s why I’ve developed these Apple Brownies (Easy Fall Dessert) – a simple recipe that combines the richness of a classic brownie with the warm, inviting flavors of fall. They’re seriously addictive, and so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Brownies
These aren’t your average brownies. They’re special. Here’s why you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again:
- Easy to Make: Honestly, this is brownie-making for beginners. No complicated techniques, just straightforward steps.
- Fall Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and rich chocolate is pure autumnal bliss.
- Fudgy and Delicious: We’re aiming for that perfect, gooey fudgy texture – because who doesn’t love a fudgy brownie?
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves brownies, and the apple twist makes them extra appealing for fall gatherings.
- Adaptable: Want to add nuts? Sure! Prefer a different type of apple? Go for it! This recipe is very forgiving.
Ingredient List – Gather Your Goodies!
Here’s what you’ll need to bake your delicious Apple Brownies (Easy Fall Dessert):
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions – Let’s Bake!
Ready to get baking? It’s simpler than you think!
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later. This is a great trick!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- While the batter is resting, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened – about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be mushy, just tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cooked apple filling evenly over the brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the apples, spreading it to cover.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Oven times can vary, so keep an eye on them!
5. Cool & Cut:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. If you used parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the pan using the overhang and place them on a cutting board. This makes cutting much easier and prevents sticking.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Want to take your Apple Brownies (Easy Fall Dessert) to the next level? Here are some ideas:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties! Granny Smith will provide a tart contrast to the sweetness. A mix of tart and sweet apples works wonderfully.
- Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after the brownies have cooled. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A simple cream cheese frosting would be a delicious complement to the apple and chocolate flavors.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
- Serve Warm: Warm brownies are always comforting. Pop a square in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat. A warm cup of apple cider is the perfect beverage pairing!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving size: 1 brownie (approximately 2×2 inch square)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Cholesterol: 45-55mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Embrace the Fall Flavors – Give These Brownies a Try!
These Apple Brownies (Easy Fall Dessert) are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a fall potluck, or a simple dessert to share with loved ones. Don’t be intimidated by baking; this recipe is truly foolproof. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumnal perfection. Happy baking!
