Apple Brownies : A Cozy Fall Dessert with Fresh Apples and Cinnamon Bliss

When fall arrives and apples are at their peak, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with these Apple Brownies — a warm, buttery dessert that perfectly blends the heartiness of apple cake with the chewy richness of a brownie. They’re sweet, spiced, and soft in the center with a hint of caramelized edges that make every bite irresistible.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with fresh apples, this is the recipe you’ve been looking for. Simple to make and full of cozy autumn flavor, these Apple Brownies (sometimes called Apple Blondes) are one of the best apple recipes desserts you can bake for your family this season.

For more easy fall inspiration, try our Apple Crisp with Oatmeal or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies — both festive, comforting, and made with the same fall spirit that makes baking so satisfying.

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What Are Apple Brownies (a.k.a. Apple Blondes)?

Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, Apple Brownies skip the cocoa and embrace the natural sweetness of apples and brown sugar. The texture is moist, chewy, and slightly gooey — just like brownies — but the flavor leans toward apple pie or spice cake.

They’re often referred to as Apple Blondies or Apple Blondes, since they share that buttery, brown sugar base found in blondies. But what sets them apart is the juicy apple chunks that bake right into the dough, infusing every bite with fruity goodness.

If you enjoy soft, spiced baked goods, you’ll also love our Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — another comforting treat that captures the best of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

There’s something truly nostalgic about baking with apples when the leaves start to change. Here’s why these Apple Brownies will become your go-to fall dessert:

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Made with pantry staples and fresh apples.
• Perfect texture: Soft, chewy, and dense like a brownie, but bursting with cinnamon warmth.
• Versatile: Delicious plain, glazed, or with a scoop of ice cream.
• Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prepping or holiday gifting.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving: A wonderful twist on traditional Thanksgiving apple recipes.

If you’re a fan of warm, cozy desserts, don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles — another fall favorite that’s simple yet decadent.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Brownies

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• 2 cups (about 2 medium) fresh apples, peeled and diced
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Optional Topping:

• Caramel drizzle or vanilla glaze
• Dusting of powdered sugar

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.

If you enjoy quick fall bakes like this, check out our Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips — it’s just as moist and full of warm spice.

Choosing and Prepping the Best Fresh Apples for Baking

The secret to perfect Apple Brownies lies in choosing the right apples. Look for varieties that hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Best apples for baking:

• Granny Smith (tart and firm)
• Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp)
• Fuji (juicy and fragrant)
• Pink Lady (tangy and aromatic)

Pro tip: For added texture, mix two apple varieties—one tart and one sweet.

If you have extra apples, don’t let them go to waste! Try our Apple Crisp with Oatmeal for another delicious way to use fresh apples.

How to Make Apple Brownies Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and whisk until creamy.
4. Add dry to wet: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in apples and nuts: Gently mix diced apples and nuts into the batter.
6. Spread and bake: Pour batter into the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before slicing into squares. Drizzle with caramel or dust with sugar if desired.

The result is a dense, moist bar with tender apple bits that melt in your mouth — the very essence of fall dessert perfection.

If you love cozy, aromatic desserts, also try our Pumpkin Dump Cake — another easy one-pan treat that smells like fall.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Peeler and cutting board

That’s it — no fancy mixers or equipment required!

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Dough and Moist Texture

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing creates dense bars; stir just until combined.
• Use melted butter: Keeps the texture soft and rich.
• Choose juicy apples: They add natural moisture.
• Cool before cutting: Warm brownies can crumble easily.
• Add nuts last: Fold gently to maintain texture.

If you like rustic-style desserts with moist, rich textures, you’ll love our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies — soft, spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

How to Add a Twist: Recipes Using Dried Apples or Nuts

Got dried apples on hand? They’re great for adding concentrated apple flavor and chewy texture. Simply soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Other creative mix-ins:

• Chopped pecans or almonds for crunch
• White chocolate chips for sweetness
• Raisins or cranberries for tart contrast
• A sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet finish

If you like experimenting with fall ingredients, our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles also feature creative flavor pairings you’ll adore.

Flavor Variations for the Best Apple Recipes Desserts

• Apple Caramel Brownies: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
• Apple Cinnamon Glazed Bars: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze.
• Apple Pecan Blondies: Add chopped pecans and a pinch of maple syrup.
• Apple Cranberry Bars: Toss in dried cranberries for tart balance.
• Apple Oatmeal Brownies: Add ½ cup rolled oats to the batter for extra texture.

If you want more fall dessert variety, try our Pumpkin Zucchini Bread — it’s moist, lightly spiced, and perfect for cozy mornings.

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Apple Recipes

Apple Brownies make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Serve them:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle
• With a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Alongside a cup of coffee or Lavender Lemonade

They’re a crowd-pleaser and can even replace traditional pie for guests who prefer something lighter.

If you’re planning a full Thanksgiving spread, check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Dump Cake for easy make-ahead desserts.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Brownies

• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to a week for longer freshness.
• Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Easy Dessert Recipes Fall

• Bake ahead and freeze in layers separated by parchment paper.
• Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours before serving.
• Add glaze or drizzle after thawing to keep it fresh.

This makes Apple Brownies a perfect Thanksgiving prep recipe, especially if you’re managing multiple dishes.

Healthy Swaps for Fall Healthy Dessert Recipes

Want to make your Apple Brownies lighter without sacrificing flavor? Try these:

• Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for extra fiber.
• Replace butter with applesauce or coconut oil.
• Swap sugar for maple syrup, honey, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Add rolled oats or flaxseed for wholesome texture.

For another nutritious fall dessert, check out our Tofu Pumpkin Pie — a creamy, protein-packed twist on a holiday classic.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dessert Recipes Using Fresh Apples

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Reduce other liquids slightly.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji provide the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Do Apple Brownies need to be refrigerated?
They’ll keep fine at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration helps them stay fresh longer.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Bake These Apple Brownies and Share the Joy!

These Apple Brownies bring everything we love about fall into one easy dessert — the comforting aroma of cinnamon, the sweetness of fresh apples, and the chewy goodness of a brownie. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, baking for friends, or just indulging in the flavors of the season, this recipe is a keeper.

If you love cozy fall baking, don’t miss our Apple Crisp with Oatmeal, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, and Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips. Each one captures the essence of the season in its own sweet way.

Bake, share, and spread the warmth — and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy fall dessert recipes and cozy baking ideas all year long!

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