These yummy Apple Brownies are a fun twist on a classic treat! Made with soft, sweet apples and rich chocolate, they really hit the spot.
You’ll love how easy they are to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! They’re perfect with a scoop of ice cream on top—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control of salt in your dessert. You can use margarine or coconut oil instead if you want a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens these brownies. You could substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Eggs: Eggs add richness and moisture. If you’re vegan, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until thick).
Apples: For flavor and moisture, any sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp works great. If you’re concerned about browning, you can squeeze some lemon juice over them.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. If it’s unavailable, carob powder can be a substitute, though it alters the taste slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture in My Brownies?
To make delicious, moist brownies, focus on two key steps: blending the ingredients and baking. Here’s how:
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not clean—this keeps them fudgy.
- Let them cool fully in the pan. This helps them set perfectly for clean slices.
How to Make Apple Brownies Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 30-35 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour before you can indulge in your delicious apple brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until everything is smooth and well combined. Now, add in the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to ensure your brownies have a nice, even texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix it gently until just combined—be careful not to over-mix as this can make your brownies tough!
5. Add the Apples:
In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with ground cinnamon to coat them. Then, fold these cinnamon-coated apples into the brownie batter gently, so they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake it in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch right before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, moist apple-studded chocolate brownies! They’re a treat you won’t want to miss!
Can I Substitute the Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of apples you have on hand, like Granny Smith for a tart flavor, or even pears for a different twist. Just make sure they are roughly the same size as the apples mentioned to keep the balance in the recipe.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that is designed for baking to ensure the texture remains light and fluffy. You may need to add a bit more moisture or adjust baking time, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.