Apple Brownies

$To make these tasty apple brownies, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional) These ingredients blend together to create a moist, flavorful dessert. The apples add sweetness and texture, while the cocoa gives a rich chocolate taste. You can customize your apple brownies to suit your taste! Here are some fun options: - Nuts: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. - Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. - Spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. - Sweeteners: Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option. - Apples: Use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect treat. Using quality ingredients can elevate your apple brownies. Here are some trusted brands: - Flour: King Arthur Flour is known for its high quality. - Sugar: Domino Sugar provides great flavor and sweetness. - Cocoa Powder: Ghirardelli offers rich, delicious cocoa. - Vanilla Extract: Nielsen-Massey has a pure and strong flavor. - Nuts: Blue Diamond almonds are fresh and tasty. Choosing these brands can help ensure your brownies taste amazing. Enjoy experimenting with these delightful ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional) Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until they blend well. Next, take another bowl to mix your wet ingredients. Whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your brownies tough. Gently fold in the diced apples. If you like, add in walnuts and chocolate chips. This adds fun flavors and textures to your brownies. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! For the best texture, avoid opening the oven door too often. This keeps the heat steady. Also, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. It helps in getting the right consistency. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set before you cut them. After that, transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares. When serving, you can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of ice cream. These apple brownies are a delightful treat that everyone will love! Mixing your Apple Brownies well is key. First, use a large bowl for dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until they blend. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. This helps keep the batter smooth. When you combine wet and dry, stir gently. Overmixing can make your brownies tough. Fold in diced apples and any extras carefully. This keeps the apples whole and juicy. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if they’re done. If it comes out clean, your brownies are ready. Choosing apples for your brownies matters a lot. I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples add a nice balance to the sweetness of the sugars. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious. They won’t hold up well in baking. Look for firm apples. They should feel heavy for their size. This means they are fresh and juicy. To keep your Apple Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay soft for up to three days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can stay good for about a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty treat! Pro Tips Use Firm Apples: Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your brownies. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the brownies tender and avoid a tough texture. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried cranberries or different nuts to customize your brownies! {{image_2}} To make gluten-free apple brownies, swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Choose blends that work well for baking. Measure the same amount—one cup. This simple change keeps the brownies moist and tasty. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of real eggs. To make one flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Also, swap vegetable oil for coconut oil or applesauce to keep it moist. Use a plant-based milk and vanilla extract to enhance flavor. You can easily change the flavor of your apple brownies. Try adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger. Just a pinch can add warmth. You can also use different extracts. Almond extract gives a nice twist. Experiment with your favorite flavors to find the perfect mix! You can make apple brownies even better with fun toppings. Here are some ideas: - Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness. - Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs nicely with warm brownies. - Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel on top for a sweet touch. - Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle more walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Powdered Sugar: A light dusting makes them look fancy. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Each topping brings a new taste! When enjoying apple brownies, a nice drink makes it better. Here are some drinks to consider: - Coffee: The warmth of coffee complements the brownie’s sweetness. - Tea: A cup of black or herbal tea works well too. - Milk: Classic cold milk balances the rich flavors. - Sparkling Water: For a lighter choice, try sparkling water with lemon. Choose a drink that fits your mood. Each sip adds to your dessert experience. Apple brownies shine at many events. Here are some occasions to serve them: - Birthday Parties: They are a unique treat for guests. - Family Gatherings: Everyone loves homemade desserts. - Potlucks: Easy to share, and they travel well. - Fall Celebrations: Their apple flavor fits perfectly with autumn themes. No matter the event, apple brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family! The best apples for apple brownies are tart and firm varieties. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They hold their shape well and add great flavor. Tart apples balance the sweetness in this dessert. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a sweeter taste. To boost the chocolate flavor in your apple brownies, add more cocoa powder or chocolate chips. You can increase the cocoa powder to 1/2 cup for a richer taste. You can also mix in an extra 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. This will create a more decadent treat. Adjust the sugars slightly to keep the balance. Yes, you can freeze apple brownies! Allow them to cool completely first. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. Now you know how to make classic apple brownies from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, helpful tips, and tasty variations. You learned how to choose the right apples and how to bake perfectly. Enjoy serving these treats at your next event with fun toppings and drink pairings. Apple brownies can be gluten-free or vegan too. Remember, each bite is a blend of sweet apples and rich flavor. Happy baking, and I hope you share your delicious results!$

Deliciously moist brownies made with fresh apples and cocoa.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
0.25 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the diced apples, walnuts, and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Optional walnuts and chocolate chips can be added for extra flavor.

Keyword apple, brownies, dessert