When I want a cozy, sweet treat that fills the kitchen with the smell of fall, I turn to these Apple Brownies—also known as Apple Blondies. They’re soft, buttery bars loaded with tender apples, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. These are the kind of bakes I pull out when I need something easy, impressive, and satisfying all at once.
Whether I serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or wrap them up for a picnic, these bars never last long. Let me show how I make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and rewarding these Apple Brownies are to make. Here’s why they’re one of my favorite treats:
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Quick and easy—ready in just 45 minutes
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Perfect texture: soft, moist, and chewy
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Loaded with real apple chunks and cozy spices
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Easy to customize with nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate
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Great for any occasion, from holidays to weekday desserts
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Ground cinnamon
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Ground nutmeg
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Unsalted butter
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Peeled and diced apples
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Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the oven
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). I grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. -
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step makes sure the spices are evenly distributed. -
Combine the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, I stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Then I add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. -
Bring it all together
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. I avoid overmixing so the brownies stay tender. -
Fold in the apples and extras
I gently fold in the diced apples and any extras like chopped nuts or dried fruit. This gives the brownies texture and extra bursts of flavor. -
Bake
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then I bake it for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and slice
After baking, I let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 to 16 squares, depending on how big I slice them. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and is ready in about 45 minutes total.
Variations
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Gluten-free: I swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
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Vegan: I use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based butter.
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Extra spice: A pinch of ground ginger or cloves gives the bars more warmth.
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Chocolate version: I add chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent twist.
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Fruit swap: I sometimes replace the apples with pears or even peaches for a new flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftover Apple Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 1 week—just let them come to room temp before serving.
If I want to freeze them, I wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw them in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes. I often use Granny Smith for a tart bite, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala also work great. Each brings its own texture and sweetness to the brownies.
How do I store leftover Apple Brownies?
I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to a week. They stay moist and flavorful either way.
Can I freeze Apple Brownies?
Absolutely. I wrap them individually, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months and taste just as good after thawing.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
I like using flax eggs as an alternative—just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! I substitute a gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio) and it works beautifully. The texture stays soft and chewy just like the original.
Conclusion
Apple Brownies (or Apple Blondies) are one of those baked treats that bring instant comfort. They’re full of warm spices, juicy apple chunks, and that buttery richness I crave on a cozy afternoon. Whether I’m baking them for family, friends, or just to treat myself, these bars always hit the spot.
