Apple Cinnamon Brownies: The Ultimate Brownie Recipe
Introduction to Apple Cinnamon Brownies
Apple Cinnamon Brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolatey goodness and the warm, comforting flavors of fall. These delightful treats are not just your ordinary brownies; they’re packed with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and topped with a sweet maple glaze that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
A Personal Story Behind My Apple Cinnamon Brownies Journey
Growing up, my grandmother had the most wonderful way of bringing the family together through her baking. One of my fondest memories is the aroma of her apple desserts wafting through the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen. Inspired by her love for apples and cinnamon, I crafted these Apple Cinnamon Brownies to celebrate those cherished moments. Each bite takes me back to those cozy family gatherings, and I hope they bring you the same joy.
What Makes This Apple Cinnamon Brownies Recipe Special?
What sets these brownies apart is the unique combination of textures and flavors. The soft, fudgy brownie base is enhanced by the addition of tender, spiced apples, creating a delightful contrast. The maple glaze adds a sweet finish, making these brownies not only a dessert but a comforting experience. Plus, they’re easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book!
The Full Apple Cinnamon Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 large Gala Apples, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7 baking dish with baking spray. This step ensures your brownies will come out easily and have a nice crust.
- In a medium pot over low heat, combine the chopped apples, light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender. This will create a lovely apple filling that adds moisture and flavor. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the dark brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to achieving a light texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the kosher salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your brownies tender.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. This serves as the base for your apple filling.
- Next, spoon the cooled apple filling over the batter, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite has that delicious apple flavor.
- Finally, spread the remaining brownie batter over the apple filling, taking care to cover it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remember, the brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the maple glaze by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the maple glaze evenly over the baked brownies once they’ve cooled completely. This glaze adds a sweet finish that balances the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Apple Cinnamon Brownies
These Apple Cinnamon Brownies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkling them on top of the maple glaze. You could even drizzle some caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or spices to make this recipe your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Brownies
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Gala apples are sweet and tender, you can use any variety you prefer, such as Granny Smith for a tart contrast.
How should I store these brownies?
Store your Apple Cinnamon Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter in place of regular butter. Just make sure the maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 280
- Servings: 12 bars
Apple Cinnamon Brownies with Maple Glaze
Equipment
- 11x7 baking dish For baking the brownies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 2 large Gala Apples, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 0.25 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11x7 baking dish with baking spray.
- In a medium pot over low heat, combine the chopped apples, light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the dark brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the kosher salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Add the cooled apple filling on top of the batter.
- Spread the remaining brownie batter over the apple filling, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the maple glaze by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the maple glaze evenly over the baked brownies once they’ve cooled completely.