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To make your delicious apple brownies, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzling (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and flavor. The brown sugar and granulated sugar create a perfect balance of sweetness. Vegetable oil keeps the brownies soft. Eggs bind everything together nicely. Cinnamon adds warmth, while chopped apples give a fresh taste. You can add walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Drizzling caramel sauce at the end is optional but highly recommended for a sweet touch. Make sure to use fresh apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet crunch. Choose your favorite for a personal twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. I recommend greasing an 8x8 inch baking pan or using parchment paper. This will help the brownies come out easily. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until everything blends nicely. This forms a sweet base for your brownies. Next, add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth. The oil adds moisture while the eggs help bind the ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step is important for the right texture and flavor. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until combined. Avoid overmixing. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy, not tough. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of chopped apples and, if you like, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch and fruity flavor. Make sure the apples are evenly spread throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the brownies to a wire rack. For extra sweetness, drizzle with 1/4 cup of caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy your delicious apple brownies! For the best flavor, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples add a nice tartness. They balance the sweetness of the brown sugar. The texture is also key. Choose firm apples that will hold up when baking. Avoid soft or mealy apples, as they won’t give you the best results. To keep your brownies moist, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Also, use unsweetened applesauce; it adds moisture without extra sugar. Lastly, check your baking time. Remove them once a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dryness. - Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This adds creaminess. - Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet touch. It enhances the flavor. Consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon for added warmth. Enjoy these tips to make your apple brownies a hit! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your brownies. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Storage Tips: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free apple brownies, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well, so choose one that you like. Make sure to check if the blend has xanthan gum. If it does not, add a teaspoon. This will help your brownies hold together and have a nice texture. Your family will love the taste, and they won’t even know they are gluten-free! To create vegan apple brownies, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Use vegetable oil as it is already vegan. You can also use plant-based caramel sauce for drizzling. These brownies will still be soft and delicious, making them a hit for everyone, even non-vegans! If you want to add a twist, mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits. About ½ cup will do the trick. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips pair well with apples. Dried cranberries or raisins add a nice chew and sweetness. Feel free to experiment with different flavors. This will take your apple brownies to the next level and make them even more fun to eat! To keep apple brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method keeps the brownies moist without drying out. You can freeze apple brownies for later enjoyment. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy delicious brownies anytime! To eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. For the best flavor and texture, eat apple brownies within three days if stored at room temperature. If frozen, they stay tasty for up to three months. This timing helps maintain their soft and chewy goodness, ensuring your family keeps coming back for more. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples give a great balance of sweet and tart flavors. Their firm texture holds up well in baking. You can also try Fuji or Jonagold for a sweeter taste. Yes, you can use apple pie filling. Just remember that pie filling is sweeter. You may want to cut back on the added sugar in your recipe. This option saves time, but fresh apples add better texture and flavor. To boost flavor, add spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also mix in nuts or chocolate chips. A splash of lemon juice brightens the taste. Drizzling with caramel sauce adds a sweet touch. Use an 8x8 inch baking pan for best results. This size allows the brownies to bake evenly. If you want thinner brownies, use a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time. Check your brownies with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it has wet batter on it, bake a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. You now know how to make tasty apple brownies from scratch. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Baking can be fun and easy. Remember to try different apple types and toppings for more flavor. Store your brownies well to keep them fresh. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these treats with friends! Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Brownies

Deliciously moist brownies infused with apple and cinnamon flavors, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 0.25 cup caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until everything is well blended.
  • Stir in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with extra caramel sauce for a delightful indulgence. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for extra flair!
Keyword apple, brownies, cinnamon, dessert