Apple Brownies (Chewy Apple Cinnamon Blondies) – A Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again
When autumn rolls around, the scent of cinnamon, apples, and butter becomes irresistible — and nothing captures that cozy fall feeling quite like Apple Brownies, also known as Chewy Apple Cinnamon Blondies.
These bars are soft, dense, buttery, and packed with chunks of juicy apple and warm cinnamon spice. They’re not brownies in the chocolate sense — instead, they’re rich, brown-sugar-based blondies with the nostalgic flavor of homemade apple pie baked into every bite.
Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a lunchbox treat, these apple brownies are the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you can say “just one more piece.”
Why You’ll Love These Apple Brownies
- Chewy, not cakey: Perfectly dense and moist, just like a classic blondie.
- Quick & simple: Made with pantry staples — no mixer required!
- Full of fall flavor: Apple, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla in perfect harmony.
- Versatile: Great plain, glazed, or topped with caramel drizzle.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What Are Apple Brownies (or Apple Blondies)?
The name “apple brownie” can be misleading — there’s no chocolate here! Instead, think of a chewy blondie or dense apple cake that’s more buttery than fluffy. These bars combine the richness of a blondie with the spiced sweetness of an apple dessert.
Made with melted butter, brown sugar, and diced apples, the result is a soft, chewy, caramelized bar that’s both rustic and elegant. The edges bake up crisp and golden, while the centers stay gooey and packed with bits of tender apple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Cinnamon glaze (optional): ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + pinch of cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.
4. Fold in Apples (and Nuts)
Gently stir in diced apples and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and rich — that’s what makes these bars chewy!
5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For extra indulgence, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, then drizzle over the cooled blondies.
Apple Brownie (Chewy Apple Cinnamon Blondies)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined. Stir in diced apples and nuts.
- Spread batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon to make glaze; drizzle over cooled bars.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Apple Brownies
🍏 Choose the right apples:
Use firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady to balance the sweetness.
🥣 Don’t overmix:
Mix just until combined for the best chewy texture.
🔥 Watch the bake time:
They should be slightly gooey in the center — that’s what gives them their irresistible chew.
🧈 Enhance the flavor:
Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
🍨 Serving idea:
Warm a bar slightly and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that rivals apple pie à la mode.
Variations
1. Caramel Apple Brownies:
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top or swirl caramel into the batter before baking.
2. Apple Oat Blondies:
Replace ¼ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
3. White Chocolate Apple Bars:
Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy contrast.
4. Vegan Version:
Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
5. Gluten-Free:
Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days — slightly denser but still delicious.
- Freeze: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat: Warm a piece in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Why You’ll Make These on Repeat
These apple blondies are the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery on a crisp fall morning. The texture — chewy edges, soft centers, juicy apple bits — is unbeatable.
They’re fancy enough for a fall potluck yet simple enough for an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re a great way to use up extra apples from apple picking!
Serve them with coffee, tea, or even a drizzle of maple syrup — and watch them vanish.
Fun Pairing Ideas
- With a beverage: Try hot apple cider, chai tea, or a caramel latte.
- With ice cream: Vanilla bean, cinnamon, or butter pecan all pair beautifully.
- With toppings: Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or toasted nuts.
The Perfect Fall Treat
If fall had a flavor, this would be it — buttery, spiced, and filled with apple goodness. Apple Brownies are the definition of comfort dessert: simple ingredients, big flavor, and a texture that’s chewy in all the right ways.
So the next time you crave something warm, sweet, and a little rustic, skip the pie and bake these blondies instead. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will definitely ask for the recipe. 🍏💛
