Apple Brownies Recipe: Easy, Gooey, and Delicious Apple Dessert for Quick Treats
Apple brownies are one of those desserts that just work. They bring together rich chocolate flavor with soft, sweet apple pieces in a way that feels cozy and fun. This is one of those apple recipes easy enough for busy days but still good enough to feel special. It fits right in with apple dessert recipes you make again and again, especially when you are looking for quick apple desserts or easy apple desserts with fresh apples.
This recipe is great for anyone who loves simple apple desserts and needs new things to make with apples. It uses fresh apples, basic pantry ingredients, and turns them into a warm apple dessert everyone enjoys. From simple apple recipes to apple recipes dessert ideas that actually get eaten, these brownies are a solid choice. They work as apple treats for the kids, a casual dessert for guests, or one of the best apple desserts to bake when you have extra apples and no big plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped apples (I used Fuji, but Honeycrisp or Gala work too)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a handful of chocolate chips
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch pan with butter or spray it lightly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Then add eggs and vanilla extract and stir until everything is combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold everything together gently. Don’t overmix or your brownies might turn out tough.
Step 4: Add Apples (and Chocolate Chips)
Fold in your chopped apples. If you want, sprinkle in a handful of chocolate chips. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed so every bite has some sweet surprise.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick. You want it to come out mostly clean, but it’s okay if a little gooey chocolate sticks – that’s how we like it!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. These brownies are perfect for after school snacks, weekend treats, or a quick dessert when friends come over.
FAQs About Apple Brownies
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Totally! I usually go with Fuji or Honeycrisp because they’re sweet and hold their shape well, but really any apple works. Granny Smith will give a more tart flavor, which can be yummy too. This makes it one of those fresh apple recipes easy to try with whatever you got.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yep! You can bake them a day before and store in an airtight container. They stay soft and delicious, and the flavors even get better after a few hours. These are great as quick apple desserts if you need something ready for the family.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can! Slice them first and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Pop them in the freezer and pull out when you need easy apple desserts with fresh apples for a snack.
Can I make this recipe without chocolate?
Absolutely. You can make a simple apple dessert version by leaving out cocoa and chocolate chips. It’ll be more like a baked apple treat, still moist and sweet. Perfect for simple apple desserts or apple dessert recipes easy for kids.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean, maybe a little chocolatey. That way you get gooey, soft brownies—not dry ones. One of the best apple desserts trick I’ve learned is to watch closely and don’t overbake.
Apple Brownies Recipe Card
Apple Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch pan. Line with parchment if you like easier cleanup.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, stir well.
- Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mix. Fold gently.
- Fold in chopped apples and chocolate chips if using. Make sure apples are evenly mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
- Let brownies cool at least 10 minutes, then cut into squares. Enjoy as quick apple desserts or apple treats for your family.
Notes
At the end of the day, these apple brownies are just one of those recipes that makes life easier. They use up extra apples, they do not take much time, and everyone actually eats them. That alone makes it a win in my house. I like that this is the kind of dessert you can make without overthinking it, no fancy steps, no stress, just good brownies with apples mixed right in.
This recipe has become one I reach for when I want something simple but still homemade. It works for busy afternoons, last-minute desserts, or when the kids are asking for something sweet and I am tired. If you are looking for a reliable apple dessert that feels cozy and familiar, this one always delivers. And honestly, once you make them, you will probably keep coming back to them too.
