I was thinking of what snack to bring to work for treat day, something in season and easy to make. It’s apple season, so why not make something with apples? A recipe that really caught my eye was these apple brownies. It consists of apples, cinnamon and pecans. Apples and cinnamon, what is it about this combo that makes it so yummy whenever they are added in any dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar but I reduced it to 1 ½ cups. Baking time may vary. It depends on the oven and the kind of baking pan you use. The original recipe’s baking time calls for 35-40 minutes. I used store bought aluminum 9X13 inch pan and it took 55 minutes for me to get the right consistency I want for my brownies. Make sure to use your discretion and start with 35 minutes and keep checking with a toothpick.
This snack or dessert tastes good even with the reduced sugar. I love the taste of the baked apples and the crunchiness of the pecans. I took some to work the next day and shared it with some co-workers. Everybody agrees that it would be a great snack to bring for treat day 🙂
Cooking Tips for Perfect Apple Brownies
Getting the texture just right for apple brownies takes a bit of attention, but it’s totally worth it. First, make sure your apples are fresh. Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Peel and chop the apples into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. If you prefer a softer texture, you can sauté the apples in a little butter and cinnamon before adding them to the batter. This step enhances their flavor and ensures they are tender when baked. Mixing the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ones can help avoid lumps. Make sure to fold in the pecans gently to prevent breaking them up too much. Finally, keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for the best results.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These apple brownies are versatile when it comes to serving. They taste great on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a nice touch if you want to impress your friends or family. For a more festive look, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving. When it comes to storage, let the brownies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for about three days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of Granny Smith apples?
If you want to switch it up, try using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They add a lovely sweetness and still hold their shape well in the brownies.
How should I store leftover apple brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week.
Can I make these apple brownies ahead of time?
Totally! You can bake them a day in advance and just let them sit at room temperature. They taste even better as the flavors meld together.
What can I serve with apple brownies?
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dollop of whipped cream on top can also take them to the next level.
What mistakes should I avoid when making apple brownies?
One common mistake is not chopping the apples evenly, which can lead to uneven cooking. Also, be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick, since baking times can vary based on your oven and pan.
Apple Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups peeled cored,sliced granny smith apples
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 X13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together butter, salt and sugar. Beat in eggs.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon; mix well.
- Fold in apple slices and nuts. Mixture is quite thick.
- Spread evenly in pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Awesome recipe and easy to make. I am making this soon…
Sandhya