These apple brownies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With swirls of sweet apples and a drizzle of rich maple glaze, every bite is a sweet delight!
Honestly, who could resist that maple glaze? I sometimes put extra on my brownies just because! 🍏🍁 These are perfect for sharing or just enjoying by yourself with a good book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the salt level in the brownies. If you prefer healthier options, melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter can be used instead.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to substitute with granulated sugar, but the taste will be a bit different.
Apple: Use any sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you’re out of fresh apples, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce (about 1/2 cup). This will also add moisture!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip this or replace with chocolate chips for added sweetness.
How Do I Make the Perfect Maple Glaze?
The maple glaze is what makes these brownies special! Start by whisking the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. The right texture is key – you want it pourable, but not too runny.
- Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed.
- After the brownies have cooled, drizzle the glaze on top using a spoon or a pastry bag for cleaner lines.
- Let the glaze set for a bit before serving to avoid a sticky mess!
Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow some time for cooling before adding the glaze, so plan for about an hour in total. Perfect for an afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir them together until you get a well-blended mixture. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will ensure that your brownies have a nice fluffy texture!
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Gently fold and stir until just combined – don’t overmix! Then, add in the chopped apple and nuts (if using), folding them carefully to spread them evenly through the batter.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean; a few moist crumbs are just fine!
6. Cool and Prepare the Maple Glaze:
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. While they cool, you can prepare the delicious maple glaze. Simply whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for your preferred glaze thickness.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top using either a spoon or a piping bag for a fancier look. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your rich, moist apple brownies topped with that delightful maple glaze!
Can I Use Another Type of Apple?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any sweet variety of apple, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a touch of tartness. Just ensure they’re peeled and chopped finely for even distribution in the brownies.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them or even freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Skip the Maple Glaze?
Of course! If you prefer not to use the glaze, these apple brownies are delicious on their own. You could also dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish if you’d like!