Description
Delicious and moist apple brownies combining the warmth of cinnamon and crunchy toasted pecans in every bite. This easy-to-make dessert features chunks of fresh apple folded into a buttery batter, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy treat or a homemade dessert that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup butter, salted, room temperature (112 g)
- 1 cup sugar (200 g)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all purpose flour (133 g)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped apple pieces (100 g)
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces (53 g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Toast Pecans: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the pecan pieces until they become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks approximately 1/2 inch in size for even distribution in the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg and mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes airy and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in the chopped apples and cooled toasted pecan pieces until evenly distributed. The batter will turn sticky and moist due to the juicy apples.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Bake: Butter an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the dish and gently press it down. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Baking time varies by oven, but typically around 35 minutes works well.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, slice into 9 squares and serve. These brownies are delicious on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure apples are chopped evenly for consistent baking and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to avoid tough brownies.
- Toast pecans carefully, watching closely to prevent burning and to maximize flavor.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup if preferred.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven’s performance; start checking at 30 minutes.
- These brownies freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 64 g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
