Name: Apple Cinnamon Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (e.g. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a unique brownie that steps away from chocolate and embraces the flavors of fall, this is the one. Apple Cinnamon Brownies have a soft, dense texture like traditional brownies but are spiced and fruity instead of fudgy. They’re quick to make, use pantry staples, and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
White sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Butter, melted
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Apples, peeled and diced (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 9 to 12 brownies, depending on how large you cut them.
Prep time is around 15 minutes.
Bake time is 30–35 minutes.
Cool time before slicing is about 10–15 minutes.

Variations

Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze for added sweetness.
Make it whole wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Use different apples: Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples for layered flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper spice notes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Microwave a brownie square for 10–15 seconds to warm it up before serving.
Reheat in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes if desired.

FAQs

Are these brownies supposed to be chocolate?

No, these are a cinnamon-spiced variation and do not contain cocoa or chocolate.

What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and add a nice balance to the sweetness.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

You can replace some butter or eggs with applesauce, but fresh diced apples give better texture.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for a rustic feel.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking time to 40–45 minutes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect the texture and moisture.

Can I add raisins?

Yes, raisins or dried cranberries make a tasty addition.

Do these brownies freeze well?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and check that your sugar is vegan.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Brownies are a cozy, flavorful spin on a classic dessert, blending warm spices and fresh apples into a soft, chewy bar you’ll crave all season long. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or packed in a lunchbox, these brownies are bound to become a fall favorite.