Chewy Apple Brownies (Apple Cinnamon Blondies) – The Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Crave
If fall had a flavor, it would be these Chewy Apple Brownies. Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon, butter, and apples swirling through your kitchen while a pan of golden, chewy blondies bakes to perfection. They’re not quite brownies and not quite cake — but somewhere in between, offering a caramel-like chew with tender bites of apple in every square.
This recipe is the kind of cozy baking project you reach for on a chilly day when you want your home to smell like autumn. The batter whips up in minutes, using simple pantry staples — butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and cinnamon — but the magic happens when the apples bake down into soft, sweet pockets. Each bite is gooey, spiced, and perfectly chewy around the edges.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert, or enjoy them as an afternoon coffee treat. These apple blondies are rustic, comforting, and irresistibly good.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium apple (about 1 cup finely diced, peeled)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional topping: cinnamon sugar or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven & prepare pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Mix wet ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until combined. - Add dry ingredients:
Stir in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix — the batter should be thick and sticky. - Fold in apples (and nuts if using):
Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts until evenly distributed. - Spread and bake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and sparkle. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. - Cool and cut:
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set and keeps their chewy texture. - Serve:
Enjoy as-is, or warm them up and top with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the right apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully here — they hold their texture and balance the sweetness.
- Don’t overbake: The secret to chewy blondies is pulling them out when they’re just set in the center.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper fall spice.
- Double batch it: These disappear fast — bake in a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients for a crowd.
Chewy Apple Brownies (Apple Cinnamon Blondies)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or grease.
- Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla.
- Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; stir until combined.
- Fold in diced apple and nuts (if using).
- Spread into pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake 28–32 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These chewy apple brownies are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up for the season:
- Drizzle with warm caramel or maple glaze.
- Serve with cinnamon whipped cream or ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the coziest fall snack imaginable.
Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or lazy Sunday baking. They travel well and taste even better the next day when the flavors have deepened.
Storage Information
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To restore their softness, warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
You can also freeze them — wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking and swirl gently.
- Apple Butter Twist: Replace ¼ cup of butter with apple butter for an extra apple-spice boost.
- Brown Butter Upgrade: Brown the butter before mixing for a nutty, toffee-like richness.
- Glazed Finish: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and drizzle over cooled bars.
FAQ
Are these really brownies?
Technically, they’re blondies — the buttery, vanilla cousin of a brownie. But their chewy, dense texture earns them the “brownie” nickname!
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
You can replace half the apple with applesauce for added moisture, but don’t use only applesauce or the texture will be too soft.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How can I make them extra chewy?
Use dark brown sugar and slightly underbake them. The molasses in dark brown sugar deepens flavor and chewiness.
History / Fun Facts
Apple brownies, or apple blondies, are a midwestern favorite that have been passed down through generations of church cookbooks and family potlucks. Long before pumpkin spice took over, these apple squares were the go-to “fall bar” — simple, humble, and utterly delicious. The name apple brownie comes from their rich, fudgy texture rather than cocoa content. Each bite tastes like apple pie met a chewy cookie bar — a little nostalgic, a little rustic, and absolutely perfect for sweater weather.
