Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple brownies are a cozy twist on traditional blondies. They’re moist, dense, and full of cinnamon-spiced apple flavor—more like a bar than a cake. The maple glaze adds a luxurious finish that perfectly complements the fruit and spice. Whether served warm or chilled, these brownies make a fantastic dessert, snack, or even a sweet addition to brunch.

Ingredients

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

For the apple brownies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Apples (peeled and finely chopped – use tart apples like Granny Smith)

For the maple glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup (pure)
• Milk or cream
• Butter (optional, for richness)
• Salt (a pinch, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
6. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
7. Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. While the brownies cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk or cream. Add melted butter and a pinch of salt if desired.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm brownies. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 to 16 brownies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Cooling/glazing time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Caramel twist: Swirl in a bit of caramel sauce before baking for extra sweetness.
• Spice boost: Add ground nutmeg or allspice for a deeper autumn flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Frosted finish: Make a thicker glaze for spreading instead of drizzling.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual brownies for about 10–15 seconds until warm.
These brownies can also be frozen—wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Are these brownies like chocolate brownies?

No—these are more like blondies in texture, with no cocoa, but packed with apples and spice.

What kind of apples work best?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best and balance the sweetness.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

Applesauce will change the texture, making them more cakey than chewy. Chopped apples are preferred.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, they’re still delicious on their own—but the maple glaze adds amazing flavor.

Do I need to peel the apples?

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

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger sheet pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Is maple syrup the same as pancake syrup?

No, pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor. Pancake syrup may be too sweet and artificial.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown?

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth. You can use all white sugar, but the flavor may be less rich.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I serve them warm?

Absolutely! Serve warm with ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate fall-inspired dessert—soft, chewy, spiced, and bursting with fresh apple flavor. The maple glaze elevates each bite with a sweet, buttery finish that ties it all together. Whether you’re baking for a holiday spread, a cozy night in, or just craving something comforting and homemade, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

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Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are dense, chewy dessert bars packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a rich maple glaze. They’re a cozy, fall-inspired treat perfect for snacking or dessert.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1. For the apple brownies:
   2. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
   4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
   5. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
   6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
   7. 3/4 cup brown sugar
   8. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   9. 2 large eggs
   10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
   11. 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

 

1. For the maple glaze:
2. 1 cup powdered sugar
3. 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
4. 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
5. 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional)
6. Pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.
5. Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
6. Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. While brownies cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk or cream until smooth. Stir in melted butter and salt if using.
9. Drizzle glaze over warm brownies. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
• For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a drizzle, add more.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
• Serve warm with ice cream for a more decadent dessert.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg