Apple brownies are packed with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, making them a wonderful fall treat. Also known as apple bars or apple blondies, they’re perfect for family gatherings or satisfying those midday sweet cravings!

Apple brownie bars in a serving dish.

Is there anything more comforting than a dessert made from simple, wholesome goodness? From flaky apple strudel to classic deep dish apple pie, easy apple recipes have always been my favorite.

But when that 4 p.m. snack craving strikes, these apple brownies are my top choice. Trust me, they’re the perfect quick and easy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

Apple brownie bar showing its texture.

These apple brownies are packed with freshly chopped apples and your choice of walnuts or pecans. Whether you’re in the mood for a homemade brownie with a crackly top or chewy apple bars, this recipe has you covered.

Some might even call them apple blondies for their light, golden color. Whatever the name, this fall dessert is perfect for family gatherings or an afternoon snack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple brownies come together with just a few pantry staples and 2-3 apples, making them a quick and fuss-free treat. The walnuts add a nutty complexity, and the touch of cinnamon brings the essence of fall to every bite.

Apple brownies (apple blondies) sliced into squares.

How to Make Apple Brownies (Apple Bars)

Choosing the Right Apples: The best apples for this recipe are Granny Smith, but other baking varieties like Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Gala work great too. You might also like my soft apple cookies in soft cookie form.

Chopped apples on a cutting board.

Get the Apples and Pan Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, then set it aside. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks.

Butter, sugar, and eggs are beaten together.

Cream the Wet Ingredients: In an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Apple pieces and walnut added to creamed butter mixture

Incorporate Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.
Apple brownies batter is mixed with a spoon.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet mixture until well combined.

Apple brownies batter is spread on a baking pan.
Baked apple bars as an apple dessert in a baking pan.

Bake the Brownies: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a fork. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.

Serving Suggestion

If you want to take this dessert up a notch, serve your apple bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Apple brownie slices served in a parchment paper lined bowl.
Slices of apple brownies are placed in a bowl lined with white parchment paper.

Quick and Easy Apple Brownies (Apple Bars)

Servings: 12 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Apple brownies are loaded with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, making them a perfect fall treat. Also known as apple blondies, they’re great for family gatherings or midday sweet cravings!
5 from 18 ratings
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cup peeled, cored and chopped apple , Granny Smith or other baking apples
  • 1/2 cup walnut, chopped
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Prepare Your Apples and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and/or line it with parchment paper; set aside. Peel and seed the apples, then chop them into small pieces.
  • Blend Wet Ingredients: In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  • Add Apples and Nuts: Stir in the chopped apples and walnuts by hand.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into the greased and lined pan, and level it with a fork. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown. Cool the brownies on a wired rack completely. Cut into bars to your desired size.
  • Serving Idea: If you're looking to elevate this indulgent dessert, serve your apple bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cuisine: Western
Course: Dessert
Author: Hyegyoung K. Ford
Calories: 363kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 191mg, Potassium: 83mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 27g, Vitamin A: 526IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 1mg
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