Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Byarlo Jack
Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

There’s something magical about combining the sweet tartness of apples with the rich, comforting taste of brownies. These Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are the perfect cross between a chewy brownie and a spiced apple cake. Packed with fresh apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and topped with a silky maple glaze, they’re an autumn dream in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday table, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical brownie; it’s richer, warmer, and surprisingly refreshing thanks to the apples. If you enjoy desserts that balance sweetness with a touch of tartness, this recipe is for you. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow at gatherings.

  • Unique Twist on Classic Brownies – Sweet apples add moisture, flavor, and a hint of tartness.
  • Perfect for Fall & Holidays – Cinnamon and maple glaze make this an ideal dessert for cozy evenings.
  • Quick & Easy – No fancy tools or complicated steps required.
  • Moist & Chewy – The texture is a perfect balance between a soft cake and a fudgy brownie.
  • Crowd Pleaser – Everyone will love the sweet apple chunks paired with the luscious glaze.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Curious about what’s inside each square? These apple brownies offer just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard. With apples adding natural sweetness and fiber, they’re a slightly better option than traditional brownies while still being a satisfying dessert.

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Time Breakdown

No one wants a recipe that takes all day, and luckily these apple brownies come together in just over an hour. From prepping your apples to drizzling on that maple glaze, every step is quick, easy, and worth the wait.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooling & Glazing: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these brownies, you’ll need a mix of everyday pantry staples and a few seasonal favorites. Apples bring freshness, cinnamon adds warmth, and maple syrup gives the glaze its signature flavor. Together, these ingredients create a dessert that feels both comforting and special.

For the Apple Brownies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Heading to the store? Don’t worry, you won’t need anything fancy. This quick checklist highlights the essentials, so you can grab everything in one trip without second-guessing what’s missing.

✔ Butter
✔ Brown sugar
✔ Eggs
✔ Vanilla extract
✔ All-purpose flour
✔ Baking powder & baking soda
✔ Cinnamon & nutmeg
✔ Salt
✔ Apples
✔ Powdered sugar
✔ Maple syrup
✔ Milk

How to Make – Step by Step

Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this recipe approachable. Each step is straightforward, from mixing the batter to glazing the brownies. Follow along, and in no time you’ll have a tray of delicious apple brownies ready to enjoy.

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add diced apples and stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Allow brownies to cool completely before glazing.
  7. Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency.
  8. Glaze & Serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled brownies, slice, and enjoy!

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary preferences or just want to experiment, there are plenty of ways to switch things up, without losing the cozy apple-cinnamon vibe.

  • Apples: Swap with pears for a unique twist.
  • Flour: Use half whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
  • Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Glaze: Try a cream cheese maple glaze for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are versatile enough to be enjoyed in different ways. Whether you want them as a casual afternoon snack, an elegant plated dessert, or a warm treat paired with ice cream, they’ll fit any occasion perfectly.

  • Warm & Cozy: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Elegant Dessert: Plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and apple slices.
  • Casual Snack: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea.

Storing Tips

Like most baked goods, these brownies are best enjoyed fresh but they also store and freeze beautifully. With the right storage method, you can extend their shelf life and always have a sweet bite ready when cravings strike.

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze unglazed brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few small tricks can make your apple brownies taste bakery-worthy. From how you chop the apples to when you glaze the brownies, these expert tips will help you get the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation every time.

  • Dice apples into small, even cubes so they blend well into the brownie texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the brownies soft and chewy.
  • For a stronger maple flavor, use Grade B maple syrup in the glaze.
  • Glaze only when brownies are fully cooled to prevent melting.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.

Conclusion

These Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and indulgent sweetness. With their rich apple flavor, warm spices, and silky glaze, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for fall gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight treat. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and let the sweet aroma of apples and maple fill your home with warmth.

FAQs

Yes! You can use any apple variety, but tart ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness best. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will make the brownies richer and slightly more dessert-like.

Absolutely. The brownies are delicious on their own, but the maple glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness. If you prefer a lighter dessert, skip the glaze or dust with powdered sugar instead.

Insert a toothpick into the center, if it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Be careful not to overbake, or the brownies may lose their soft and chewy texture.

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Definitely! Freeze them (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add the maple glaze fresh.