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To make apple brownies, you will need these simple ingredients: - 2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium apples, peeled) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The grated apples add moisture and flavor. Cocoa powder brings a rich taste. The sugars sweeten and help with texture. Eggs bind everything together, while oil keeps them soft and moist. You can swap some ingredients if you need to. For flour, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, try almond flour or oat flour. For the sweeteners, coconut sugar works well too. Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil. It gives a nice hint of coconut flavor. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or even almonds can be great. No chocolate chips? Use dried fruit like raisins or cranberries instead. When picking apples, go for firm and fresh ones. Granny Smith apples are tart and work well in this recipe. Their taste balances the sweetness of the sugars. Honeycrisp apples add a nice crunch and sweetness too. Always check for bruises or soft spots, as these can affect your brownies. A mix of apple types can also create a more complex flavor in your brownies. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need two medium apples. Peel and grate them to get about two cups. Next, measure out the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla. If you want to add walnuts or chocolate chips, grab those too. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium bowl and mix the grated apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything blends well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Pour the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are fine. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, cut them into squares and enjoy! To get soft and chewy apple brownies, use fresh apples. Grate them finely. This helps them blend well with the batter. Avoid packing the grated apples too tightly in the measuring cup. This can add too much moisture and make brownies soggy. Remember, the key is to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. One common mistake is using too much flour. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Also, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the edges while leaving the center undercooked. Lastly, don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps you lift the brownies out easily. Cinnamon is a great spice for these brownies, but you can add more. Nutmeg or allspice adds warmth and depth. Try a pinch of ginger for a warm kick. If you love chocolate, a touch of espresso powder can boost the chocolate flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and moisture, choose fresh, crisp apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully. Grate Apples Finely: Finely grated apples will blend better into the batter, ensuring a more even texture and flavor throughout the brownies. Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, check your brownies a few minutes early. They should be set in the middle with a few moist crumbs on the toothpick. Let Cool Before Slicing: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier without crumbling. {{image_2}} You can make your apple brownies gluten-free. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Check the package for proper measurements. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. If you want a healthier option, try sugar-free substitutes. Use a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. These sweeteners offer great taste without added sugar. Adjust the amount to match your sweetness preference. Your apple brownies will still taste amazing. Get creative with your apple brownies by adding unique flavors. Try mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. Topping your brownies with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt adds a special touch. You can even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. The possibilities are endless! To keep your apple brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can leave them at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid absorbing smells from the fridge. Freezing apple brownies is an easy way to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Reheating your apple brownies can bring back their warm, gooey goodness. For best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a quick option, you can use the microwave. Just heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream! Yes, you can use many types of apples. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work well. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice zing. I suggest using a mix for more flavor. Just make sure to peel and grate them. This gives the brownies a rich apple taste. To check if the brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Baking time is about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end. Every oven is a bit different. Apple brownies taste great on their own. You can serve them warm or cooled. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Whipped cream also makes a lovely addition. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness. Enjoy these options to enhance your dessert! You learned about the key ingredients for tasty apple brownies and various substitutes. I shared tips for choosing the best apples and how to prep everything. You now have step-by-step instructions for mixing, baking, and cooling. I also covered simple tricks to improve texture and flavor. Plus, you saw ways to make gluten-free and sugar-free versions. Storing and reheating methods ensure you enjoy them longer. With these insights, you can now bake delicious apple brownies and impress everyone!

Delectable Apple Brownies

Delicious brownies made with grated apples and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium apples, peeled)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the grated apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Optional ingredients can be omitted if desired.
Keyword apple, brownies, chocolate, dessert