Apple Bars: Short and Direct Apple Brownies

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 steady for family gatherings or satisfying those midday sweet cravings!

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

But when that 4 p.m. snack craving strikes, these apple brownies are our top choice. Trust us, they’re the steady short and direct treat to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

These apple brownies are packed with freshly chopped apples and your choice of walnuts or pecans. Whether you’re in the mood for a kitchen-made 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 steady for family gatherings or an afternoon snack

What stands out

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

How the dish comes together

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Ways to serve it

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.

• Yield: 12 people
• Prep: 20 minutes
• Total: 1 hour

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

Method

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add Apples and Nuts: Stir in the chopped apples and walnuts by hand.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.