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Moist and Chewy Apple Brownies with Cinnamon and Pecans

A close-up, macro shot of a single, rich apple brownie square topped with pecans and coarse sugar.
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Make these chewy apple brownies, a comforting bar dessert featuring fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, perfect as an alternative to traditional apple pie for fall baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup chopped peeled tart apples (like Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should look set.
  10. Let the apple brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
  11. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For a maple glazed apple brownies variation, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies.
  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
  • Toasting the pecans before adding them deepens their flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/apple-brownies-recipe-moist-chewy-bars/