Name: Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1–2 tbsp milk or cream; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple brownies are everything you love about apple pie and blondies combined into one easy-to-make dessert. They’re sweet, spiced, and loaded with real fruit. The maple glaze on top adds a warm, decadent finish that elevates each bite. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt
Unsalted butter (melted)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

For the maple glaze:

Powdered sugar
Pure maple syrup
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine and fold in apples: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in chopped apples.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing.
Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled brownies. Let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling/Glazing Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Use a splash of bourbon in the glaze for a grown-up version.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra crusty topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also freeze the brownies (unglazed) for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.

FAQs

Are these brownies chocolate-free?

Yes, these are apple-based blondie-style brownies with no chocolate.

Can I use any type of apple?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape and add a balanced sweetness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why are they called “brownies” if there’s no chocolate?

The term “brownie” also applies to dense, bar-style desserts—even non-chocolate ones like blondies or these apple brownies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to about 40–45 minutes.

Should the apples be peeled?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you prefer a more rustic look.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The brownies are flavorful on their own, but the glaze adds a sweet maple finish.

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

Yes, but pure maple syrup will give a more authentic and rich flavor.

What can I serve these with?

They’re great on their own, but also pair well with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee or cider.

Conclusion

Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best of fall flavors in one easy recipe. With their soft texture, juicy apple bites, and sweet maple finish, these bars are perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself. Whether for holidays, bake sales, or everyday indulgence, they’ll be a hit every time.