Thank you for stopping by today! I’m so excited to share one of my family’s favorite fall bakes—Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze. Imagine the warmth of tender apples, the comforting spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the sweet kiss of maple drizzled over golden bars. These are the brownies you didn’t know you needed.
Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, cozy Sunday brunch, or just craving something sweet on a crisp evening, these brownies will hit the spot. Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss another comforting, homemade recipe.
Overview of Recipe Content
What are Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze?
These aren’t your typical fudgy chocolate brownies—oh no. Apple brownies are buttery, chewy dessert bars with a blondie-like texture, studded with fresh apple pieces and warmed with spices. The finishing touch? A silky maple glaze that sets into a sweet, shiny layer.
Why you’ll love them:
- Perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and fruity.
- A crowd-pleaser for holidays, bake sales, or potlucks.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Smells like autumn in the oven!
What they taste like:
They’re chewy and moist with little bursts of apple in every bite. The cinnamon and nutmeg give them a cozy, apple pie-like flavor, while the maple glaze adds a sweet richness.
Nutritional note:
While this is definitely a dessert, you’re sneaking in fruit and a little fiber with the apples. Swap in whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar if you’d like a lighter version.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Tools you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and additions:
- Swap apples for pears for a twist.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a richer caramel taste.
How to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Add apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in your pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Glaze: While brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and just enough milk for a pourable glaze. Drizzle over cooled brownies.
Pro tip: Don’t glaze them while hot—the topping will melt right off!
What to Serve with Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (heavenly with warm brownies).
- A mug of hot apple cider or a chai latte.
- Pair with a savory brunch spread like Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes or Cinnamon Swirl Bread.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they hold shape.
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the brownies tender.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- If glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
General Information
Apple brownies are sometimes called “apple blondies” and are a Midwest classic. They show up a lot around apple-picking season, especially in small-town bake sales and family potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake in a large sheet pan and increase baking time slightly.
What apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, bake and freeze without the glaze, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Do they taste like chocolate brownies?
No—these are chewy, spiced bars with apples instead of chocolate.
Conclusion
These Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are like fall wrapped up in a bar—easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress. If you love this, you’ll also enjoy my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls and Caramel Apple Bundt Cake.
Bake these, share them, and don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with how yours turned out. Did you add nuts? Try pears? And if you share on Instagram or Pinterest, tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations!
Nutritional Information (per bar, 16 servings)
Calories | Carbs | Sugar | Fat | Saturated Fat | Protein | Fiber | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
220 | 30g | 18g | 9g | 5g | 3g | 1g | 120mg |
Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze – A Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy apple brownies topped with a sweet maple glaze. A perfect fall dessert full of apples, cinnamon, and cozy flavors.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Whisk melted butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Fold in apples, then add dry mixture to wet mixture until just combined.
5. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 28–32 minutes.
6. Cool completely, then whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for glaze. Drizzle on top.
Notes
Best served fresh with ice cream or coffee.
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze without glaze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Hello!! My name is Poulef
The heart and hands behind this blog. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and love created magic, I now share recipes to bring that same warmth to your home. Let’s cook something special together! Let’s be friends!