Name: Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for glaze); 1/3 cup maple syrup (for glaze); 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (for glaze); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for apples); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples)

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Indulging in a rich, chocolatey dessert often feels like a decadent choice, but have you ever thought about incorporating the wholesome goodness of apples into your brownies? Imagine the warm, aromatic scent of freshly baked Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze wafting through your kitchen, mingling with notes of cinnamon and brown sugar. The combination of tender apple chunks nestled within a fudgy brownie base creates a treat that’s not only gorgeous but irresistibly comforting. This recipe reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons spent at my grandparent’s house. I can still envision the laughter shared over a delicious homemade dessert, topped with a drizzle of sweet maple glaze. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to become a beloved favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary creation that’s perfect for any occasion!

Table of Contents

Why This Is The Best Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Tips for Success
Serve It With
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tips & Variations
Recipe FAQs
Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Why This Is The Best Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze Recipe

You might find yourself wondering what makes this recipe for Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze stand out. Well, it combines simplicity and exquisite flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. With just about an hour spent mixing and baking, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert that features a delightful medley of tender, spiced apples and rich, gooey brownie goodness. Visually, these brownies are a showstopper, with their warm, inviting tones, complimented by the glossy maple glaze on top. They are perfect for a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a stunning dessert to impress guests. Plus, with easy substitutions, you can tailor these brownies to fit various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure of the brownies. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
1 tsp baking powder: This helps the brownies rise without making them too cake-like, keeping them dense and fudgy.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: This adds warmth and flavor, enhancing the apple’s natural sweetness. Feel free to increase the amount if you’re a big cinnamon fan.
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar: The deep, caramel flavor of brown sugar adds moisture and richness to the brownies.
1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Using melted butter creates a rich texture in brownies and helps to combine the ingredients smoothly. For a lighter choice, substitute half with unsweetened applesauce.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla whenever possible for the best taste.
1/2 tsp maple syrup: This gives the brownies a subtle sweetness and does wonders when paired with the apples.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. Be sure to let them sit at room temperature for the best results.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: For the maple glaze, this will make it creamy and spreadable.
1/3 cup maple syrup: The star of the glaze, lending a delicious sweetness and a hint of fall flavor.
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon: A small amount enhances the glaze without overpowering it.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze. Sifting it first ensures there are no lumps for a flawless finish.
2 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced: Fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture. For the best results, use a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps caramelize the apples and brings out their flavors.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: To sprinkle over the apples while they’re cooking, enhancing their natural flavor.

How to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a moment to spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This crucial step ensures your brownies release easily after baking, giving you perfect squares every time.

Prepare the Apples

Next, peel, core, and dice the apples until you have about 2 1/2 cups. Then, add them to a skillet over medium heat along with the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want the apples to soften while still holding their shape. Once they’re fragrant and beautifully caramelized, remove the skillet from heat and let the apples cool.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding them to your wet ingredients helps to avoid clumping, ensuring everything blends well.

Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Use an electric mixer or a good whisk to beat these ingredients until they’re fully combined, creating a smooth mixture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to aerate the batter for a delightfully fluffy brownie.

Fold Together Gently

Now it’s time to blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies. After that, drain any excess liquid from the cooled apples and fold them into the brownie batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Bake Until Golden

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For baking, place it in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan.

Prepare the Maple Glaze

After cooling, make the delightful maple glaze. In a saucepan, combine the 3 tablespoons of butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the butter is melted and it begins to bubble slightly around the edges. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more maple syrup for the perfect spreading consistency.

Spread Frosting Over Brownies

Finally, take your cooled brownies and evenly spread the warm maple glaze over the top using a spatula. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the brownies into squares. Enjoy the sweet aroma and tantalizing looks of your beautifully baked Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze!

Tips for Success

Use fresh apples: The best results come from using crisp, firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Don’t overmix the batter: To keep your brownies fudgy and tender, mix only until fully incorporated.
Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies to prevent them from overbaking.
Enhance flavors: Adding toasted nuts or chocolate chips can add delightful texture and flavor.
Cool completely: Let the brownies cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Serve It With

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve your Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, sprinkle the brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle additional maple syrup over the top. This is a dessert that can shine during breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as an after-dinner sweet treat.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

To store your leftovers, first let them cool to room temperature. Brownies can be kept at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. You can also freeze these brownies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just keep in mind that freezing might slightly alter the texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

Tips & Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Nutty Sensation: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some crunch that complements the chewy apples beautifully.
Flavor Adventure: Substitute the ground cinnamon with cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile that’s equally delightful.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
Vegan Twist: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter and maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.

These variations make it easy to create your own unique spin on the traditional Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze while still keeping the essence of the recipe intact.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Absolutely! While apples are wonderful, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even a mix of berries. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the juiciness of the fruit.

How can I make the brownies more chocolatey?
For a rich chocolate flavor, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or fold in some chocolate chips.

Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, some believe they taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife that’s been warmed under hot water, then dried. This will help you achieve clean cuts without the gooey mess sticking to the knife.

In summary, these Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy. With a simple preparation process and the ability to customize, you can make these brownies for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to gather your family around and share this recipe — it’s bound to create memories just like the ones I cherish. So go ahead, enjoy the embrace of the warm, spiced flavors, and celebrate each scrumptious bite!

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