Why Make This Recipe
Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are a delightful twist on traditional brownies. They combine the rich taste of chocolatey brownies with the fresh flavor of apples. The maple glaze adds a sweet and sticky finish, making these brownies simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a treat for yourself or a dessert to share at a gathering, these brownies are sure to impress. They are perfect for fall but delicious any time of year!
How to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 large Gala apples (chopped finely)
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted for glaze)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt together. Set it aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar and dark brown sugar until it is light and creamy. Add the eggs, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped apples. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For the glaze, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Once the brownies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Serve Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Serve these delicious brownies warm or at room temperature. They are fantastic on their own or even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon is a lovely touch!
How to Store Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy later, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing; it helps create a light and fluffy batter.
- Finely chop the apples to ensure they bake evenly and blend nicely into the brownies.
- Don’t skip the glaze! It adds a wonderful flavor that pairs perfectly with the brownies.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Variation
You can try using different types of apples for varied flavor profiles. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples will make them sweeter. You can also experiment with adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may slightly change the texture.
2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I do if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a different but still tasty glaze.