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Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Soft, cake-like apple bars spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a rich, creamy maple glaze. A perfect fall dessert that's easy to make.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownies
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar or 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup apples chopped, peeled and cored
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans chopped, optional
Maple Glaze
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 Tbsp milk or heavy cream as needed for consistency

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely.
  7. Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  8. Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled brownies. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into bars.

Notes

Apple Choice: Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Testing for Doneness: The toothpick test is key. A few moist crumbs are ideal; if it comes out completely clean, the brownies may be overbaked.
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it's too thick, add more liquid a teaspoon at a time.