Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Thank you so much for stopping by! I can’t even tell you how excited I am to share this recipe — Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are one of those cozy, comforting bakes that just feels like fall in every bite. Moist, tender, warmly spiced, and topped with a maple glaze that’s nothing short of addictive… they’re a little rustic, a little indulgent, and absolutely perfect for when the leaves start to change (or even if they haven’t yet!).

Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze combine the dense, fudgy texture of a brownie with the fruity brightness of fresh apples and the rich, buttery sweetness of maple. They’re a twist on a classic that might just become your new favorite apple dessert.

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What Are Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze?

These aren’t your average chocolate brownies — think more of a blondie-meets-apple-cake situation. Apple brownies are dense and chewy, thanks to brown sugar and butter, and they’re loaded with tender apple chunks and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The crowning glory? A maple glaze drizzled on top that sinks into the cracks and makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

I like to describe these as the dessert you didn’t know you needed — until you take that first bite.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Incredible texture – Moist, chewy, slightly crisp at the edges.
• That glaze!! – The maple glaze is next-level and brings it all together.
• Perfect for fall – Apples, cinnamon, and maple? Say less.
• Crowd-pleaser – Great for bake sales, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
• No mixer required – Just a bowl and a whisk — easy cleanup, minimal fuss.

What Do Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze Taste Like?

The base tastes like a brown sugar blondie with rich caramel notes, spiced just right with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. The fresh apple chunks add little pops of sweetness and moisture throughout, and the glaze… oh, the glaze! It’s buttery, maple-kissed, and slightly salty to balance out the sweetness. The final result is gooey, golden, and so flavorful you’ll be licking the plate.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Uses pantry staples and in-season apples
• A great way to use up bruised or excess apples
• Naturally egg-free if needed (see substitutions!)
• Stays moist for days — even better the second day
• Freezer-friendly and travel-friendly

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups peeled, chopped apples (any variety – I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt (optional but amazing)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• 8×8-inch square baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan (for glaze)
• Knife and cutting board (for apples)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Egg-free? Replace egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
• Add-ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.
• For extra decadence: Stir in white chocolate chips or a caramel swirl.

How to Make Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; whisk again until well combined.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined — don’t overmix!

Fold in the chopped apples gently with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let cool in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze

While the brownies cool, melt butter and maple syrup together in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warm, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Drizzle glaze generously over the cooled brownies and let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

What to Serve With Apple Brownies

• Vanilla ice cream – Especially warm from the oven!
• Whipped cream – Light and fluffy on the side.
• Hot cider or coffee – The ultimate fall pairing.
• Caramel drizzle – You can never have too much!

Tips for Perfect Apple Brownies

• Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until everything is combined.
• Chop apples small and evenly so they bake through.
• Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cleaner cuts.
• Let the glaze set before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
• Want extra maple flavor? Add a splash of maple extract to the glaze.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 5 days — just bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

For moisture, yes — but you’ll lose the texture. Best to stick with fresh apples for that chunky bite.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! They’re even better the next day once the flavors settle in.

What’s the best apple to use?

Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness — or a mix of both!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.

Conclusion

Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate comfort bake — sweet, spiced, and satisfying with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or sneaking one with your morning coffee (I’ve done it, no shame!), these bars deliver the cozy vibes we all crave.

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