The fall season brings with it not only a slight hint of coolness but also some sweet and warm treats that are essential to complete its beauty. If you are also crazy about this delightful combination of apples and caramel, then this Caramel Apple Brownies Recipe is for you! These brownies are soft, chewy, and full of the fresh taste of apples, with melted caramel on top creating a delicious flavor that will make everyone fall in love with them.
This recipe is not only tasty but also very easy to make. Whether you have cooking experience or not, this step-by-step guide will help you make the best Apple Caramel Brownies.
Ingredients Needed for Caramel Apple Brownies
This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup
- Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
- Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon (freshly grated is better)
- Baking powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Baking soda – ⅛ teaspoon
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Walnuts or pecans (Chopped pecans) – ¼ cup (chopped), plus another ¼ cup for topping
Wet Ingredients:
- Salted butter – ¼ cup (melted and cooled)
- Egg – ½ large egg (Beat the egg well and use half)
- Apple – 1 large firm and sweet apple (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into small cubes (about 2 ¾ cups)
- Caramel candies – 10 to 12 pieces
Related Recipe: Powerful SuperFoods
Instructions: Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the oven: First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch brownie pan or pyrex dish with parchment paper, with the edges sticking out so the brownies can be easily removed later. Butter the parchment paper and set it aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and baking soda and whisk well. Tip: Always mix dry ingredients separately to ensure the spices and baking agents are evenly mixed into the flour. This helps the brownies rise evenly.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, and egg and beat with a hand mixer for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Now add the chopped apples and chopped walnuts/pecans and mix well with a spoon by hand.
- Add flour and prepare the batter: Now add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix gently with a light hand until everything is just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
- Melt the caramel: Remove the wrappers from the caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, take it out and stir with a spoon, then heat for another 30 seconds until they are completely melted.
- Add batter to the pan and drizzle caramel: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drizzle the melted caramel on top and spread it over the entire surface. Finally, sprinkle all the remaining walnuts/pecans on top.
- Bake: Bake it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool and cut: Take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. After that, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 bars (slices) with a knife.
Heidi’s Special Tip: If you want the caramel flavor for the topping but want something smoother and easier, you can use a store-bought caramel coating instead of the melted candies. However, it will not set in exactly the same way as the candies; it will remain soft.
Why is this recipe so special?
The most unique thing about this Apple Caramel Brownies Recipe is that the caramel poured on top bakes right into the batter, resulting in extremely gooey, chewy, and delicious brownies every time. The freshness of the apples, the crunch of the walnuts, and the sweetness of the caramel mixture are the perfect cure for the fall season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use an equal amount of a good brand’s gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. The baking time may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make it without walnuts/pecans?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t like nuts or have an allergy, you can leave them out. It will not affect the taste of the brownies.
Q: How long can the brownies be stored?
A: They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them, but let them sit at room temperature for a while before eating.
Q: Which apples should be used?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith create a perfect balance with the sweet brownie batter. However, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala can also be used.
Final Word
This Caramel Apple Brownie Recipe is a great gift for the fall season. It will not only fill your home with fragrance but also win the hearts of your loved ones. So what are you waiting for? Turn on the oven, prepare the dishes, and make this delicious Apple Caramel Brownie to make the fall season even sweeter!
(This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart Living).
Pingback: Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Treat - Foodiee Recipe Informational Portal