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Caramel Apple Brownies with Pecans Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

Indulge in the perfect blend of tart apples and rich caramel baked into gooey brownies with this Caramel Apple Brownie recipe. The buttery batter, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, combines chopped apples and crunchy pecans, topped with molten caramel that bakes into a luscious golden topping. These brownies offer a delightful balance of sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors for a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

  • ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled (plus more for dish)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Add-ins & Toppings

  • 2 large firm-sweet apples (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2 ¾ cups)
  • 2025 caramel candies
  • ¼ cup whole pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9×9-inch brownie pan or Pyrex dish with parchment paper that extends up the sides for easy removal, then butter the parchment paper thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
  3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cooled melted butter, granulated sugar, and egg until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add Pecans and Apples: Stir the chopped pecans and the diced apples into the wet mixture by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Spread Batter: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out to the edges.
  7. Melt Caramel: Place caramel candies in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir well, then microwave for another 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Top Brownies: Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the whole pecans on top.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are set. A toothpick inserted near the center may come out with moist crumbs.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. For an extra caramel touch, drizzle additional melted caramel over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before cutting into 12 bars.

Notes

  • Choose firm-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make sure the melted butter is cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg when mixing.
  • Use parchment paper with overhangs to easily lift the brownies from the pan.
  • For a more intense caramel flavor, add an extra drizzle of melted caramel after baking.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.