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–+ servings
Skillet Apple Brownie 1

Skillet Apple Brownie

This Skillet Apple Brownie offers a blondie-style base infused with chunks of sweet-tart apples and warming spices. The cast iron skillet creates crispy edges while maintaining a moist, tender center that's irresistible when served warm. A perfect cozy fall dessert or year-round crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (226g)
  • 1¾ cups light brown sugar packed (350g)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Apple Mixture

  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored and diced (about 400g) - Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Topping

  • ½ cup chopped pecans (55g)
  • 2 tbsp turbinado sugar optional for extra crunch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with the 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Toss well to coat the apples evenly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and no sugar lumps remain (about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking).
  • Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don't overmix.
  • Gently fold about 2/3 of your spiced apple mixture into the batter, reserving the rest for topping.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  • Arrange the remaining apple pieces on top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and turbinado sugar if using.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and crispy while the center is just barely set. A toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the skillet apple brownie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the ultimate experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This brownie's flavor actually deepens after 24 hours, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Substitute Options:
  • Butter: For dairy-free, use coconut oil or plant-based butter substitute
  • Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg)
  • Flour: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version
  • Pecans: Walnuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully too
  • Apples: Pears make an excellent seasonal alternative

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35g
Keyword Apple Brownie, Skillet Dessert, Apple Blondie, Fall Dessert, Cast Iron Dessert
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