Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Melt Butter: Over low heat or in a microwave, melt the butter until it's completely liquefied, then allow it to cool slightly.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Stir in the cocoa powder.
5. Incorporate Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts if using.
6. Blend: Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Prepare Glaze: While the brownies bake, create the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and butter, heating until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Cool and Glaze: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper. Drizzle the still-warm brownies with the prepared maple glaze, spreading gently to cover the surface.
10. Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set before slicing the brownies into squares.