Candy Apple Brownies layered with creamy caramel and topped with apple buttercream frosting and crushed Candy Apple M&M’s.
Well…..it’s official! Fall is here! In the course of ONE day we went from 80 degrees and humid to 50 degrees and breezy. From shorts and tank tops to jeans and sweatshirts. From watermelon and strawberries to…..you guessed it…..APPLES!
Apples are one of my very favorite parts of fall….and every September I look forward to heading to the orchard to pick our own. And you know what else I look forward to? Heading to the stores to hunt down fun new apple-flavored treats!
I’ve been dreaming up some delicious fall brownies for a while now, and as soon as I saw the new Candy Apple M&M’s, it all became clear! Not only are they delicious on their own, but I knew they would pair perfectly with chocolate. And caramel. And apple buttercream!
The thing I love about these brownies is the added apple boost they get from being made with applesauce and apple juice! There is even apple juice in the frosting! (Which, by the way, is ridiculously delicious…..) The perfect way to welcome in fall…..even before you get to the orchard.
what you’ll need for this recipe
how to make candy apple brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 box fudge brownie mix *choose one that uses oil, water, and eggs
- Mott’s Applesauce enough to replace 1/2 of the oil called for in the brownies
- Mott’s Apple Juice enough to replace the water called for in the brownies
- 2 eggs
Caramel Filling
- 1 bag 11 oz. wrapped caramels
- 1/3 c. half & half or whipping cream
Frosting
- 1/3 c. salted butter at room temperature
- 4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1/4 c. Mott’s Apple Juice
- 1 c. Candy Apple M&M’s coarsely crushed in food processor
Instructions
Brownies
- Mix brownies according to package instructions, replacing water with apple juice and half of oil with apple sauce.
- Pour half of batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan.
- Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees.
- In a microwaveable bowl, melt caramels and half & half 2 minutes on high. Stir until completely melted.
- Pour caramel mixture over baked brownies and top with remaining brownie batter.
- Bake an additional 30-35 minutes or until brownies are firm on top.
- Cool completely.
Frosting
- Cream butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 2 c. powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Add apple juice and mix until smooth, then add remaining powdered sugar.
- Frost cooled brownies and top with M&M’s.
Jessica Lane says
These look ridiculously yummy and I wish they were low cal! I really REALLY think they are the perfect way to welcome Fall! Our temps are dipping so maybe this weekend would be the perfect time! Thanks Cathy!
Danielle says
These sound amazing. And perfect for fall! They’d pair perfectly at my next playdate with some hot apple cider and other goodies. #client
Julie @ Tastes of Lizzy T says
Oh my goodness, Cathy. This is genius! I love that caramel layer, and they’re so pretty!
Jamie+@+Love+Bakes+Good+Cakes says
These sound so good – I have to find those M&M’s!
Deb+@+Cooking+on+the+Front+Burner says
I have not heard of candy apple M&M’s – yum this recipe looks fantastic!!
Liv says
Candy apple M&Ms?! Way to go making the most delicious-looking brownies I’ve ever seen.
Sheila says
I may try these with cider instead of plain apple juice. Hmmmm….
Michelle+@+My+Gluten-free+Kitchen.com says
I had no idea there were candy apple M&Ms! I’ll definitely be looking for those!
Maegan @thebakermama says
These are so fun! I love how they’re full of so many yummy fall flavors. I had no idea they even made caramel apple M&M’s. I must try these ASAP! Pinned!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
These look simply amazing!!
Beth @ The First Year says
Are these considered a breakfast food? 🙂 Love this Cathy!
tanya says
Goodness Cathy, that caramel layer looks so good! I have to find these M & M’s. This is a winning fall dessert!
Ginny McMeans says
What a fun combination with M&M’s and Mott’s. It makes my head spin. 🙂
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
You outdid yourself on these, Cathy. I love that even the frosting has apple flavor. I haven’t seen Candy Apple M&M’s yet, but now I’m going to be keeping my eye out for them!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Everything about these brownies is perfection Cathy! I just want to dive into that caramel layer 🙂 Pinned!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
I cannot even get over these brownies, Cathy. Yum!!!! So much apple goodness in there! can’t wait to make them!
patricia see says
would loveto find apple m& m here in Canada, Kingston,ontario