Unlike traditional brownies filled with butter, sugar and vegetable oil, this healthier version is sweetened with pure maple syrup and substitutes a combination of applesauce and coconut oil for all that butter.
Things You'll Need
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
Get Started
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8 x 8 inch pan with coconut oil on a paper towel.
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Tip
Any non-stick spray would also work well.
Mix the Cocoa
In a large mixing bowl, combine maple syrup with cocoa powder and mix until the batter becomes smooth.
Tip
Honey also works in place of maple syrup.
It'll take about 2 minutes of stirring to get the mixture totally smooth.
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You shouldn't see any lumps once the cocoa has been incorporated into the syrup.
Add Dry Ingredients
Place a sifter over the mixing bowl to begin adding the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Tip
No sifter? Just use a separate bowl and whisk together all the dry ingredients.
Start with your flour, then add the rest.
Tip
This recipe calls for whole wheat flour but if you're not used to the nuttier flavor, cut it with regular white flour, using half of each, for a less distinct taste.
Want a protein-rich alternative to whole-wheat flour? Substitute 1/4 cup of almond meal (ground almonds) combined with white flour.
Mix lightly, only until the batter starts to come together.
Add Wet Ingredients
Now comes the moisture. Add the egg, applesauce, vanilla and coconut oil right into the bowl and mix well, just until everything is well incorporated.
Tip
Coconut oil needs to be at least 70 degrees to incorporate into a batter like this. If yours is cooler, heat it in the microwave just until it's malleable.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, evening slightly as needed, and place into the preheated oven for exactly 25 minutes and your brownies will come out perfectly. Allow to cool completely before cutting.
These healthy brownies are even better the next day! Store them in the refrigerator overnight, in an airtight container, for a surprising (and delicious) flavor boost.
Want Frosting?
Of course these brownies are healthier without frosting, but this simple recipe adds a decadent layer of flavor.
Things You'll Need
1/4 dark chocolate (chocolate chips or a cut up chocolate bar)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon milk
Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a glass mixing bowl and microwave for 30 to 35 seconds, stopping every 15 seconds to stir.
The hot milk helps melt the chocolate gently, without any scalding.
Once the chocolate has melted, give it a good stir until your frosting is completely uniform. Then add the Greek yogurt. Stir again until it's smooth. The consistency should be thick but still slightly runny.
Tip
Only want a little frosting on your healthy brownies? Drizzle it on now, while the consistency is still quite liquified. Otherwise, let it firm up in the fridge for about 20 minutes before frosting the pan of brownies.
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