Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies are a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with a nutritious twist. Made with zucchini and applesauce, they stay moist and flavorful without the guilt. Perfect for a snack or dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and your health goals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely grated zucchini (firmly packed)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup flour (oat flour or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping or mixing in)
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (optional, for serving)
• Nutella (optional, for spreading)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and/or nuts if using, reserving some chips for topping if you like.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Step 8: Let the brownies cool completely before frosting or spreading your choice of peanut butter or Nutella on top.

Tips & Variations

• Try using all-purpose flour if you don’t have oat flour; both work well in this recipe.
• For a nut-free version, omit nuts and use only chocolate chips.
• Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Top with a simple frosting made from peanut butter or Nutella for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature and warm slightly before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh zucchini or frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini is best for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy batter.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use oat flour that is certified gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 81 reviews

These Secretly Healthy Brownies offer a deliciously rich chocolate experience with a healthy twist by incorporating grated zucchini and applesauce, reducing fat while maintaining moisture and flavor. Perfect for those craving brownies without the guilt, each serving has only 87 calories. These brownies are moist, fudgy, and packed with chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups finely grated zucchini (firmly packed)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2/3 cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup chocolate chips and/or nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
• 1/2 cup butterscotch chips (for topping)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (optional topping)
• Nutella (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated creating a uniform wet mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until you have a smooth, consistent batter without lumps.
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or your choice of nuts if desired, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Frost: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If desired, frost the brownies with peanut butter, Nutella, or sprinkle with additional chocolate and butterscotch chips before serving.

Notes

• Using zucchini adds moisture without extra fat and sneaks in some veggies.
• Oat flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
• Check brownies at about 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, as ovens vary.
• Frosting options like peanut butter or Nutella add richness but increase calorie count.
• For a nut-free version, omit nuts and use only chocolate chips.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: healthy brownies, low calorie brownies, zucchini brownies, chocolate brownies, guilt-free dessert, low fat dessert, easy baking recipe