Decadent Light Triple Chocolate Brownies
Indulge in the richness of these Decadent Light Triple Chocolate Brownies without the guilt! These brownies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whipped up in no time, they hold their fudge-like consistency and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Bake them a day in advance for the best flavor, and they even freeze beautifully for up to a month, so you can always have a sweet snack on hand. A memorable recipe inspired by renowned chef Rose Reisman, ideal for chocoholics looking for a lighter option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2/3 cup (granulated)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for mixing)
Egg
1 (large, beaten)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup (sifted)
All-purpose flour
1/3 cup (sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (for leavening)
Low-fat yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup (for moisture)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (for flavor)
Light cream cheese
2 ounces (softened)
Icing sugar
2/3 cup (for frosting)
Cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (for icing)
Water
1 1/2 teaspoons (as needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8-inch square metal pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
3
Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and mix thoroughly until incorporated.
4
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, low-fat yogurt or sour cream, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies soft.
5
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the center of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until just set (a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs). Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture.
6
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the icing by blending the light cream cheese, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and water in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
8
Spread the icing evenly over the cooled brownies and cut them into 12 delicious squares for serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Light Triple Chocolate Brownies?
They are a lighter, guilt-free version of traditional brownies that maintain a rich chocolate flavor and a fudge-like consistency.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the renowned chef Rose Reisman, known for creating healthier versions of classic dishes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 delicious brownie squares.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pan should I use?
An 8-inch square metal pan is recommended for the best results.
How do I prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan?
Spray the 8-inch square metal pan with cooking spray before pouring in the batter.
What ingredients make up the base brownie batter?
The batter consists of sugar, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, low-fat yogurt or sour cream, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, you can use either low-fat yogurt or sour cream to add moisture to the brownies.
Why do I need to sift the cocoa powder and flour?
Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, well-blended batter for a better brownie texture.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake them in the center of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are ready when they are just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Why is it important not to overbake these brownies?
Avoiding overbaking is essential to maintain their decadent, fudgy texture.
Can I overmix the batter?
No, you should stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the brownies soft.
What are the components of the triple chocolate flavor?
The triple chocolate flavor comes from the cocoa powder in the batter, the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the cocoa powder in the icing.
How do I prepare the brownie icing?
Blend light cream cheese, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and water in a blender or food processor until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What kind of cream cheese should be used for the frosting?
Use light cream cheese that has been softened to ensure a smooth consistency.
Should the brownies be hot or cold when I apply the icing?
The brownies must be allowed to cool completely in the pan before you spread the icing over them.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, baking them a day in advance is actually recommended for the best flavor.
Are these brownies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully for up to a month.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of granulated sugar.
Is the vanilla extract important?
Yes, pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the chocolate.
What is the purpose of the baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder is used as a leavening agent to help the brownies rise slightly.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
What provides the moisture in these light brownies?
The combination of vegetable oil, egg, and low-fat yogurt or sour cream provides moisture without excessive fat.
Is the icing sugar the same as regular sugar?
No, icing sugar (also known as powdered sugar) is used specifically for the frosting to create a smooth, fine texture.
How much cocoa powder is in the icing?
The icing uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of cocoa powder.
What role does the water play in the icing?
Water is added in small amounts (1 1/2 teaspoons) to help achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Are these brownies considered low-fat?
While they contain oil and chocolate, the use of low-fat yogurt, light cream cheese, and limited oil makes them a lighter option compared to traditional recipes.
What should I do if I don't have a food processor for the icing?
You can use a blender or whisk the ingredients vigorously by hand, though a processor ensures the smoothest texture for the light cream cheese.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
While the recipe specifies semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor balance, you could experiment with others, though it may change the 'light' nutritional profile.