Decadent Whole Wheat Brownies with Applesauce
Indulge in these Decadent Whole Wheat Brownies with Applesauce, a guilt-free treat that's perfect for any occasion! Not only are they lower in fat thanks to the use of unsweetened applesauce and whole wheat flour, but they also pack a rich, chocolatey punch. These brownies are wonderfully soft, chewy, and satisfyingly sweet, making them a delightful dessert option for those who want to enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite. Share them with friends or family, and watch them disappear!
24
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (packed)
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
3/4 cup (sifted)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Espresso Powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Unsweetened Applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
Large Eggs
4 (beaten)
Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it's fully liquefied.
3
Stir in the packed brown sugar until well combined. Return the mixture to heat briefly until it's hot and begins to bubble—this step helps dissolve the sugar for a shiny crust.
4
Remove from heat and mix in the sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, optional espresso powder, and vanilla extract.
5
Allow the mixture to cool until it's warm to the touch, resembling the temperature of a comfortably hot bath.
6
Once cooled, stir in the unsweetened applesauce until homogenous.
7
Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until smooth, then fold in the sifted whole wheat flour and finally the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring everything is well mixed.
8
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a sharp knife or cake tester inserted into the center reveals wet crumbs but no raw batter. The edges should feel set and firm.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Cover when completely cool, and let sit overnight for the best flavor and texture before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
1.83g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Whole Wheat Brownies with Applesauce?
They are a healthier, lower-fat version of classic brownies made with unsweetened applesauce and whole wheat flour while remaining soft and chewy.
How many calories are in one brownie?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6.25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these brownies?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each brownie contains 1.83g of protein.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the brownies are finished baking?
They are done when a cake tester inserted into the center reveals wet crumbs but no raw batter, and the edges feel set.
Why should I heat the butter and brown sugar together?
Heating the mixture until it bubbles helps dissolve the sugar, which creates a desirable shiny crust on the brownies.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sifted Dutch-Processed cocoa powder.
Can I add coffee flavor to these brownies?
Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of optional espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
What role does applesauce play in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce acts as a fat replacement to make the brownies healthier while keeping them moist.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large beaten eggs.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of sifted whole wheat flour.
How many chocolate chips are included?
The recipe includes 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Is there a secret to the best flavor and texture?
Yes, for the best results, cover the brownies when completely cool and let them sit overnight before serving.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease your 9x13 inch pan.
Should the cocoa powder be sifted?
Yes, the instructions specify using sifted cocoa powder for a smooth texture.
At what temperature should the butter and sugar mixture be before adding eggs?
It should be warm to the touch, resembling the temperature of a comfortably hot bath.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What category of dessert is this?
These are categorized as Bar Cookies.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for sifted whole wheat flour.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of packed brown sugar.
How should I cool the brownies?
Once removed from the oven, cool them on a wire rack.
Can I use regular applesauce?
The recipe specifies unsweetened applesauce to maintain the intended health profile and sweetness level.
When should the chocolate chips be added?
Fold the chocolate chips in at the end, after mixing in the flour.