Oh, the brownie craving! You know the one – that deep, dark chocolatey desire that hits you out of nowhere? I used to think it meant a whole lot of guilt and a sugar crash waiting to happen. But NO MORE! My mission became finding a way to have my chocolate cake and eat it too, and boy, did I ever hit the jackpot. I’m SO excited to share my recipe for Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies with you all. Seriously, these are a game-changer. They taste ridiculously good, are surprisingly simple to whip up, and best of all, they’re a treat you can actually feel good about enjoying. I stumbled upon this little bit of magic after a serious brownie binge, and I’ve been tinkering ever since to get them just right!
Why You’ll Love These Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Okay, get ready, because these brownies are seriously awesome. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: At around 87 calories a pop, you can totally satisfy that chocolate craving without derailing your day.
- Super Easy to Make: Like, ridiculously easy. You probably have most of the ingredients already, and it takes hardly any time.
- Deliciously Fudgy: Don’t let the ‘healthy’ fool you – these taste like legit, rich brownies!
- Diet-Friendly: They’re perfect if you’re watching calories, fat, or just trying to make healthier choices.
Ingredients for Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Alright, let’s talk about what magic goes into these little guys! You won’t believe how simple these ingredients are, and how perfectly they come together to make something truly special. Trust me, gathering these will be the hardest part, because once you start baking, it’s smooth sailing!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (This is our secret weapon for moisture and sweetness!)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Grab the good stuff for that deep chocolate flavor!)
- 1/4 cup erythritol (Or your favorite granulated sugar substitute if you prefer!)
- 1 large egg (Just one, to bind it all together perfectly.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Because, well, vanilla!)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (This gives them a lovely texture without being heavy.)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (Just a little lift!)
- A pinch of salt (To make all those flavors pop!)
Crafting Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies: Step-by-Step
Okay, now for the really fun part – actually making these little squares of joy! It’s super straightforward, and honestly, the smell that fills your kitchen as they bake is just heavenly. You’ll feel like a total baking pro, I promise! If you’re looking for another yummy healthy treat, you might want to check out these secretly healthy zucchini brownies too!
Preheating and Pan Preparation for Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
First things first, let’s get that oven ready. You want to preheat it to a nice 350°F (that’s 175°C for my friends across the pond!). While the oven is heating up, grab your 8×8 inch baking pan. Give it a good greasing – a little cooking spray or some softened butter works perfectly. This step is super important so our brownies don’t stick, making your life (and the cleanup) way easier!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients for Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Grab a medium-sized bowl – nothing too fancy here! Toss in your unsweetened applesauce, the cocoa powder, erythritol (or your sweetener of choice), that one perfect egg, and the vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want it to look like a rich, chocolatey puddle of deliciousness before we add anything else.
Combining Dry Ingredients and Batter for Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Now, in a separate, much smaller bowl, quickly whisk together your almond flour, baking powder, and that little pinch of salt. Once they’re cozy, pour this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Here’s the golden rule: mix *just* until it’s combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy stirring! Overmixing is the enemy of tender brownies, trust me on this one. You want a nice, thick batter.
Baking and Cooling Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The best way to check if they’re done is the toothpick test: stick a toothpick right into the center. If it comes out clean (maybe with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter!), they’re ready! Let them cool COMPLETELY in the pan before you even think about cutting them. Patience is key here for those perfect squares!
Tips for the Best Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Alright, let’s make sure these brownies turn out absolutely perfect every single time! It’s all about a few little secrets. Think of me as your baking buddy, sharing the tried-and-true stuff. You can even check out my banana oatmeal muffins or the healthy banana oatmeal muffins if you need more low-cal deliciousness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthy Brownies
So, about those ingredients! The unsweetened applesauce is key for moisture without adding tons of calories or fat, so try not to swap it unless you really have to! If you absolutely can’t find it, maybe a ripe mashed banana could work, but it will change the flavor a bit. For the erythritol, any granulated sugar substitute you love will do the trick – stevia or xylitol (just be careful if you have pets!). If you’re out of almond flour, oat flour could be a decent swap, but almond flour really gives these brownies their tender crumb. And if you need an egg replacer? A flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 mins) usually works wonders. These little tweaks can help you bake up a masterpiece no matter what you have on hand, just like my flourless Greek yogurt brownies!
Variations to Enjoy Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
You know, while these brownies are absolutely divine on their own, sometimes you just want to jazz things up a bit, right? It’s like having your favorite song – sometimes you want the original, and sometimes you want a cool remix! My absolute favorite way to switch these up is to toss in about 1/4 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips right at the end. They melt into little pockets of gooey goodness that are just heavenly. You could also try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla for a chocolate-mint vibe, or maybe some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. For another fun idea, check out my healthy chocolate chickpea truffles – they have a totally different texture but that same low-cal chocolatey punch!
Serving and Storing Your Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Once these babies are completely cool, you can slice them up and enjoy! They’re perfect just as they are, but if you feel fancy, a tiny dusting of powdered erythritol or a couple of fresh berries on the side is lovely. If, by some miracle, you have any leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll be perfectly happy sitting on the counter at room temperature for up to 3 days. Honestly, they usually don’t last that long though! For longer storage, they’ll keep well in the fridge for about a week, but I find they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you’re looking for more no-bake chocolatey goodness, you HAVE to try my no-bake cottage brownie!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Got questions? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to be curious in the kitchen, especially when you’re trying something new. These brownies are pretty straightforward, but I know sometimes you just want that little bit of reassurance. It’s like when I was figuring out my protein brownie recipe – so many questions!
Can I make these brownies vegan?
You sure can try! To make these vegan, you’ll want to swap out that egg for a flax egg – just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about five minutes until it gets nice and gel-like. Otherwise, the recipe should work just fine!
What is the best way to store these healthy brownies?
Honestly, the best way is in an airtight container right on your counter. They stay good for about 3 days that way, and they’re still perfectly fudgy. If you need them to last a bit longer, the fridge is your friend, but I find they’re best when they aren’t ice cold!
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, they are! Since we’re using almond flour and no wheat flour, these are naturally gluten-free. Score! It’s one of the reasons they’re a winner for so many of us.
Nutritional Information for Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
Now, let’s talk numbers! We all want to know what we’re fueling our bodies with, right? These estimates are based on the specific ingredients I use, but remember, your results might vary just a tiny bit depending on the brands and exact measurements. They’re still incredibly low-cal, though! You can find tons of other diet-friendly ideas over on my diet recipes page.
Here’s roughly what you’re looking at per delicious 87-calorie brownie:
- Calories: 87
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Share Your Thoughts and Creations!
I absolutely LOVE hearing from you guys! So, if you make these yummy Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies, please PLEASE leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you try any fun variations? Did you share them at a party? Snap a pic and tag me on social media – I adore seeing them! You can also reach out through my contact form if you have any questions or just want to share your baking triumphs!
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Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These brownies are low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup erythritol
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together applesauce, cocoa powder, erythritol, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a few sugar-free chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 87
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: healthy brownies, low calorie brownies, guilt-free dessert, almond flour brownies, applesauce brownies