Not-So-Sinful Brownies
Indulge in these moist, fudgy brownies with a hint of applesauce for a lighter touch. Rich chocolate flavor balanced by wholesome oats make them perfect for a healthier treat. Great for sharing with friends or family, they satisfy cravings without guilt and are easy to customize with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 oz. unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 4 egg whites or 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 cup quick or old fashioned oats ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, combine vegetable oil and unsweetened chocolate. Heat, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add granulated sugar and unsweetened applesauce to the chocolate mixture; mix well.
- Stir in egg whites or eggs and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Scrape batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean (do not overbake).
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Remove from the pan and cut into bars.
- Optional: sprinkle with confectioners sugar just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. You can also replace egg whites with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. Ensure not to overbake to maintain a fudgy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with White Chocolate Mousse for a decadent dinner party. You can also enjoy them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee for a satisfying afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a chilled treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Not-So-Sinful Brownies contains roughly 308 calories, with 5g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, with coconut oil adding a hint of sweetness. Just ensure that any alternative is in a liquid state before mixing with the chocolate.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well. Additionally, consider increasing the amount of unsweetened chocolate slightly, but be mindful of adjusting the sugar if you do.
What can I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To remedy this, try adding a bit more applesauce next time, as it helps retain moisture. You can also serve the brownies warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture and richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).