Healthier Brownies

Easy healthier brownies made dairy-free using applesauce and gluten-free friendly. Just use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, or you can use whole wheat white. These brownies are a cross between cakey and fudgy – the best of both worlds.

Well we just got a bunch of snow over the weekend and having three batches of these (healthier) brownies sure did come in handy. Mr. FMK probably ate one whole pan by himself over the course of two days. I wish I were kidding.

But let’s back up… Yes I said we had *three* batches of these guys around because I insisted on triple-checking the recipe. I just wasn’t for sure about them so I had my amazing Pal test them as well. I always want to provide you guys with the best recipes and sometimes I just need another opinion. Mr. FMK’s opinion doesn’t always count because he typically eats anything. He also has a serious sweet tooth and almost always knows when I try to “healthify” things. Surprisingly enough, he didn’t realize these brownies were made with less butter and actually dairy-free.

But I feel like something was going on with my tastebuds during testing because even though Drew was smashing the brownies left and right (I swear he ate six in just one day) I just wasn’t convinced. I tend to over-analyze pretty much everything, so when Pal came back and said both she AND all of her coworkers loved them, I knew I was good-to-go.

Going into this healthier brownie recipe I knew I wanted them to be dairy-free and gluten-free friendly (for the intolerant folk) and I also didn’t want to have to rely on a nut butter – because I know loads of people also have nut allergies, not to mention nut butter can be expensive. I try to balance out my recipes and just provide healthier versions of all kinds but I also understand I can’t make everyone happy.

Going through my dessert recipe index I realized Fit Mitten Kitchen has a lot of paleo brownies…

• grain-free beet brownies
• fudgy flourless matcha frosting brownies
• paleo pumpkin brownies
• paleo flourless zucchini brownies

But no plain-jane regular, healthier brownies. So just in time for Valentine’s Day I bring you

Simple Healthier Brownies (dairy-free and gluten-free)

Nut-free, dairy-free and whole grain, plus gluten-free.

They’re the perfect mix of fudgy and cakey.

BONUS: You don’t have to wait loads of time for them to cool. Typically with extra fudgy brownies (like this recipe) the cooling process can take forever. But these really only take about 20 minute before you can cut into them with no issues.

and you can even use a fun, festive cut outs.

Let’s Chat Ingredients:

• oil or vegan butter – I say “vegan butter” meaning a dairy-free butter alternative. Oil will keep these naturally dairy-free, but if you think you’ll miss the butter flavor, then you can use that. We’re melting it either way so it doesn’t really matter which one you use for this recipe.
• dairy-free chocolate chips – something like Enjoy Life or Lily’s is a great option. Or Theo Chocolate bars broken up. You just need about 2.5 ounces chocolate.
• dry sweetener of choice – coconut sugar works here, or another granulated sugar of choice.
• eggs – I haven’t tried this recipe with an alternative so I suggest using eggs.
• applesauce – the applesauce is used to reduce some of the oil here. You can also use well mashed banana, but it will affect the flavor slightly.
• vanilla extract – flavor! Duh.
• unsweetened cocoa powder – make sure it’s just regular cocoa powder and not “dutch processed.”
• baking powder & salt – leavening and flavor.
• 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, or whole wheat white flour – tested with both a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and whole wheat white flour. Either work.

Making these Brownies is Pretty Easy!

All in all this is an easy brownie recipe.

• I prefer using the stovetop to melt the oil (or butter) with the chocolate chips. Then transfer to a mixing bowl to beat in the sugar (by hand with a whisk or with an electric mixer.)
• Next mix in the eggs, applesauce and vanilla.
• Then the dry ingredients get slowly incorporated. You want to make sure you don’t over-mix the batter here to avoid a super rubbery texture.
• Pour the batter into a lined baking pan, bake for about 20 minutes and let cool.

What’s the texture like in these “healthier” brownies?

Well, if you’re not a complete brownie snob and just looking for a healthier brownie recipe in general, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how great these brownies turn out.

Like I said, they’re a mix between cakey and fudgy.

They’re not overly sweet, but they’re sweet enough.

They’re studded with chocolate chips for a delicious bite to each brownie.

Be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn about the recipe as well. Xx Ashley

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