These healthy brownies are very moist and fudgy. They are just 4 ingredients and very easy to make. They don’t contain any flour, refined sugar, eggs, butter or oil. The batter takes just five minutes to prepare and then they are ready to be baked.
These fudgy brownies are one of my favorite recipes to make when I’m craving a chocolate dessert but I also want something a little healthier. They are inspired by my banana brownies but this version is even easier because you don’t need to mash any bananas.
Ingredients
- Applesauce
- Peanut butter
- Cocoa powder
- Maple Syrup
Applesauce: The brownies are made with unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce helps to add some natural sweetness to the brownies and keeps them very moist. If you need a substitute for applesauce, I also have a version that uses bananas instead of applesauce.
Peanut butter: These brownies use unsweetened natural peanut butter. You want to use natural peanut butter that has no added oils. Only peanuts and salt should be listed on the nutrition label. Peanut butter can be substituted with natural almond butter.
Cocoa powder: This recipe works best with dutch process cocoa powder. I found that dutch process gives these brownies a richer chocolate flavor. You can use natural cocoa powder as well, but I found the taste to be better with dutch process cocoa.
Maple syrup: The brownies are lightly sweetened with a few tablespoons of maple syrup.
How to Make Healthy Applesauce Brownies
All the ingredients are added into a mixing bowl and whisked together. The batter is then poured into your prepared baking pan and ready to be baked.
Brownies can be cut and served soon after they are cooled. You can also put them in the fridge, which will help them taste sweeter and richer and make them a little easier to cut.
Brownie Texture
These brownies have a very moist and fudgy texture. If you want cakey brownies, these are not it. The brownies are also very lightly sweetened. They have a sweetness level like bittersweet dark chocolate.
More Healthy Brownie Recipes
4 Ingredient Healthy Brownies
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (128 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 5 tbsp (35 g) unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the batter is uniform and smooth. Taste and if needed, you can add 1-2 more tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Add batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth and even the surface.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes. The brownie batter should look puffy and the surface should not be wet. The brownies should not be fully set but when you press lightly on the surface, it should not completely sink in. Let brownies cool completely before cutting and eating. You can also let them sit in the fridge for a few hours which will develop the flavors even more. Store uneaten brownies in the fridge.
Notes
- 8 oz of applesauce refers to weight, not fluid ounces. The individual snack containers of applesauce are usually sold in 4 oz containers. I used 2 (4 oz) unsweetened applesauce snack containers. If you are using a jar of applesauce and don't have a scale, 8 oz of applesauce is approximately 3/4 cup + 2.5 tbsp.
- These brownies do not need frosting. I usually make them without it to keep them healthier.
- Optional chocolate frosting: If you want to use the frosting I made in the photos, you will need 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder (dutch process does not work) or cacao powder, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. First mix the coconut oil and cocoa powder until smooth. Then stir in the syrup until incorporated and the frosting thickens.
- Estimated nutrition does not include optional frosting.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Hello:
Can I use a different size pan. I don’t have an 8×4 loaf pan.
Thank you,
Mary
Yes but the recipe would need to adjusted
Love the recipe!! Thank you for sharing.
So glad you liked it!
Love your easy recipes..I have to eat gluten free..so this are great
We’re happy you’re enjoying the recipes!
Wonderful and healthy easy peasy to make and delicious
Leave them in the fridge overnight and serve with anything you like for they make a great start with your morning coffee
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Maple syrup is loaded with sugar I’m diabetic and have learned that I can have certain waffles low in sugar and I use organic agave instead of syrup it’s low in sugar but naturally sweet tasting. Can I substitute it for the maple ?
Sorry, but we haven’t tried it.
Kirbie – Do your “4 INGREDIENT HEALTHY BROWNIES (NO FLOUR, REFINED SUGAR, EGGS, BUTTER OR OIL)” brownies have ANY peanut butter taste to them AT ALL?
If you don’t like peanut butter, you can use natural almond butter.
Helpful. Masterfully done..
Thank you!
What will happen if I use regular peanut butter?
Regular peanut butter has added oil that will change how the brownies turn out. They might not set right.
Thanks for this I’ve saved it and I expect to make it when I have a gathering in a couple of weeks looking forward to trying this I’ve saved lots of your recipes they all sound nice and simple and healthy thank you
You’re welcome! We hope you love them.
Can powered peanut butter be used?
Sorry we have not tried with powdered peanut butter