Summary: Delicious brownies do not have to be off-limits when you are trying to watch your calorie intake. This low calorie brownie recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, without sacrificing the rich chocolatey taste that we all love. You can still indulge in your sweet tooth cravings and stay on track with your diet goals with these guilt-free treats.
1. Ingredients
The ingredients used in traditional brownies such as butter, sugar, and flour contribute to their high calorie content. However, this recipe calls for substitutes that are lower in fat and calories. You will need:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Mix the dry ingredients together and the wet ingredients separately, then mix everything together. Add the chocolate chips in last. It’s that simple! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Applesauce Substitute
This recipe uses unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for butter or oil. Applesauce is a low calorie and fat-free ingredient that still provides moisture to the brownies. Using applesauce instead of butter or oil can reduce the calorie content by over 50%. Not only is applesauce a healthier option, but it also adds natural sweetness and flavor.
Are you worried about the taste? Don’t be! It’s impossible to detect the applesauce taste in these delicious brownies.
This is a great substitution trick that can work in many baked goods. Try it next time when you bake banana bread or carrot cake.
3. Greek Yogurt Substitute
Another healthy substitute found in this recipe is nonfat plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. Both sour cream and Greek yogurt provide moisture to baked goods. However, Greek yogurt is fat-free and has a lower calorie count. The protein content in Greek yogurt also has a filling effect, which makes you feel full for a longer period of time.
Greek yogurt substitutes work well in other recipes too. It can be used as a healthy substitute for mayonnaise, heavy cream, and cream cheese. The versatility of Greek yogurt will help you save calories while still enjoying your favorite foods.
4. Portion Control
While low calorie brownies are tempting, eating too many can sabotage your healthy diet plan. Therefore, portion control is important to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Divide your brownies into equal-size portions ahead of time to prevent overeating. One serving size should be approximately 2×2 inch square piece.
If you want to indulge in a special treat, accompany your brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just remember to watch your portion size, and balance it out with a healthy meal and regular exercise.
Think beyond portion sizes too – considering preparing low-calorie snacks such as fresh fruit and veggies to snack on between meals so you won’t crave as much when it comes around for brownies.
5. Customize Your Brownies
Low calorie brownies don’t have to be boring. You can customize your brownies by adding ingredients such as nuts, berries, or shredded coconut. These ingredients add texture and flavor with minimal calories. Try adding walnuts or pecans to create a rich nutty flavor.
If you prefer more sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey instead of sugar. The natural sweetness from honey is a healthier option and provides a subtle taste of sweetness.
Get creative and try different combinations to make brownies that fit your taste buds.
Conclusion:
Indulging in a sweet treat can fit part of a healthy diet plan. This low calorie brownie recipe provides a delicious chocolatey dessert that won’t ruin your calorie count. Making small substitutions such as using applesauce and Greek yogurt instead of butter and sour cream will greatly reduce the calorie count without sacrificing taste. By practicing portion control and customizing your brownies with healthy ingredients, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of brownies while staying on track towards your weight goals.
Give this recipe a try and let us know what your favorite combination is!