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Greek yogurt brownies are lower far and sugar free brownies that use yogurt to replace any oil or butter! Gooey, fudgy, and made in one bowl, they are a guilt-free chocolate treat- Each brownie is under 100 calories!
When it comes to healthy desserts, I can never say no to raw brownies, chocolate ice cream, and healthy Greek yogurt brownies.
Brownies are one of the best desserts ever, and as someone who enjoys them on a regular basis, substituting some of the more unhealthy ingredients for healthier ones is always a plus. Swapping out oil and butter for yogurt has been a game-changer in my dessert game!
Unlike applesauce or pumpkin puree, replacing the fat with Greek yogurt did NOT result in a gummy or dense texture. In fact, when I served these yogurt brownies to some friends, they thought they must have come out of a box. See, they are as thick and fudgy as any good brownie out there, minus all the fat, calories, and carbs!
If you are skeptical about adding yogurt to your brownies, don’t fret- You won’t even be able to taste it!
How do you make Greek yogurt brownies
The Ingredients
- All purpose flour– I used white wholewheat all purpose flour, which gives these brownies an added boost of whole grains and fiber. Regularly AP flour works just as well.
- Granulated sweetener of choice– Any sugar free substitute can be used. I prefer using monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, as they have the most similar texture and flavor to white sugar.
- Cocoa Powder– Unsweetened cocoa powder. Be sure to use a brand that has no added fat. For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Baking soda– Gives the brownies some rise and holds them together.
- Salt– Brings out the sweetness!
- Vanilla Extract– A must for any baked good or dessert!
- Vanilla yogurt– Any non-fat vanilla or plain yogurt can be used. I prefer non-dairy Greek yogurt and coconut vanilla yogurt.
- Chocolate- The chocolate will be melted, and folded into the yogurt, before adding it to the mixture. This is the secret tip to keep the brownies ultra gooey and fudgy!
- Unsweetened almond milk– Minimal calories, but you can use water if you’d prefer.
- Chocolate Chips– Optional, but highly recommended for an extra chocolate boost.
The Instructions
In a mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well. Melt your chocolate, before whisking in your yogurt and vanilla extract. Combine the two, before slowly adding in the milk or water. Mix until just combined. If using chocolate chips, fold through at the end. Transfer to an 8 x 8-inch pan and bake at 180C/350F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Are these brownies vegan?
Yes, these brownies have been tested to be vegan, using the following substitutions-
- Vanilla yogurt– Use soy yogurt, coconut yogurt, or Greek cultured coconut yogurt.
- Chocolate– Use dairy free chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life) or a 70% or higher baking chocolate bar.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, if you follow a gluten free diet, replace the all purpose flour with gluten free all purpose flour.
I have not tried this with a homemade gluten free flour, so I cannot vouch for that.
Tips to make the best Greek Yogurt Brownies
- Let the melted chocolate sit for 1-2 minutes, before folding through the yogurt. We don’t want the yogurt to curdle.
- If your yogurt is tart, you may like to add extra granulated sweetener to it.
- For an extra hit of chocolate, fold through chocolate chips into the batter.
- Do not overbake the brownies, as they continue to cook as they cool down. Remove them when a toothpick comes out ‘just’ clean from the center.
- Oven makes and models differ. When I made these brownies in my mum’s oven, they took close to 40 minutes.
Storing and Freezing Brownies
- To store: Yogurt brownies will keep well at room temperature, in a sealed container. Be sure to lay a sheet of paper towel on top, to keep them super moist and fudgy. They will keep well for up to 5 days. To keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator.
- To freeze: Brownies are freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
More healthy brownies to try
Greek Yogurt Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chocolate chopped
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt * See notes
- 1/2 cup sugar of choice white, brown, sugar free, etc.
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour gluten free, if needed
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips of choice optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add your chopped chocolate. Melt your chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, before adding your yogurt and sugar. Whisk until smooth and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda, and mix until just combined. Add your milk and mix well, until fully incorporated. Fold through your chocolate chips, if using them.
- Transfer to the lined pan and bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out just clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Hi! I’ve only got plain Greek yogurt on hand– how much extra vanilla & sugar would you recommend adding to make up for the lack of vanilla-flavored yogurt? Thanks in advance!
I’d add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup sugar.
So are you using refined flour in this recipe? In that case how is it healthy?
Sure am and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using flour in recipes. 🙂 Enjoy this healthy recipe!
Hi, Just wanted to know. Can I replace the all purpose flour with almond flour in this recipe? Looks amazing
Not that I’ve tried 🙂
gonna try these! i have nonfat Greek plain yogurt .. how much vanilla extract or sugar should/can i add?
None needed, the tartness will be overidden by the chocolate 🙂
Hi Arman.
Before I attempt to make these greek yogurt chocolate brownies, I was just wondering-when you say to use a half cup of sugar or sugar substitute, does that mean you can use a half cup of monk fruit sweetener? I heard monk fruit is much sweeter than regular sugar, so I’m not sure if you use sugar and monk fruit sweetener in the same proportion. Thanks from NY!
Hi Jordan- that is correct. The monk fruit is use is cup for cup compared to sugar.
Could you explain “whole meal flour”? I am gluten free & not sure what I can use. I am dying to try these!!! They look totally awesome & I need a healthier brownie compared to the g/f box mixes.
Hi Susan! Whole meal flour is what they call ‘All Purpose Flour’ or ‘whole wheat flour’ in America 🙂
Is there anything that could be used in replacement of the pumpkin puree?
Hi Rosa! You can certainly use applesauce or mashed sweet potato? They may alter the consistency slightly 🙂
These sound delicious!!! I made some black bean brownies a few weeks ago that were awesome but getting the food processor out (and cleaning it up) is kind of a hassle so this would be a nice, light alternative!
Thanks Liz- This is definitely a great option and no beans either! 🙂