My healthy brownies are perfectly fudgy and gooey, with those gorgeous crackly tops! Topped with a healthy frosting, there is no flour, eggs, or refined sugar needed! 

As someone who loves brownies, having a healthy option makes things easier.

Desserts should be part of any diet, and if you can tweak them slightly to be healthier (without sacrificing on taste!), even better. This healthy brownie recipe is the perfect example. I made a few small swaps, and the end result is something that tastes just as good as any brownie out there!

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make healthy brownies
4. My recipe tips and variations
5. Storage instructions
6. More healthy brownie recipes
7. Healthy Brownies (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• There is no flour, eggs, or refined sugar needed, and it uses simple and affordable ingredients.  
• Everything is made in just one bowl, so there is minimal cleanup and mess. 
• They come together in less than 30 minutes and can be enjoyed with or without frosting. 
• The fudginess is on another level- it will be hard to stop at one! 

Ingredients needed

The full recipe with measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Unsweetened applesauce. A fabulous replacement for oil or butter, and keeps the brownies extra fudgy. 
• Almond butter. Smooth almond butter with no added sugar.
• Maple syrup. Agave nectar or honey will also work. 
• Brown sugar substitute OR coconut sugar. All the brown sugar flavor, minus the calories or carbs. Skip the expensive store-bought kind and make my homemade brown sugar substitute.
• Cocoa powder. 100% unsweetened and Dutch-processed cocoa powder. For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa. 
• Salt. Brings out all the natural sweetness of the other ingredients. 
• Baking soda. Leavening agent used to give the brownies some rise and depth. 
• Vanilla extract. A must for any good brownie recipe. 
• Chocolate chips. Optional, but I love folding through some vegan chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips. 
• Frosting. Optional, but I love a thick layer of frosting. Try some healthy frosting or my 2 ingredient dairy free frosting. 

How to make healthy brownies

Step 1—Make the batter. In a large bowl, add the applesauce, almond butter, and maple syrup and whisk until smooth. Add the brown sugar substitute, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 2- Bake. Next, transfer the batter to a greased 8-inch pan and bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 3- Frost. Now, once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Let it sit for ten minutes before slicing and serving. 

My recipe tips and variations

• Do not overbake the brownies, as they will continue to cook as they cool. However, if you prefer crispier brownies, you can bake them for 30 minutes. 
• Avoid over-mixing the batter, as doing so will not yield a crackly top. 
• Use another nut or seed butter. Substitute the almond butter for peanut butter, tahini, or sunflower seed butter. 
• Cut the sugar completely. Replace the maple syrup with sugar free maple syrup.
• Swap out the applesauce. Pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree, and mashed bananas work. 

Storage instructions

To store: Brownies can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to three days. If you’d like them to keep longer, store them in the refrigerator, and they’ll keep for at least one week. 

To freeze: Place the leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months. 

More healthy brownie recipes

• Protein brownies
• 3 Ingredient brownies
• Flourless brownies
• Cottage cheese brownies
• Almond flour brownies
• Vegan brownies