Applesauce brownies are lightened up and made from a mixture of almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour and applesauce of course! They are the perfect guiltless chocolate treat to whip up. Since they are made with almond flour they are naturally gluten free and paleo friendly.

Why you’ll love these applesauce brownies

Applesauce brownies are a fun treat to make. They are made with wholesome ingredients but still taste like the real deal. Here is why you will love them!

They are a lightened up version of traditional brownies.
This recipe is gluten free and grain free!
These brownies are so easy to make.
Applesauce brownies are made with wholesome ingredients.
Additionally, try these marshmallow brownies for some more recipe inspiration!

Ingredients in applesauce brownies

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these brownies

Almond flour and coconut flour are the two main flours in this recipe. They are both great gluten free flours that pair very nicely together.

Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor to these brownies.

Baking soda is the leavening agent used. It helps to puff up these brownies.

Eggs help to bind all the ingredients together.

Applesauce adds moisture and replaces the baking fat! Instead of using butter or oil we are using applesauce

Coconut sugar and maple syrup are the two natural sweeteners we are working with. Make sure to use pure maple syrup as it doesn’t have any added ingredients or preservatives.

Chocolate chips, of course! These dairy free chocolate chips from amazon are great. You can also find them at your local grocery store.

Healthy brownie recipe

Since this recipe is made with applesauce, it can be considered a ‘lightened up’ brownie recipe as it doesn’t have all the oil like traditional brownies have. However, these brownies still taste like the real deal! I have outlined a few reason why these brownies are wholesome.

First of all, they are made with almond flour and coconut flour. Both of these gluten free flours are a great substitute to traditional flour. They also have many nutritional benefits! Almond flour has many added benefits like healthy fats, fiber and protein. Coconut flour is also rich in fiber and pairs perfectly with the almond flour in this recipe.

Secondly, they use applesauce instead of oil (or another fat). Applesauce is a great fat replacer in baked goods. It cuts back the calories and still makes moist and chewy desserts. Applesauce also adds fiber and other nutritional benefits.

Finally, only 150 calories for one brownie! When cut into 9 squares these brownies are only 150 calories a piece.

Applesauce in baking

Applesauce is a great replacement for oils and butter in baked goods. It can be used in baked goods like muffins, cupcakes, breads and brownies. Instead of all the oil you can typically substitute in applesauce! Applesauce does tend to change the texture of baked goods so you have to be careful how you substitute it in.

Adding applesauce into this recipe creates perfectly sweet, soft, and fluffy brownies. It also helps add fiber! And because applesauce is like a liquid it helps at moisture which keeps these brownies fudgy and moist.

How to make these healthy applesauce brownies

Follow the few steps below!

Firstly, preheat your oven to to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper

Add the dry ingredients to a medium bowl: almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour and baking soda.

Add the wet ingredients to a large bowl: eggs, applesauce, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. Whisk until combined.

Fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with chocolate chips!

Finally, bake for 25-27 minutes. Let the brownies cool, then slice and enjoy!

Variations and substitutes

Sugar. This recipe calls for both coconut sugar and maple syrup!

Instead of coconut sugar, feel free to use regular white cane sugar as a 1:1 swap.
Instead of maple syrup, feel free to use honey. Maple syrup and honey help add chewiness and texture into the brownies so I recommend adding one of these options into the recipe.

Chocolate chips. Add extra chocolate chips into the batter or on top of the brownies before baking. This will add extra chocolate goodness and flavor. Plus who doesn’t love extra chocolate?

How to serve almond flour brownies

These brownies are perfect on their own. I mean how can you turn down a delicious and fudgy brownie? But if you’re looking to take things to the next level I advise you to keep reading.

Enjoy these brownies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

For extra chocolate flavor, sprinkle more chocolate chips on top of your serving.

Make an ice cream sandwich! Grab two brownies and add a flattened scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle.

Add a drizzle of chocolate fudge on top!

Attention peanut butter lovers: Add a drizzle of peanut butter on top!

How to store

Once the brownies are almost cooled, slice them into 9 squares.

Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Or you can also freeze them for a later date! That way you always have tasty treats on hand. To reheat these brownies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or defrost them in the microwave.

Other healthy dessert recipes you’ll love

If you love these brownies, make sure to try some of my other recipes below.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

Double Chocolate Coconut Oil Cookies (with sea salt)

Healthy Mound Bars (topped with flaked salt)

Applesauce Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Paleo Chocolate Muffins

Did you make this recipe?

If you make these applesauce brownies I would really appreciate a rating and a review down below! If you’re looking for some more delicious recipes, or even more gluten free recipes, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Your reviews and comments help support Brae’s Bites and allow me to continue to make delicious recipes.

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4 from 1 vote