Rich and chewy, low-fat brownie from scratch. Add lower-fat cream cheese frosting for a great combination that would be welcomed at any party. All for just under 200 calories.
Introduction
I don't like mixes, so I generally cook from scratch, and this is about the same amount of work as a box, and you know what is in it.
I somewhat simplified a recipe from food.com .
I added some instant coffee to punch up the chocolate flavor and then made some cream cheese frosting with a lower fat cream cheese that is the perfect topping for the great tasting brownie.
My Rating
A higher 4. This is a five if you need a low-fat or low-calorie treat.
👨🍳The Recipe
The Brownie
I used applesauce to replace most of the liquid and fat. I did leave some butter. It is not all fat, and a little fat really is needed for the texture. I tried several ways to get rid of it, but it needs to be there.
The dark cocoa powder is great for taste, but instant coffee is well known for busting chocolate flavor.
The Frosting
I think this adds something special. Do not use fat-free cream cheese; it is horrible. The lower fat is ok.
You can skip the frosting or just do a powder sugar and milk frosting if you want.
My suggested frosting adds 33 calories per brownie.
🖊️Notes
Nutrition
Be aware that many of the "nutritional facts" on boxes of a mix are for the mix only not the added oil etc.
This recipe makes 16 two-inch square brownies. They are 141 calories and 1.7 gms of fat each. The frosting adds about 33 calories. So frost if you want.
Storage of the Brownies
Without the frosting. I would store at room temperature tightly covered for 3-4 days. If frosted, then refrigerate. It should freeze well for 3-4 months.
📖Easy Deserts
This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.
🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup apple sauce. Mix well with a hand mixer. Add 2 tablespoons butter melted, two egg whites, 1 tablespoon instant coffee and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well again.
In a separate bowl mix 1 cup AP flour, ½ cup good quality dark cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well.
Now mix dry into the wet. Mix well but do not over mix.
Pour into a greased 8 X 8 pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
While brownies are baking, combine 2 oz of reduced-fat cream cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat on low with a hand mixer until mixed and then increase speed slightly and whip for 10-15 seconds. Slowly add ⅔ cup powder sugar and mix until creamy.
After brownies are cooled, cut into 2-inch squares and top with a generous teaspoon of frosting.
📖Recipe
Low Fat Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup apple sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup AP flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 2 oz Reduced fat cream cheese - Not fat free
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup powder sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup apple sauce. Mix well with a hand mixer. Add 2 tablespoons butter melted, two egg whites, 1 tablespoon instant coffee and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well again.
- In a separate bowl mix 1 cup AP flour, ½ cup good quality dark cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well.
- Mix dry into the wet. Mix well but do not over mix.
- Pour into a greased 8 X 8 pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Optional Low Fat Cream Cheese Frosting
- While brownies are baking, combine 2 oz of reduced-fat cream cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat on low with a hand mixer until mixed and then increase speed slightly and whip for 10-15 seconds. Slowly add ⅔ cup powder sugar and mix until creamy.
- After brownies are cooled, cut into 2-inch squares and top with a generous teaspoon of frosting.
My Private Notes
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips
- Some fat is needed to keep the texture, so don’t omit the butter.
- Dark cocoa powder adds more taste.
- The instant coffee is optional but will boost the chocolate taste.
- The frosting is optional and adds 33 calories.
- Do not use fat-free cream cheese.
- Good refrigerated if frosted for 3-4 days and frozen for 3-4 months.
- Nutrition includes frosting.
To adjust the recipe size:
You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.
Nutrition Estimate
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Editor's Note: Originally Published November 19, 2011. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.
Jen B
Can’t wait to try these. Some clarification please - Is butter salted or unsalted? And is applesauce unsweetened or sweetened?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Hi Jen,
Butter on this site is always with salt (there may be a few exceptions that will be specifically stated). Most of my readers will not normally have unsalted butter.
Applesauce is unsweetened. Most sweetened apple sauce has corn syrup that I'm not big on—not a health thing... it can have a bit of odd taste. Also, nothing with artificial sweeteners usually anymore for the same reason.
Dan
MD
I'm wondering if banana can replace the sugar for the mix? I might try that and if it works out, I'll let you know!
DrDan
I have some doubts about it.
Dan
Aaron C.
LOW FAT BROWNIES? Looks really good, and I like brownies!
Aaron