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- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup or agave syrup - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free, if preferred) I love using applesauce in my brownies. It adds natural sweetness and moisture. Almond flour gives a nice texture without gluten. Cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor. I often choose sugar-free maple syrup or agave syrup. These keep our brownies sweet but healthy. Nuts add crunch, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Baking powder helps the brownies rise. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth. A touch of sea salt balances the sweetness. Lastly, dark chocolate chips make every bite a treat! Each serving of these brownies has about 150 calories. They are low in carbs and sugar. Using apples in the recipe gives many health benefits. Apples are high in fiber and vitamins. They help with digestion and keep our hearts healthy. This recipe is great for anyone wanting a dessert without added sugar. It is simple, healthy, and so delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, get your baking pan ready. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Make sure it hangs over the edges. This helps you lift the brownies out later. In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients first. Add 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup of almond flour, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of sugar-free maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well until you see no dry bits left. If you want some crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. This adds extra flavor and texture. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Now, put it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares or rectangles, and they are ready to enjoy! You can use several sugar substitutes in your brownies. Here are some popular choices: - Sugar-free maple syrup - Agave syrup - Erythritol These sweeteners help keep the brownies tasty without added sugar. When using them, adjust the flavor and sweetness. Start with half the amount of sugar. Taste the batter and add more if needed. Each sweetener has a unique flavor, so experiment to find your favorite. To make your brownies even better, try adding nuts or chocolate chips. Nuts like walnuts and pecans give a nice crunch. Chop them into small pieces for even distribution. Dark chocolate chips add extra richness. Use sugar-free chips if you want to stay sugar-free. You can also enhance flavor with spices. Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla powder for depth. These small additions can make a big difference in taste. Presentation makes your brownies even more tempting. Here are some fun ideas: - Dust the top with cocoa powder for a fancy look. - Cut the brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Serving them with sugar-free whipped cream is a great touch. It adds creaminess and balances the flavors. Enjoy your beautiful, sugar-free apple brownies! Pro Tips Use Fresh Applesauce: For the best flavor, make your own unsweetened applesauce using fresh apples. This will enhance the taste and texture of your brownies. Experiment with Flours: Try substituting almond flour with coconut flour or a gluten-free blend for different flavor profiles and textures. Add Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warm, cozy taste that complements the chocolate. Storage Tips: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your sugar-free apple brownies easily. Adding peanut butter or almond butter gives a rich, nutty flavor. Just mix in about 1/2 cup with your wet ingredients. This will add creaminess and healthy fats. You can also spice things up with seasonal flavors. Try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a warm touch. Just a pinch can make a big difference. It’s a great way to match the season or your mood. Making these brownies gluten-free is simple. Use gluten-free almond flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the texture light and fluffy while staying true to the recipe. If you want dairy-free options, swap out the chocolate chips. Use dairy-free, sugar-free chocolate chips instead. This way, everyone can enjoy the brownies without worry. You can play with different flours and sweeteners. If almond flour is not your choice, try coconut flour or oat flour. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your recipe as needed. You can also mix in different nuts or fruits. Walnuts or pecans work well, but you can try hazelnuts or even dried cherries. Each will bring its own unique taste and texture to your brownies. To keep your sugar-free apple brownies fresh, use an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice and moist. You can also freeze them. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This method works well for long-term storage. Sugar-free apple brownies taste best within a week. When stored properly, they can last up to two weeks in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the brownies smell off or have a strange texture, it's best to toss them out. Freshness is key for the best flavor! To reheat your brownies without drying them out, use a microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps them soft and moist. You can also warm them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes. This method gives them a nice warm texture, perfect for serving with a scoop of sugar-free whipped cream. Using regular sugar adds sweetness but comes with downsides. Sugar can spike blood sugar levels. When you use sugar-free options, you lower calorie intake. This means you can enjoy treats without guilt. Sugar-free sweeteners often have fewer carbs, making them a better choice for many diets. They also keep the brownies moist and tasty, just like regular sugar. To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Here’s a quick checklist: - The top should look set and slightly shiny. - The edges will pull away from the pan. - A toothpick test shows no wet batter. These signs mean you can take them out of the oven! Yes, you can swap applesauce with other ingredients. For example, mashed bananas work well too. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Yogurt can also be a good choice, making the brownies rich and creamy. Just remember, each swap changes the taste and texture. Applesauce keeps the brownies soft and adds a nice apple flavor. So, choose wisely based on what you want! These sugar-free apple brownies are simple and delicious. You learned the ingredients needed, how to mix and bake them, and tips for great results. Remember, you can customize these brownies to fit your taste. Keep them fresh by storing them properly. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also boosts health. So, get baking and treat yourself to a guilt-free dessert!

Sugar-Free Apple Brownies

Delicious and guilt-free brownies made with applesauce and cocoa powder, perfect for a healthy dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup sugar-free maple syrup or agave syrup
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free, if preferred)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, almond flour, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and pure vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully incorporate the baking powder, ground cinnamon, and sea salt into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is evenly blended and no dry ingredients remain visible.
  • Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are well-distributed throughout the brownie batter to add texture and flavor.
  • Prepare for Baking: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  • Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Cool and Remove: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the brownies out, and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Serve: Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, and enjoy your delicious and guilt-free sugar-free apple brownies!

Notes

For an extra touch, dust the top with cocoa powder or serve with sugar-free whipped cream.
Keyword apple, brownies, healthy dessert, sugar-free