Description
These low-calorie Greek yogurt brownies offer a rich, fudgy chocolate flavor with a moist texture thanks to the use of non-fat Greek yogurt. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey and made with simple pantry ingredients, they are a healthier brownie alternative. You can easily customize them to be gluten-free or vegan, and add mix-ins like nuts or extra chocolate for decadent variations.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans (toasted for best flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips (Optional): Add chocolate chips if using, folding them gently into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oat flour instead of all-purpose flour and ensure cocoa powder and baking soda are gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, rested for 5 minutes), use maple syrup (not honey), and swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt. Use vegan dark chocolate chips if adding chocolate.
- Nutty Twist: Add ¼ to ⅓ cup chopped toasted nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans to increase protein and add crunch.
- Double Chocolate Delight: Increase cocoa powder by 1-2 tablespoons and add more chocolate chips or chunks for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Bonus Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of instant coffee or espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast, or swirl in nut butter for extra richness and protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/9 of recipe)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg