These heavenly low calorie, low fat chocolaty treats have all of the chewy richness of traditional brownies, but contain only a small portion of the fat and calories. They are a necessary treat for those days when you just have to have something rich, gooey, and truly satisfying. You can play around with Low Fat Brownies as well: substitute butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips and pecans or peanuts for the walnuts.
Low Fat Brownies
Equipment
- oven
- 1 8 inch square baking pan
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 separate bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup skim milk
- ¼ cup honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 whole egg
- 2 additional egg whites
- 5 tablespoons non hydrogenated butter or margarine, melted (such as “Earth Balance”)
- 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts (if you choose not to add the walnuts, feel free to add an additional 2 tablespoons chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pure vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously spray an 8 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray; set aside.
- Combine the flour, brown sugar and cocoa in medium bowl and stir together well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg whites, butter, milk, honey (or maple) and vanilla until well blended.
- Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) to cover the top of the batter (they will start to “sink”).
- Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).
- Cool completely in the pan on wire rack. Once completely cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired) and cut into 10 equal sized squares.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Low Fat Brownies requires finesse and attention to detail. In this section, I’ll share some valuable cooking tips and insights to ensure the best results. Learn from my experience and avoid common mistakes that could compromise the outcome of these delectable treats.
Offer tips and tricks to ensure the best results:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your brownies heavily relies on the quality of cocoa powder you choose. Opt for a good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve a rich and intense chocolate taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired fudgy consistency.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick: To determine if your brownies are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the brownies are ready to be taken out of the oven.
Share insights on common mistakes to avoid:
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overbaking, as this can result in dry and crumbly brownies. It’s better to slightly underbake them and let them firm up as they cool.
- Using old baking powder: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh and active. Using expired or old baking powder can lead to flat and dense brownies.
- Cutting the brownies too soon: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into them. Cutting them too soon can cause them to break apart and lose their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate the experience of savoring Low Fat Brownies with these serving suggestions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these ideas will enhance the enjoyment of this guilt-free indulgence. From complementary sides and garnishes to creative serving methods, let’s explore the art of presenting these delightful brownies.
Recommend sides, garnishes, or beverages that complement the flavors:
To complement the rich flavors of Low Fat Brownies, consider serving them with a scoop of creamy vanilla frozen yogurt or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The coolness and creaminess of these accompaniments provide a delightful contrast to the warm, fudgy brownies. For an added touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts, such as pistachios or toasted almonds, on top for a satisfying crunch.
Suggest different ways to serve the dish:
Get creative with the presentation of your Low Fat Brownies. Cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for a finger-food dessert option at parties. Alternatively, you can transform them into a sensational sundae by layering chunks of brownies with alternating scoops of ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with fresh berries. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
FAQs about Low Fat Brownies
Here are some frequently asked questions about Low Fat Brownies, along with their answers. Whether you’re curious about storage options or alternative ingredient substitutions, this section will provide you with the information you need.
Can I store leftover brownies?
Absolutely! To store leftover Low Fat Brownies, ensure they have cooled completely. Cut them into individual portions and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Certainly! You can experiment with alternative sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the sweetness and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe. Adjust the quantities accordingly and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Low Fat Brownies by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits. Gently fold them into the batter just before transferring it to the baking pan.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Certainly! If you need to make a larger batch of Low Fat Brownies, you can double the recipe. Ensure you have a larger baking pan or use multiple pans if necessary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the brownies as they may require slightly longer in the oven.
Delight in guilt-free indulgence with our Low Fat Brownies recipe. Discover the secrets to creating moist and fudgy brownies while keeping them low in fat. Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious creations!