When it comes to making healthier choices that feel indulgent, I think brownies are a good place to start. I mean, what’s better than a warm, fudgy piece of chocolate bliss?
But we’re not just indulging today; we’re doing it in a healthy way! So, if you’re with me on this quest for lighter chocolate confections that are still rich and satisfying, check out these 16 brownie recipes that are definitely on my must-try list!
From Sweet Potato to Black Bean Brownies, your taste buds will not be disappointed.
The 16 Best brownie healthy recipes
1. Avocado Brownies
These Avocado Brownies are a delicious, healthy spin on the classic treat. They use mashed avocado, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond flour for a rich, fudgy texture that’s sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
Yes, that’s right! No sugar.
Just delicious, healthy brownies.
Ingredients
1 large ripe avocado, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/2 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a big bowl, take the ripe avocados and mash them well. Mix in cocoa powder and honey, and beat until smooth.
3. Incorporate the eggs and the vanilla extract and mix until fully mixed. Then combine the almond flour until well mixed.
4. Transfer the batter to the baking pan you prepared earlier, ensuring it’s even all around, and pop it into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the center of the cake to be set and a toothpick to come out clean, or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, when you poke in a tooth and take it for a little test.
2. Sweet Potato Brownies
Sweet Potato Brownies meld the sweet yumminess of mashed sweet potatoes with almond butter, cocoa powder, and pure maple syrup for a moist, rich, chocolatey treat that won’t cause you to sway too much into unhealthy territory.
Ingredients
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and ready an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. The sweet potatoes need to be peeled and cut into chunks. These chunks need to be steamed or boiled until they are very soft. After they are soft enough, they need to be mashed until they are smooth.
3. In a big bowl, blend together the sweet potatoes that are mashed, the almond butter, the maple syrup, the cocoa powder, the baking soda, the vanilla extract, and the salt. Batter should be smooth when you are done mixing.
4. Spread the batter into the ready baking dish and smooth the surface. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean. Let cool before cutting into squares.
3. Black Bean Brownies
Uncover the charm of Black Bean Brownies, a tempting take on traditional brownies that uses the rather unlikely trio of black beans, eggs, and cocoa powder as its base. With honey, or possibly maple syrup, and coconut oil as its main “fat,” the good news about these brownies is that they are surprisingly good for you.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up and grease a baking pan that measures 8×8 inches.
2. In a food processor or blender, mix the following: black beans, eggs, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Blend until smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Evenly spread the batter into the baking pan that you previously prepared.
4. Baking time is 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool before cutting.
4. Almond Flour Brownies
Brownies made with almond flour are a delicious, gluten-free dessert you can whip up using ingredients such as almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and coconut sugar. They are plenty rich and chocolatey; you can even toss in some dark chocolate for an extra hit of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or regular sugar
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to preheat. Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and coconut sugar. Whisk them together until well incorporated.
3. Incorporate the melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a uniform batter. If you choose to use them, fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, then spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve. But don’t cut them too soon; it’s better to wait a little while and serve them warm.
5. Banana Oatmeal Brownies
Brownies made with bananas and rolled oats are hearty and delicious. The mashed bananas and rolled oats take the place of much of the flour that is used in traditional brownie recipes, and they impart a slightly chewy texture.
Honey, almond butter, and cocoa powder flavor these Brownies and sweeten them up, along with the natural sweetness that the ripe bananas provide.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to start its heating cycle. You’ll want to prep an 8×8 baking pan so that your brownies can easily be removed after baking. To prep the pan, line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper is better than just greasing your pan, as it allows for an even easier release. Brownies can be a little sticky. We tried making these brownies using a pan coated with a baking spray. The brownies tasted great, but there was a lot of mess to clean up. Aprons help!
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Incorporate the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and baking soda into the wet ingredients. Mix until completely unified.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
6. Zucchini Brownies
Zucchini Brownies are a delightful dessert featuring grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, and unsweetened cocoa powder. They are a unique take on traditional brownies with extra moisture and a nice cocoa depth.
In this iteration, I’ve gone ahead and doubled the recipe, so you’ll get a nice 9×13 pan full of brownies.
Ingredients
1 cup grated zucchini
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and give it a light coat of grease.
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the sugar and vegetable oil, then add the grated zucchini and stir.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture and stir until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin Brownies meld the warm richness of pumpkin purée with the deep flavors of cocoa powder. This confection features almond flour for a delightfully nutty texture and is sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla extract.
Both pumpkin and maple syrup are great sources of vitamin A, a nutrient that is often hard to come by in the average diet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare an 8×8-inch pan for baking by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a big bowl, combine the ingredients: pumpkin puree, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt all go into the bowl and mix them very well. It’s a pretty thick batter, so get in there and use some strength to mix it thoroughly.
3. Fill the baking pan with the batter, using a spatula to ensure an even layer.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; then stir in the mashed ripe bananas. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, then pour into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
8. Chickpea Brownies
Chickpea Brownies take a unique spin on the classic dessert. They use wholesome ingredients, like chickpeas, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup, that lend the brownies a delicious fudgy texture.
They are a perfect option for healthier indulgence.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan so that it is lined with parchment paper. This will allow your cake to come out of the pan easily after it is done baking.
2. A food processor is the right tool for the job here. Combine in it:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon saltBlend until smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer the chickpea brownie batter to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
4. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the dish to cool before cutting and serving.
9. Greek Yogurt Brownies
Uncover a classic dessert reimagined in a healthier way with Greek Yogurt Brownies. Containing Greek yogurt, unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and whole wheat flour, these brownies provide a decadent treat with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by either lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. In a bowl that is safe for the microwave, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Do this in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, affectionately known as honey or maple syrup, and cocoa powder. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate. Because all of these ingredients are quite thick, a handheld electric blender works best for liquefying the yogurt mixture.
4. Combine the wet mixture with the whole wheat flour and baking soda. Stir until everything is mingled together, taking care not to overmingle. This is a light batter; don’t make it a heavy one.
5. Distribute the batter into the baking pan prepped to receive it and spread it so that it is even across the surface. Place it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, but check it closer to the 20-minute mark to see if it is done. You can tell if it is done if the edges have pulled away from the pan and if a toothpick has been inserted into the center and comes out mostly clean.
6. Let the brownies cool in the pan before you slice and serve them. Devote your attention to slicing and serving the healthier version of Greek yogurt brownies. And please: Enjoy!
10. Honey Almond Brownies
Honey Almond Brownies combine almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond butter for a nutty twist on a classic treat. Sweetened with honey and applesauce, these brownies are a delightful and wholesome indulgence.
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for topping)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, applesauce, almond butter, and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth.
4. Mix the wet ingredients together with the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it on top. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds if you want.
5. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Brownies can be stuck back in the oven for 5-minute increments if they seem too gooey when first tested. Allow cooling in the pan before attempt to slice and serve.
11. Coconut Flour Brownies
Brownies with Coconut Flour
Coconut flour brownies are a rich, chocolatey treat with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and honey. They deliver a wonderfully moist, gluten-free dessert for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
½ cup coconut flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup melted coconut oil or butter
½ cup honey or maple syrup
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and outfit an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, readying it for the next layer of deliciousness.
2. In a very big bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Sift the coconut flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together, then stir them into the wet ingredients. When these ingredients are well combined, the batter should be smooth.
4. Blend the batter well and portion it into the pan. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean. Let cool before cutting and serving. Cut into squares.
12. Protein Brownies
Protein Brownies
a wholesome delight made with chocolate protein powder, almond flour, and almond milk, sweetened with honey or maple syrup. These brownies, while maintaining the essence of any classic brownie, also pack a protein punch—perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up while you prepare the pan. Take an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the protein powder, almond flour, and cocoa powder.
3. In a different bowl, combine the almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and eggs, whisking them into a smooth mixture. Pour the mixture into the first bowl, containing the dry ingredients, and combine well. In a final step, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
4. Put the batter in the baking pan that you prepared and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool before cutting into squares.
13. Quinoa Brownies
When I make brownies, I use wholesome ingredients. My brownies use cooked quinoa, which is not only packed with protein and minerals, but also makes for a very brownie-esque texture when puréed.
Unsweetened cocoa powder and almond flour are the superfood thrusters of the brownie universe. Cocoa powder is full of antioxidants, and almond flour is so low in carbs and so high in protein that it keeps the bacon in chocolate bacon brownies.
(What? You don’t have a recipe for chocolate bacon brownies?
Oh, well—you’re at a healthy bake sale, and we don’t make those here). Anyway—you put those together with some maple syrup (the recipe calls for a whole cup, but you can cut that down significantly and still get a brownie), Eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, and the result is very much a quinoa brownie on par with the best fucking brownies you could get anywhere.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by first lining it with parchment paper. Then, heat your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (which is equivalent to 175 degrees Celsius).
2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and a smooth batter is formed.
3. Evenly spread the batter in the baking pan that has been prepared. Evenly spread the batter in the baking pan that has been prepared.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
14. Date-Sweetened Brownies
Enjoy Date-Sweetened Brownies. They are treats made from whole, unprocessed foods, like pitted dates and unsweetened cocoa powder.
They also contain almond flour and other wholesome ingredients, making these brownies a surprisingly nutritious dessert with no added sugars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to properly preheat it. Next, prepare your baking pan, which should measure 8×8 inches, by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Using a food processor, blend the pitted dates until they are a smooth paste.
3. In a bowl for mixing, combine the date paste with cocoa powder, almond flour, eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
4. The batter should be poured into the prepared pan, smoothed to the top, and then baked. The baking time should be between 25 and 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. After baking, the project must cool. The batter after baking is to be cut into squares.
15. Beet Brownies
Beet Brownies offer a nutritious twist on a classic dessert. These decadent and chocolatey treats combine cooked and pureed beets, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
Indulgent and wholesome, they hit the sweet spot.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked and pureed beets
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a big bowl, combine the beets that have been pureed, the cocoa powder, the whole wheat flour, the maple syrup, the coconut oil, the vanilla extract, and the baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the baking pan that has been prepared and spread it evenly.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool fully before cutting into squares. Enjoy your nutritious beet brownies!
16. Matcha Brownies
Matcha Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, blending melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and flour with vibrant matcha powder. Such a combination is one that is singular and produces a treat that possesses a richness and zest.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a big bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Crack in the eggs, add the vanilla, and stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, matcha powder, and salt. Whisk together to aerate and combine thoroughly. Add to the wet ingredients and fold in using a rubber spatula.
4. Add the batter to the baking pan that has been prepped and smooth the surface over with a spatula. Put in the oven set at 350°F and let bake for 20-25 minutes. You want to see lightly golden edges and a toothpick pushed into the center of the cake come out clean. When done, let cool. Then cut and serve as you will.
