Indulge in Guilt-Free Pleasure with Healthy Brownies

In a world where health and wellness have become a top priority, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes are becoming more popular day by day. As a nutritionist and food blogger, it’s my job to make sure that I provide my readers with easy-to-make recipes that are healthy and nutritious.

One of my all-time favorites is the Healthy Brownies Recipe. Brownies are undoubtedly one of the most loved desserts around the world. Unfortunately, they also happen to be unhealthy due to their high sugar and butter content. But not anymore! This gluten-free recipe is perfect for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey flavor without sinning.

This delicious recipe replaces refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as dates and uses coconut oil instead of butter. It’s also thickened with almond flour instead of regular wheat flour, making it gluten-free. Plus, unlike other brownie recipes, these fudgy gluten-free brownies are also dairy-free, making them safe for anyone with lactose intolerance or vegan dietary restrictions.

If you’re a fan of chocolate but want to stay on track with your fitness goals, this healthy brownie recipe is perfect for you. Give yourself permission to indulge in something decadent without sabotaging your health or weight loss journey. Follow along as we go through the (10) recipe article sections to learn how to create this delectable dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Brownies (Gluten Free Too!)
Healthy Brownies (Gluten Free Too!)

Picture biting into a warm, gooey, super fudgy brownie that’s also healthy! Can you imagine? You don’t have to wait any longer because this gluten-free and dairy-free recipe for brownies is here to save your day.

But why should you love this recipe? For starters, it uses only wholesome ingredients like almond flour, dates, coconut sugar, and Greek yogurt. These ingredients make the brownies moist, decadent and filled with a rich chocolatey flavor. The lack of refined sugar makes this treat perfect for those focused on their health as well.

Not only is this recipe super healthy and guilt-free, but also incredibly easy to make! This means that even if you’re not an avid baker, you can still whip up a batch of these delicious goodies in no time.

Perhaps the best part about this recipe is its versatility! You can switch things up by adding different types of nuts or using vegan chocolate chips. It’s also perfect for Christmas when you want to impress your family and friends with a decadent yet healthy dessert.

So why not give this recipe a try today and indulge in some of the best brownies that are both healthy and delicious? Trust me; these brownies will not disappoint!

Ingredient List

 Delectable brownie that won't hurt your waistline
Delectable brownie that won’t hurt your waistline

Here is the ingredient list for these super fudgy and healthy brownies.

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

Mix-ins:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped

This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe uses wholesome ingredients that make these brownies rich in flavor and nutrients. There are no refined sugars or flours involved, which makes them an ideal dessert for those who love indulging without sacrificing their health. Get ready for a mouth-watering experience that is guilt-free!

The Recipe How-To

 A gluten-free indulgence that satisfies both your cravings and health goals
A gluten-free indulgence that satisfies both your cravings and health goals

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). This will ensure that the oven is ready when you’re done mixing the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed to make these delicious brownies, and make sure that everything is at room temperature. This will help with mixing and getting the right consistency of the mixture.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate and butter

In a large mix bowl over simmering water, melt 1 cup (175g) of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter together. Make sure to stir occasionally until smooth and completely melted.

Alternatively, you may use a microwave-safe dish to melt both ingredients. Microwave for 30-second intervals while stirring until both are fully melted.

Step 4: Blend wet ingredients

Add 1 1/4 cup (270g) of coconut sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl where you melted the chocolate and butter. Mix well with a whisk until it’s all combined.

Then add 3/4 cup (118g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup (28g) of almond flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisk the mixture thoroughly for a silky texture in your brownies.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture – one-third at a time – while continuously whisking until it forms into thick batter.

Step 6: Pour into pan

Spray an 8×8″ baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level it evenly across it using a spatula until smooth.

Pro tip: make sure to batter is evenly spread throughout the pan as this will guarantee fudgy gluten-free healthy brownies.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into 16 equal squares with a sharp knife.

Finally, transfer your super fudgy gluten-free healthy brownies onto a serving plate and enjoy while still warm!

Substitutions and Variations

 Irresistible chocolate goodness baked with love, without compromising on the health factor
Irresistible chocolate goodness baked with love, without compromising on the health factor

As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know that dietary restrictions and preferences can make it challenging to find recipes that fit your needs. Fortunately, this healthy brownie recipe can be easily customized to suit different tastes and diets.

– Gluten-Free Flour: While almond flour works perfectly in this recipe, you can also use other gluten-free flours such as oat flour or coconut flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

– Dairy-Free: To make these brownies dairy-free, simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or another non-dairy substitute. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the chocolatey flavor without any milk-based ingredients.

– Egg-Free/Vegan: For a vegan version of these brownies, replace the eggs with flax eggs (combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). You can also try using applesauce or mashed banana as an egg substitute.

– Refined Sugar-Free: The recipe calls for coconut sugar, which is a healthier alternative to white sugar. However, if you prefer to avoid all forms of refined sugar altogether, you can try using dates instead. Simply blend 1 cup of pitted dates with ¼ cup of hot water until smooth and use it in place of the coconut sugar.

These substitutions and variations allow you to make healthy brownies that cater to your unique dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing taste and texture. Experiment with different ingredient combinations until you find your own perfect gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or refined sugar-free brownie recipe!

Serving and Pairing

 Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier version of brownies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier version of brownies

Once your gluten-free and dairy-free brownies are done, it’s time to serve them up for a decadent and indulgent treat. These super fudgy and rich chocolaty brownies taste best when served warm with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top.

But if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try topping them with sweet Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream instead. These pairings not only add a lovely touch of sweetness but also help balance out the intense chocolate flavor of the brownie.

These brownies can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or tea for an extra-comforting sensation. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions such as Christmas or just as an after-dinner dessert.

The presentation of these rich and nutty almond flour brownies can be easily elevated by dusting powdered sugar on top or by adding colorful berries on the side, such as raspberries or strawberries, which add a lovely tartness that complements the sweet and rich caramel-y flavor of the brownie.

In conclusion, the options are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these gluten-free and dairy-free brownies. Whether you’re feeling indulgent or health-conscious, there’s something for everyone when it comes to these perfect little fudgy squares of heaven.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Healthy and happy go hand in hand with these gluten-free brownies
Healthy and happy go hand in hand with these gluten-free brownies

As much as we’d love to devour these heavenly treats in one sitting, sometimes you do have to share or simply can’t eat them all at once. No need to worry, though, as these healthy brownies can be easily prepared ahead of time and stored for later indulgence.

For make-ahead purposes, wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container. They can be left at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to a week. The best part is that their rich chocolatey flavor gets even more pronounced with each passing day!

To reheat your stored or refrigerated brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F, then unwrap the brownies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through. Alternatively, pop a piece into the microwave for 15 seconds and voila!

While these brownies are best enjoyed fresh, they can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To thaw frozen brownies, leave them at room temperature for two hours before unwrapping and enjoying.

It’s important to note that gluten-free brownies are often slightly more fragile than their gluten-containing counterparts due to the absence of gluten proteins. So be extra cautious when handling and storing them to avoid any unwanted crumbling.

Once you taste these delectable fudgy gluten-free healthy brownies, you’ll definitely want to make extra batches just so you can always have some on hand!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Fudgy and chocolatey, but made with nutritious ingredients
Fudgy and chocolatey, but made with nutritious ingredients

Now that you have all the ingredients on the countertop, it’s time to bake some delicious healthy brownies. But as you start making the recipe, you may encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here are some tips on how to make the perfect batch of gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free brownies.

1. Use high-quality ingredients

The secret to the perfect brownie is using high-quality ingredients. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich chocolatey flavor. Also, use fresh eggs and Greek yogurt for a more moist and fudgy texture.

2. Measure accurately

Measuring ingredients precisely is critical when baking brownies. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient.

3. Let the ingredients come to room temperature

Remove all ingredients from the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe, including eggs, yogurt, and butter. Ingredients that are at room temperature mix together easier and produce a better texture.

4. Use the right baking pan

Use an 8×8 inch square pan for perfect results. A smaller pan will cause your brownies to be too thick while using a larger one would result in thin spread out brownies.

5. Don’t overmix the batter

Mix your brownie batter only until all ingredients are combined thoroughly. Over-mixing can result in tough brownies.

6. Be careful not to over-bake

Over-baking can result in dry and hard brownies. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownie – it should come out with some crumbs attached but not wet.

7. Let them cool

Once out of the oven let your brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares which will help firm them up and become easier to cut.

Follow these tips, and your gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free brownies will come out perfect every time!

FAQ

Before wrapping up this recipe article, I would like to take a moment and address some frequently asked questions about these healthy brownies. Making healthy and gluten-free brownies can be a bit tricky, but don’t you worry, I have got you covered. With my years of experience as a nutritionist and food blogger, I have gathered some helpful tips and tricks that will make the process easy for you. So, let’s dive in!

What flour can I use instead of gluten free brownies?

For perfectly delicious brownies, it’s essential to use almond flour. Trying to swap it with almond meal, coconut flour, or any other gluten-free flour blend won’t do the trick. Beware of coconut flour, as it can make your brownies dry and crumbly if used without adjusting other ingredients.

How to make a healthy brownie?

Firstly, I suggest melting some delectable chocolate and coconut oil together. This will create a smooth and creamy consistency to really accentuate the flavors in the dish.

Next, it’s time to work on the eggs and coconut sugar. Whipping them together until they are a light and fluffy texture will add an airiness to the dish that will make it all the more enjoyable.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, it’s time to combine the two mixtures by adding the melted chocolate to the whipped eggs. This will form the base of our delectable gluten-free and dairy-free recipe.

After these steps have been completed, gently incorporate the almond flour, cocoa powder and a dash of salt into the mixture. This will give our recipe a healthy twist without compromising any of the deliciousness we’re after.

And last but not least, for a little extra chocolatey goodness, don’t forget to add in a handful of dark chocolate chips. You can never have too much of a good thing when it comes to chocolate, am I right?

What can I substitute for brownie mix to make it better?

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your brownies, consider swirling in some delicious flavors like peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, Nutella, caramel sauce, or white or dark chocolate fudge. The process is simple, just bake your brownies as usual and then add dollops of your chosen sauce onto the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the sauce into the brownie mixture, creating a marbled effect that not only looks amazing but tastes great too.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of oil in brownies?

When substituting oil with Greek yogurt in your recipe, keep in mind that it should not be an equal exchange. To have a healthy recipe, adjust the amount of Greek yogurt according to the quantity of oil called for in the recipe. For example, if your recipe requires 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt instead to get the same consistency. Non-fat plain Greek yoghurt is your best bet for a healthy option.

How do you make brownie batter thicker without flour?

To make the batter more compact and bring out the chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor, instant coffee granules can be an option. Also, adding unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture can make the brownies denser.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this healthy brownie recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a delicious and guilt-free treat. With the use of gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients, this recipe not only nourishes your body but also satisfies your cravings. The combination of almond flour, dates, coconut sugar, and cocoa powder adds a rich chocolatey flavor to these fudgy brownies.

Not to mention, this recipe offers several substitutions and variations that you can experiment with to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you opt for vegan brownies or nut-free brownies, you can always count on this recipe when it comes to making the best gluten-free brownie mix.

Furthermore, this recipe is hassle-free in terms of storing and reheating. You can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months without losing their texture or taste. As a nutritionist cum food blogger, I highly recommend trying out these gluten-free and dairy-free brownies.

Incorporating healthy habits into your diet doesn’t mean ditching sweets altogether. It means choosing wisely what you put into your body. With these healthy flourless brownies, you don’t have to sacrifice taste over health. So next time you want to indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt, make sure to try out this recipe and enjoy every bite!

Healthy Brownies (Gluten Free Too!)

Healthy Brownies (Gluten Free Too!) Recipe

These brownies only have 1 tbsp of sugar! Most brownies have a cup or a cup and a half of sugar - it's the dates that make these brownies sweet and I've learned that chocolate and dates complement each other whereas chocolate and honey do not (you don't have to try my previous experiments lucky you! hehe). Plus they only have 1/2 stick of butter when most brownies call for twice that much or more. And did I mention these brownies are very chocolatey! And of course they are gluten-free!The texture I find is a true brownie texture which is hard to get with gluten free. Be careful not to overbake. I like to serve mine with homemade whipcream.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 18 mins
Calories 225.1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 6 dates, pitted and finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup brown rice flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions
 

  • In a large microwave safe bowl melt chocolate chips with butter.
  • In a blender blend eggs, diced dates, and vanilla.
  • Pour blender contents into chocolate mix.
  • Fold in cocoa, flour, and sugar.
  • Add baking soda.
  • Pour batter (it will be thick) into a greased square baking pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 62gCalories: 225.1kcalCarbohydrates: 25.4gProtein: 4.6gFat: 12.9gSaturated Fat: 7.1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 119.3mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 13.8g
Keyword < 30 Mins, Cookie and Brownie, Dessert, Free Of..., From Scratch
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