Applesauce Brownies

These applesauce brownies are fudgy rich brownies made with applesauce instead of the butter. It is a super moist brownie filled with chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect to use when you have extra applesauce or are trying to cut back on butter and sugars!

Fall is here and that means all things apples. Today we're making applesauce brownies! They are fudgy brownies filled with cocoa powder and chopped chocolate.

There are no butter or refined sugars in this recipe. Instead, the unsweetened applesauce replaces the butter, and the honey replaces the refined sugars.

As someone who is constantly recipe testing and baking, I am used to sweet treats. I was shocked at how fudgy and tasty these brownies are. I don't taste a difference in these 'healthier' brownies versus a typical fudgy brownie filled with sugars and butter.

If you are looking for a healthier brownie version, you have to try this recipe! These are the real deal.

For fudgy brownies, try Chocolate Banana Brownies, Fudgy Oreo Brownies, and Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Fudgy Brownies.

Why this recipe works

No butter or sugar - These applesauce brownies contain no butter or refined sugars.

Fudgy and soft - The brownies are super fudgy and decandent! You don't taste a difference at all.

Healthy-ish - These are on the 'healthier' side of baking, and only contain a few simple ingredients!

Brownie texture- This applesauce brownies have the same tender and fudgy texture as your typical brownies do!

Ingredients Notes

Applesauce - Make sure you use unsweetened. I used this one.

Chocolate - Use good quality chopped up chocolate or chocolate chips. This is optional.

Eggs - Take out 2 hours prior to baking.

Honey - I used real honey. This is key. This is the one I used for this recipe.

Unsweetened cocoa powder – Brings that strong chocolate flavour!

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake these applesauce brownies. You will need an 8×8 square pan lined with parchment paper, a large mixing bowl, a spatula, and a whisk.

Step 1 – Prep. Grease the pan. For easy removal of the brownies, place parchment paper on the bottom and 2 sides of the pan. Grease again and then set aside.

Step 2 - Whisk applesauce and honey. In a large bowl, add the applesauce and honey and whisk until combined.

Step 3 - Add in eggs and vanilla. Add in the eggs and vanilla and continue whisking.

Step 4 - Add dry ingredients. Add in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a spatula, fold until no dry streaks appear. Toss in chocolate and mix in a few more times.

Step 5 - Transfer and bake. Place the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with extra chocolate if desired. Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out fudgy.

Allow the brownies to cool, slice, and enjoy!

Expert Baking Tips

Here are a few baking tips from my kitchen to yours!

• Measure the flour accurately. Spoon it – don’t directly put the measuring cup into the bag of flour. Use a gram scale for the most accurate measurements.
• Use unsweetened applesauce.
• Chopping up chocolate versus using chocolate chips will give you those ooey gooey pockets of chocolate.
• These brownies are on the thinner side. For thicker brownies, double the recipe in the same 8x8 or 9x9 pan.

Storing & Freezing

The bars will keep fresh on the counter for up to 4 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. 

You can also freeze these applesauce. To freeze, cool the bars completely. Unsliced, wrap the entire square in plastic wrap or place into a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. 

When ready to eat, remove from freezer to defrost 1 hour prior to slicing.

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