Applesauce Brownies (3 Ingredients!)- The Big Man's World ® (2024)

Applesauce brownies are fudgy brownies that replace the flour and butter with applesauce! One bowl and just 4 ingredients, they are a healthier chocolate dessert!

When it comes to healthy desserts, we can never say no to no bake brownie bites, cookie dough bites, and these brownies made with applesauce.

I’ve been meaning to do a brownie recipe with applesauce after making these pumpkin brownies. While pumpkin has a firmer texture, I thought the applesauce would make it even more gooey and fudgy…and I was correct.

While applesauce is often used to replace fat and oil in baking recipes, it can also work to keep desserts moist, too. I often use applesauce in other recipes, like quick bread and oatmeal cookies, but this was a first when it came to a chocolate dessert.

I was pleasantly surprised with both the taste and texture of them, especially when I’m in need of a healthy chocolate fix. Not only are they vegan and gluten free, but are also paleo, too!

Now, these aren’t your real deal box mix kind of brownies, but when you are looking for a guilt free fix, this ticks the boxes!

How do you make applesauce brownies

The Ingredients

• Unsweetened applesauce– Be sure your applesauce is completely unsweetened, with no added sugar. You are welcome to use a homemade one, but ensure it is a smooth texture.
• Almond butter OR peanut butter– Drippy and smooth almond butter (or peanut butter) with no added sugar or salt.
• Cocoa Powder– Unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use dark cocoa powder if you’d like a richer flavor.
• Liquid stevia– Optional, but recommended to give the brownies some sweetness. I used 5-6 drops, but use more if you’d prefer sweeter brownies.

The Instructions

Start by mixing together all your ingredients, until a batter remains. Carefully transfer the brownie batter into a lined 9 x 4-inch pan. Bake the brownies for 18-20 minutes, until firm on top. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely, before slicing up.

Frosting Ideas

These brownies taste delicious on their own, but take it up a notch by adding a simple frosting on top!

• Coconut Cream ganache– Mix 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 cup of warm coconut milk (from a can) and spread over the cooled brownies.
• Chocolate Glaze– Mix powdered sugar with cocoa powder and thin out with milk or water.
• Applesauce frosting– My go-to frosting! This homemade frosting needs just 4 ingredients and uses even more applesauce!

Tips for perfect applesauce brownies

• Applesauce brownies are not sweet, so add extra sweetener to compensate.
• Do not overbake the brownies, as they continue to firm up once they cool down.
• The applesauce yields a very fragile texture (once cooked). I recommend once the brownies have cooled down, to refrigerate them for a further 30 minutes, to firm up more.
• For an extra chocolate hit, fold through some dairy free chocolate chips or even some crushed walnuts.
• If you’d like to make these brownies nut free, use smooth sunflower seed butter or tahini.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

• To store: These brownies must always be stored in the refrigerator, to remain fudgy and firm. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
• To freeze: Place leftover brownies in a freezer friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to eating.

More healthy desserts you’ll enjoy

• 3 Ingredient Brownies
• Flourless Monster Cookies
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• Healthy Cookie Bars
• Banana Bread

Watch how to make it