Healthy Brownies

Created On: January 30, 2021 | 94 Comments |

Looking for a Healthy Brownie Recipe? Look no further – these Healthy Brownies are so freaking delicious, dairy-free, gluten-free, grain free, and the best part? They are not even a treat swap on the 21 Day Fix and only 5 points on WW, no matter the plan! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.

Guys.

These brownies.

They should not be as good as they are. But omg, they are.

So. Freaking. Good.

And they defy all the things that typically make brownies good:

There’s no chocolate in the batter besides cocoa powder
There’s very little oil and no butter
There’s no flour besides a small amount of coconut flour
There’s no refined sugar

And because of all these things, these healthier brownies are not even a treat swap for those of you following the 21 Day Fix. I mean, the container count is 🤯. They clock in at just around 100 calories each (107 to be exact) and they are only 5 WW points on all plans.

So they may not be the prettiest brownies you will ever see, I think you could overlook that…am I rite?

Ingredients for Healthy Brownies

So I told you what you don’t need for this healthy brownie recipe…but here is what you do need:

coconut oil – use refined for less coconut flavor, or you can swap out avocado oil
cocoa powder
maple syrup or honey (WW – use maple syrup)
eggs
vanilla
coconut flour
salt
a smidge baking soda
(optional) hot water + 1 tsp instant coffee or 1 tablespoon of brewed coffee

How to Make Healthy Brownies

Preheat oven to 350° and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the coconut oil until melted. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa powder and maple syrup. Allow to sit for a moment to cool a bit, then add in the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in coffee + water.
Add in the coconut flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix until no dry pockets remain.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before cutting and enjoying – these are even better after being in the fridge overnight!

Important Tips:

These brownies are a bit crumbly, as you can see from the photos. #healthybrownieproblems This improves dramatically, though, after they cool, so be patient before cutting them if you can! I put them right in the fridge, and omg – something really magical happens and they get crazy fudgy!
The brownies are less crumbly if you use honey, but I love the maple flavor. It might be fun to try a mix of both!
Definitely use parchment paper or parchment liners
If you cut your brownies with a plastic knife they cut better (super fun reader tip).
You can also make these in cupcake tins, muffin tins, or mini muffin tins for easier portion control!

Can I make these Vegan?

While these are dairy free and gluten free, they are not vegan because of the eggs. I haven’t tried using flax eggs or applesauce, but I plan to soon, so I’ll keep you posted!

Can I swap out another flour?

Sadly, no. Coconut flour isn’t easily swapped, so no swapping for this recipe. If you would like a treat swap brownie that uses whole wheat flour, check out this Secret Ingredient Brownie Recipe from The Foodie and The Fix.

If you are craving chocolate and have almond flour, make my yummy Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting.

I don’t like coffee, do I have to add it?

You truly don’t, but since these are made only with cocoa powder and no actual chocolate, the coffee works to intensify the flavor of the cocoa powder. If you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out, but still include the water.

Can I freeze Healthy Brownies?

They are amazing straight from the freezer! And a great trick for having a little stash but not having them all at once. They will keep well for 3-4 months in the freezer as long as they are properly stored. I suggest using parchment to separate your individual brownies and then store them in an airtight container.

Looking for more healthy, no-yellow desserts? Check these out:

Caramel Apple Dip | Caramel Apple Nachos

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies [Vegan | GF]

Whipped Ricotta Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Healthy Samoas Cookie Bars [Gluten Free]

Healthy Strawberry Shortcake

Banana Ice Cream Bon Bons