Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies!

If you love brownies but want something a little lighter, these Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies are a fun way to work zucchini and applesauce into a chocolatey dessert. Finely grated zucchini adds moisture to the batter, while unsweetened applesauce helps create a soft texture without making the brownies taste like apples. With cocoa powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, the finished brownies still have the familiar rich chocolate flavor you expect from a homemade treat.

The texture is especially enjoyable when the brownies have cooled properly before slicing. They are soft and moist, with plenty of chocolate flavor, and you can customize them with the optional chocolate chips or nuts. For an extra indulgent finish, the optional chocolate-butterscotch-peanut-butter topping can be melted together and spread over the cooled brownies, or you can simply use Nutella.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A chocolate dessert with zucchini

Two cups of finely grated zucchini go into the batter, but the brownies remain focused on chocolate flavor. The zucchini contributes moisture and blends into the mixture rather than becoming the dominant flavor.

Applesauce keeps the batter moist

Unsweetened applesauce works particularly well in this recipe because it adds moisture while complementing the cocoa and vanilla. It also helps give the brownies their soft texture.

Simple pantry ingredients

The main ingredients are straightforward: cocoa powder, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, oat flour, and common baking ingredients. If you already keep basic baking supplies in the kitchen, you may only need to pick up zucchini.

Easy to customize

The optional add-ins give you room to change the brownies depending on what you have available. Chocolate chips add extra pockets of chocolate, while nuts provide crunch. You can also finish the cooled brownies with the optional frosting or Nutella.

Preparation and Tools

The most important preparation is getting the zucchini finely grated. Since the recipe uses 2 cups of firmly packed grated zucchini, measure it after grating and pack it firmly into the measuring cup.

You’ll also need basic baking equipment:

• A grater for the zucchini
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• A whisk or sturdy spoon for combining the batter
• A baking pan suitable for brownies
• A spatula for spreading the batter
• A knife for slicing the cooled brownies

Because the zucchini provides considerable moisture, finely grating it is particularly helpful. Smaller pieces distribute throughout the batter more easily and give the finished brownies a more consistent texture.

Preparation Tips for Secretly Healthy Brownies

Pack the grated zucchini firmly

The recipe specifies 2 cups of finely grated zucchini, firmly packed. This matters because loosely filled cups would contain a different amount of zucchini and could change the balance of the batter.

Use unsweetened applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is specifically listed in the recipe. It provides moisture without adding additional sweetness beyond what is already supplied by the brown sugar.

Don’t skip the vanilla

Two teaspoons of vanilla may seem like a small detail in such a chocolate-heavy recipe, but vanilla helps round out the cocoa flavor and gives the brownies a more complete dessert-like taste.

Measure cocoa powder carefully

Cocoa powder is one of the main flavor components here. Measure it accurately rather than adding extra simply because you want a darker chocolate flavor. The recipe’s balance depends on the stated amount.

Add chocolate chips or nuts if you want more texture

The optional 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or nuts can be added to the brownie batter. Chocolate chips make the brownies more chocolate-forward, while nuts add some crunch. You can also divide the cup between both if you enjoy a combination.

Ingredients

Finely grated zucchini

The zucchini is the ingredient that makes these brownies different from a traditional brownie recipe. It is finely grated and firmly packed before being incorporated into the batter. Its main role in the recipe is to contribute moisture while the cocoa powder remains the dominant flavor.

Brown sugar

Brown sugar supplies sweetness and helps maintain the recognizable flavor of a brownie. The recipe uses a full cup, so these are still intended to taste like a proper chocolate dessert rather than a savory zucchini bake.

Unsweetened applesauce

Applesauce helps create the moist consistency of the finished brownies. Using unsweetened applesauce keeps the ingredient list balanced with the brown sugar already included.

Eggs and vanilla

The two eggs help bring the ingredients together, while vanilla adds depth to the chocolate flavor.

Oat flour

Oat flour is the flour used in the recipe. If you already have a favorite type of flour that works with the recipe, the supplied recipe also notes that you can use your preferred flour.

Cocoa powder

Cocoa powder gives these brownies their signature chocolate flavor and dark appearance. Since there is no melted chocolate in the brownie batter itself, the cocoa powder plays an especially important role.

Baking soda and baking powder

Both leavening ingredients are included, with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1½ teaspoons of baking powder. Use the stated amounts rather than substituting one for the other.

Cinnamon and salt

A small amount of cinnamon adds warmth to the chocolate flavor, while salt helps balance the sweetness and cocoa.

How to Make Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by finely grating the zucchini. Measure out 2 cups and firmly pack the grated zucchini into the measuring cup.

The fine texture is important because the zucchini needs to become part of the brownie batter rather than leaving large pieces throughout it. Once you have the required amount measured, keep it ready for mixing.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the firmly packed grated zucchini, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.

Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture looks consistent throughout. Make sure the egg is incorporated well before moving on to the dry ingredients.

The zucchini and applesauce will make this mixture quite moist. That is exactly what you want at this stage.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the mixture.

Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are incorporated and you have a cohesive brownie batter. Scrape around the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed so there are no obvious pockets of cocoa powder or flour left unmixed.

Avoid adding extra flour simply because the batter looks wetter than a traditional brownie batter. The zucchini and applesauce are important parts of this recipe and contribute substantially to its moisture.

Step 4: Fold in Optional Add-Ins

If you’re using them, add 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or nuts to the brownie batter.

Fold them through gently so they are distributed throughout the mixture. Chocolate chips will give you extra chocolate in individual bites, while nuts add a contrasting crunch.

If you prefer a simpler brownie, you can leave the optional add-ins out.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Transfer the prepared batter to your baking pan and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.

Bake according to the recipe until the brownies are cooked through and have the expected brownie texture.

Because the exact baking temperature and pan size were not included in the supplied recipe, follow the temperature and baking time associated with your original recipe rather than guessing at those details.

Step 6: Cool Before Finishing

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool before slicing or adding the optional topping.

Cooling gives the brownies time to settle and makes them easier to cut cleanly. If you’re planning to use the chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter topping, wait until the brownies have cooled before spreading it over the surface.

Optional Chocolate-Butterscotch Peanut Butter Frosting

For a richer finishing layer, the recipe provides an optional combination of:

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup butterscotch chips
• ½ cup peanut butter

Melt these ingredients together and combine until smooth, then spread the mixture over the cooled brownies.

If you want an even simpler finish, the recipe also gives Nutella as an alternative. Spread it over the cooled brownies for a quick chocolate-hazelnut topping.

The topping is completely optional, so the brownies can also be served without it.

What to Serve With Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies

These brownies are easy to serve on their own, but a few simple additions can turn them into a more complete dessert.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a fresh contrast to the rich cocoa flavor. The slight tartness of berries also works nicely alongside the sweetness of the brownies.

Fresh Fruit

Sliced bananas or strawberries make an easy accompaniment when you want something fresh with your brownie. Banana is particularly nice with the optional peanut-butter topping.

A Glass of Milk

Cold milk is a classic pairing for chocolate brownies. It works especially well if you’ve added chocolate chips or finished the brownies with the optional frosting.

Coffee

Serve a brownie alongside coffee for a simple afternoon dessert. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and any optional chocolate topping.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a more indulgent dessert, serve a warm or room-temperature brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy texture contrasts with the soft chocolate brownie.

Storage Instructions

Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.

The brownies can be enjoyed cold or brought back toward room temperature before serving. If you have added the optional chocolate-butterscotch-peanut-butter topping or Nutella, store the finished brownies in the refrigerator as well.

For the best texture, avoid leaving the brownies uncovered for extended periods because the exposed surface can dry out.

If you’re preparing them ahead of time, you can make the brownies in advance, cool them completely, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them. Add the optional topping after cooling if you prefer a freshly finished appearance.

Estimated Nutrition

The recipe is described as 87 calories per brownie, but the exact calorie count depends on the serving size and whether optional chocolate chips, nuts, frosting, or Nutella are included.

Estimated Calories: 87 calories per serving, based on the stated recipe description and without treating optional additions as part of the base calculation.

Because the optional ingredients can substantially change the calorie content, a brownie topped with the chocolate-butterscotch-peanut-butter mixture or Nutella will contain more calories than the base brownie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave out the zucchini?

The zucchini is a key ingredient in this recipe because it contributes moisture and helps create the intended brownie texture. Leaving it out would significantly change the recipe, so it should not simply be omitted without adjusting the other ingredients.

Do I have to add chocolate chips or nuts?

No. The chocolate chips and/or nuts are optional. The brownies can be made without them if you prefer a simpler chocolate brownie.

Can I use another type of flour instead of oat flour?

The supplied recipe specifically notes that you can use your favorite type of flour instead of oat flour. Keep the quantity at the stated 2/3 cup when making that substitution.

Should I use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?

Use unsweetened applesauce, as specified in the recipe. The brown sugar already provides the sweetness needed for the brownies.

Can I add both chocolate chips and nuts?

Yes. The recipe allows 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or nuts, so you can use a combination of both as long as the total amount remains 1 cup.

Is the frosting required?

No. The chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter topping is optional, as is the Nutella finish. The brownies can be served plain or customized with your preferred topping.

Conclusion

These Secretly Healthy 87 Calorie Brownies bring together finely grated zucchini, unsweetened applesauce, cocoa powder, and brown sugar for a moist, chocolate-focused treat. The optional chocolate chips, nuts, and toppings make it easy to customize them for different occasions.

For the best result, measure the zucchini carefully, mix the batter thoroughly, and give the brownies time to cool before slicing. Whether you keep them simple or finish them with the chocolate-butterscotch-peanut-butter topping, they make an easy homemade dessert with a lighter twist.

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