These are the BEST healthy brownies! Made with whole-wheat flour, coconut oil, and applesauce, they are perfectly fudgy and chewy, with an ultra-rich chocolate flavor. These beauties are also low in sugar, which means you can satisfy your deepest chocolate desires without the dreaded sugar crash. Win-win!

Overhead image of healthy brownies cut in squares with chocolate chips on top.

Healthy Brownies (That Don’t Taste Healthy!)

I try to just eat healthier on a regular basis, but I also believe in indulging in a good treat now and then (a girl’s gotta live right?).

Yes, we’re talking chocolate. Especially on Mondays.

I was blown away by how well these turned out on my first try. My goal was to cut out most of the fat and sugar and use whole grains. I based these healthy brownies on my recipe for The Best Brownies Ever (because I know you already love that one!). And turns out… they were incredibly rich, fudgy, and delicious. My kids loved them, so you know they still taste like a treat!

I used a combination of unsweetened applesauce and melted coconut oil. This was my first time using coconut oil, and I just wanted to try it and see! I know it’s getting to be A Big Thing (yes, I’m behind the times!), and I wanted to see how it would work to make super fudgy brownies. So well!

So if you’re looking for a healthier treat that doesn’t taste like a sacrifice? These are for you!

Reader Rating

“These were AWESOME!! I’m always looking for ways to satisfy my chocolate craving without regretting it later, and these were just the right thing. Super fudgy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.” – Rachel

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Close up image of brownie square on parchment paper with chocolate chips on top.

Ingredients for Healthy Brownies

Coconut oil: Make sure you grab the refined kind that’s solid at room temperature. You’ll be melting it for this recipe.
Applesauce: Adds a lovely natural sweetness. Get the unsweetened stuff!
Flour: We’re using whole wheat flour for this one to keep things on the healthier side.
Cocoa: You’ll need unsweetened cocoa powder – we already got sugar in other places!
Chocolate chips: Semisweet chocolate chips work best for this recipe, but you can also use dark chocolate chips if you prefer.

Healthy Brownie Pro-Tips

For extra fudgy brownies, try not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients.
Let the melted coconut oil cool a bit before mixing it with the eggs to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Want to know if your brownies are perfectly baked? The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight wobble.
For an extra indulgent treat, serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. OR make my delicious Brownie Sundae!

Close up of brownie piece landscape image.

How to Store Your Healthy Brownies

Store your healthy brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

To keep your brownies fresh and moist, place a slice of bread on top of them in the container. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent your brownies from drying out.
You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack!
If you want to enjoy your healthy brownies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

The Best Healthy Brownies

written by Ashley Fehr

These are the BEST healthy brownies! They are SO fudgy and made with whole wheat flour, coconut oil, applesauce and have reduced sugar.

4 from 10 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Ingredients

▢ ¼ cup refined coconut oil, solid at room temperature, melted
▢ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 2 Large eggs
▢ ¾ cup whole wheat flour
▢ ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
▢ ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8" pan with tin foil or parchment paper. Grease lightly with non stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla and eggs.
Add in flour, cocoa, and sugar and stir until combined completely.
Spread into prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out almost clean. The brownies should still be glossy on top in the middle, but look dry at the edges and the toothpick may have some moist crumbs.
Cool to room temperature before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 140cal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 11mg, Potassium: 116mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 40IU, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Recipe first posted on RecipeGirl.

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!