Healthy Brownie Recipe for Friendship Day: No Guilt, All Joy

Do you feel guilty everytime you indulge in a sweet? That small pull between eating well and eating what you want can get complicated, especially when your friends are around. This Friendship Day, prepare something that doesn't make you choose between health and happiness, prepare a healthy brownie recipe that provides you with both.

This is a brownie you'll love baking again and again. There is no white flour, there is no butter, and no guilt in sight. But, it's still chocolatey, moist, and you'll be amazed at how many will never even know it's a healthier version. What you have is a comforting treat that is perfectly proportioned, particularly when shared with those who are privy to your 3 am snack habits and your exercise demises.

You don't need anything special. A couple of pantry staples, 15 minutes to stir, and the satisfaction of baking something that doesn't make you feel weighed down. If you're organizing a relaxed get-together or packing food gifts this Friendship Day, this healthy brownie recipe could just be your new favorite. One bite, and you'll know, it's perfect for light-hearted, real moments.

Healthy Brownie Recipe

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats- 1 cup (ground to a fine flour)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder- ¼ cup
• Ripe bananas- 2 medium-sized ones
• Peanut butter- ½ cup
• Honey or jaggery syrup- ⅓ cup
• Eggs- 2 large-sized eggs
• Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
• Baking soda- ½ tsp
• A pinch of Salt
• Dark chocolate chips - ¼ cup (optional)
• Chopped walnuts- 2 tbsp (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a small square tin (7x7 or 8x8 inch) with parchment paper, leaving a little extra paper on sides to lift the brownies out easily after baking.
• In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, honey or jaggery syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well mixed and thick.
• Now add in the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix carefully to create a dense batter. If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
• Pour batter into tin, spread evenly with spatula, and tap lightly to eliminate air bubbles. Bake 22-25 minutes or until center is set and toothpick inserted meets a few sticky crumbs.
• Allow brownies to cool in pan before cutting. Store in airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for extended shelf life.

7 Easy Tips for a Healthier Brownie That Still Tastes Great

1. Use Overripe Bananas for Natural Sweetness

Those splotchy bananas nobody likes to eat plain? They're ideal for this healthy brownie recipe. They add a rich natural sweetness and velvety finish without any added butter or sugar. Bananas also do double duty by helping to bind the batter and contribute a pleasant moist texture to each bite. Just mash them fully before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

2. Oat Flour Is Better

Blending rolled oats into flour gives you a lighter, more balanced base than using whole wheat flour. Oats keep the brownies from turning dense and also add a gentle nutty note that goes well with cocoa and peanut butter. If you’re short on time, ready-made oat flour is fine too, but freshly ground oats are always a better bet in homemade bakes.

3. Peanut Butter Replaces Butter

Creamy peanut butter not only brings a rich, nutty feel but also replaces butter in a way that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It adds protein and healthy fats, keeping the brownie soft and satisfying. Go for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils. If peanut allergies are a concern, almond or cashew butter works too.

4. Honey or Jaggery Syrup Does Work

Both honey and jaggery syrup sweeten the brownies beautifully without overdoing it. They are easily blended into the batter and complement the rich flavor of cocoa. If you're making a batch for friends who do not consume refined sugar, jaggery syrup provides a warm, earthy flavor and keeps things wholesome. Either way, you have a well-balanced sweetness that is just right.

5. Don't Overbake

With healthier ingredients, you need to be particularly attentive to bake time. Overbaking will leave the brownies dry and crumbly. Check the oven about the 20-minute mark. The surface should look set, with the sides ever so slightly pulled away from the pan. Do a toothpick test. When cooled, the centre will firm naturally.

6. Add in Chocolate Chips or Nuts

Just because it's a healthy brownie recipe doesn't imply that you can't add a bit of happiness. A few handfuls of dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts can go a long way in making every bite a special one. If you use chocolate chips, choose one that has 60% cocoa or more. For nuts, lightly toast them first before mixing them in, they will remain crunchy even after baking and provide a playful bite.

7. Chill Completely Before Slicing

It’s tempting to cut them while still warm, especially when the aroma fills the room. But give them at least 30 minutes to cool completely. Healthy brownies tend to be softer, and cutting them early may result in a mess. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. You’ll get neat slices that hold their shape and are perfect for wrapping up as sweet gifts or packing in snack boxes.