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.
Ingredients:
Method:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.