When it comes to healthy desserts, I can never say no to raw brownies, chocolate ice cream, and healthy Greek yogurt brownies.
Brownies are one of the best desserts ever, and as someone who enjoys them on a regular basis, substituting some of the more unhealthy ingredients for healthier ones is always a plus. Swapping out oil and butter for yogurt has been a game-changer in my dessert game! Unlike applesauce or pumpkin puree, replacing the fat with Greek yogurt did NOT result in a gummy or dense texture. In fact, when I served these yogurt brownies to some friends, they thought they must have come out of a box. See, they are as thick and fudgy as any good brownie out there, minus all the fat, calories, and carbs! If you are skeptical about adding yogurt to your brownies, don’t fret- You won’t even be able to taste it!
How do you make Greek yogurt brownies
The Ingredients
All purpose flour– I used white wholewheat all purpose flour, which gives these brownies an added boost of whole grains and fiber. Regularly AP flour works just as well. Granulated sweetener of choice– Any sugar free substitute can be used. I prefer using monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, as they have the most similar texture and flavor to white sugar. Cocoa Powder– Unsweetened cocoa powder. Be sure to use a brand that has no added fat. For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder. Baking soda– Gives the brownies some rise and holds them together. Salt– Brings out the sweetness! Vanilla Extract– A must for any baked good or dessert! Vanilla yogurt– Any non-fat vanilla or plain yogurt can be used. I prefer non-dairy Greek yogurt and coconut vanilla yogurt. Chocolate- The chocolate will be melted, and folded into the yogurt, before adding it to the mixture. This is the secret tip to keep the brownies ultra gooey and fudgy! Unsweetened almond milk– Minimal calories, but you can use water if you’d prefer. Chocolate Chips– Optional, but highly recommended for an extra chocolate boost.
The Instructions
In a mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients and mix well. Melt your chocolate, before whisking in your yogurt and vanilla extract. Combine the two, before slowly adding in the milk or water. Mix until just combined. If using chocolate chips, fold through at the end. Transfer to an 8 x 8-inch pan and bake at 180C/350F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Are these brownies vegan?
Yes, these brownies have been tested to be vegan, using the following substitutions-
Vanilla yogurt– Use soy yogurt, coconut yogurt, or Greek cultured coconut yogurt. Chocolate– Use dairy free chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life) or a 70% or higher baking chocolate bar.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, if you follow a gluten free diet, replace the all purpose flour with gluten free all purpose flour. I have not tried this with a homemade gluten free flour, so I cannot vouch for that.
Tips to make the best Greek Yogurt Brownies
Let the melted chocolate sit for 1-2 minutes, before folding through the yogurt. We don’t want the yogurt to curdle. If your yogurt is tart, you may like to add extra granulated sweetener to it. For an extra hit of chocolate, fold through chocolate chips into the batter. Do not overbake the brownies, as they continue to cook as they cool down. Remove them when a toothpick comes out ‘just’ clean from the center. Oven makes and models differ. When I made these brownies in my mum’s oven, they took close to 40 minutes.
Storing and Freezing Brownies
To store: Yogurt brownies will keep well at room temperature, in a sealed container. Be sure to lay a sheet of paper towel on top, to keep them super moist and fudgy. They will keep well for up to 5 days. To keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator. To freeze: Brownies are freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
More healthy brownies to try
3 Ingredient Flourless Brownies Protein Brownies Flourless Fudge Brownies Applesauce Brownies
