Low-Calorie Greek Yogurt Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Low-Calorie Greek Yogurt Brownies are an ideal treat for those who want to enjoy the decadent flavors of brownies without the extra calories. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness, while the maple syrup or honey provides natural sweetness, keeping the dessert light but satisfying. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a fresh batch of brownies in no time. With the combination of protein-packed Greek yogurt and the deep chocolatey goodness from the cocoa powder, these brownies are the best of both worlds—healthy and indulgent.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (Or substitute oat flour for a gluten-free version)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well incorporated. The batter will be thick.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (it may have a few crumbs attached).
7. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 9 brownies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free yogurt and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make the recipe completely gluten-free.
• Sweetener Swap: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can swap maple syrup for agave, or use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the calorie count even further.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds to warm it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of non-fat Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives the brownies a richer texture and more protein, making them a better choice for this recipe.

2. Can I make these brownies without an egg?

Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) or chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water) as a substitute for the egg.

3. Are these brownies vegan-friendly?

To make these brownies vegan, substitute the non-fat Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, use a flax egg, and choose maple syrup over honey.

4. Can I substitute the flour with almond flour?

Almond flour will work, but you may need to adjust the amount as almond flour has a different texture than regular flour. Start with ½ cup and increase as necessary to achieve the right consistency.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or even stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.

6. How can I make these brownies even more chocolaty?

If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate to the batter.

7. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

8. How can I make these brownies less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet brownie, reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey by half. You can also omit the sweetener entirely if you’re using naturally sweetened add-ins like ripe bananas.

9. What’s the best way to cut these brownies?

For clean cuts, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Then, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares.

10. Can I make these brownies in a different size pan?

Yes, if you use a different size pan, the baking time may need to be adjusted. If you use a smaller pan, the brownies will be thicker and may take longer to bake, while a larger pan will result in thinner brownies with a shorter bake time.

Conclusion

These Low-Calorie Greek Yogurt Brownies are the perfect healthier dessert for chocolate lovers. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they’re a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste. Thanks to the protein-packed Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners, you can indulge in a delicious brownie without the extra calories. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet craving or enjoy a lighter treat, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

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