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Healthy 3-Ingredient Brownies

These easy 3-ingredient brownies are a health alternative for anyone working on improvements.  It’s a great ways to enjoy a sweet treat, using unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar. A simple and delicious recipe to satisfy cravings on the go.

Maintaining a career in aviation and staying healthy can be a challenge, especially if you have a sweet tooth. That’s why these 3-ingredient brownies are a game changer. Made with applesauce in place of sugar, this recipe delivers all the indulgence with some added nutritional benefit. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth between flights. Let’s break down how to make these brownies.

Making these brownies is super simple! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your baking pan with parchment paper and a light coating of cooking oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Stir them together until the mixture is thick, moist, and smooth. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, taste the batter and mix in the optional semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the richness. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spread it evenly, and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few sticky crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely—about an hour for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love These Easy 3-Ingredient Brownies:

  • These brownies are made with applesauce instead of sugar, reducing your intake of added sugars.
  • You only need 3 core ingredients plus optional chocolate chips, making preparation a breeze.
  • These healthy brownies are easy to pack and take along for long flights or between shifts.
  • The combination of peanut butter and cocoa creates a rich, indulgent brownie without the extra calories.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • ½ cup Peanut Butter
  • ½ cup + 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Optional: ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for added sweetness)

How to Make These Brownies:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 6-inch (or 8-inch) brownie pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the applesauce, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Use a silicone spatula for best results, making sure the batter is thick, moist, and fully mixed.
  3. Taste the batter. If it’s a bit too bitter for your liking, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra touch of sweetness.
  4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Add a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
  5. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few sticky crumbs. If they’re too moist, bake a little longer.
  6. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely (about an hour) before slicing. If they’re too fragile, pop them in the fridge to firm up.

Popular Substitutions and Additions:

  • Peanut Butter: Swap for almond butter or cashew butter.
  • Applesauce: Try using unsweetened mashed banana for a slight variation in taste.
  • Sweetener: If you prefer sweeter brownies, feel free to add a drizzle of maple syrup or a touch of honey, though this may slightly change the consistency.

Travel Tips:

  • Keep Them Fresh: These brownies last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for long trips or as a snack between flights.
  • Pre-Cut Portions: For easy access during flights or on the go, slice the brownies into individual portions before packing them.
  • Chill Before Traveling: If you’re transporting them, let the brownies chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft or crumbly during travel. Print
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    Healthy 3-Ingredient Brownies

    • Author: Jill Mongene
    • Total Time: 30
    • Yield: 9 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
    • ½ cup Peanut Butter
    • ½ cup + 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    • Optional: ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for added sweetness)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 6-inch (or 8-inch) brownie pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the applesauce, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Use a silicone spatula for best results, making sure the batter is thick, moist, and fully mixed.
    3. Taste the batter. If it’s a bit too bitter for your liking, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra touch of sweetness.
    4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Add a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
    5. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few sticky crumbs. If they’re too moist, bake a little longer.
    6. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely (about an hour) before slicing. If they’re too fragile, pop them in the fridge to firm up.
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 25

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