These Healthy Pumpkin Brownies are a delightful treat that’s lower in calories but still full of flavor! Made with real pumpkin and cocoa, they are soft, gooey, and chocolatey.
You’ll love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix everything together, pour into a pan, and bake. Who knew being healthy could taste so yummy? I like to share these at parties, and they’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! It adds moisture and a rich flavor. If you can’t find canned pumpkin, you can use homemade pumpkin puree by roasting and blending pumpkin until smooth.
Whole Wheat Flour or Oat Flour: Whole wheat flour gives added fiber. Oat flour is a great gluten-free option. You can make oat flour at home by blending rolled oats until fine!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Look for high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you could use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative, although it has a different taste.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well. If you want to cut calories even more, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia in a suitable amount, but remember it may change the texture a bit.
Unsweetened Applesauce: This not only adds sweetness but also keeps the brownies moist. If you don’t have applesauce, mashed bananas are a good substitute, but they will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Stay Moist?
The key to moist brownies is to avoid overbaking! Each oven is different, so start checking them at 25 minutes. When inserting a toothpick, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Preheat your oven accurately – this ensures even baking.
- Cool the brownies in the pan to help them stay fudgy.
- Use a light touch when mixing; overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Follow these tips, and you should have delicious, moist brownies every time!
Healthy Pumpkin Brownies with Fewer Calories
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (for added texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them for the best texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture will give your brownies a lovely moist texture!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that everything is evenly distributed in your brownie batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a light touch will keep your brownies tender!
5. Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts:
If you’re using dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts, fold them into the brownie batter now. This adds a nice texture and extra flavor!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy these delicious and healthier brownies that are perfect for any occasion!
These brownies are not only scrumptious but also packed with the goodness of pumpkin, making them a nutritious treat. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
FAQ About Healthy Pumpkin Brownies
Can I Substitute the Maple Syrup or Honey?
Absolutely! You can use agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia if you want to lower the calories further. Just be sure to check the conversion rates for any sugar substitute you choose, as they can vary.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat or oat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to get the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize your brownies by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruit. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may change the texture slightly, so adjust baking time accordingly if needed.