These double-chocolate super-fudgy brownies are made with no oil, no butter, and no refined flours! But the great news is – no weird veggies, strange ingredients, or beans either. These brownies are incredibly tasty – you won’t even miss all the butter and oil! (Photos updated 6/16/16) GLUTEN-FREE
Yes, I am posting this recipe because I couldn’t wait any longer.
I had a teaser for this post on Instagram last week and didn’t plan to post it for another week and a half. But I just couldn’t wait any longer to share it!
Tomorrow is the start of Brunchweek where I will be teaming up with some great bloggers and awesome companies to bring you a chance to win one of TWENTY different prizes. We have a whole weeks worth of awesome Brunch-type recipes and so I already have all of my recipes ready to go for next week. And healthy brownies, as awesome as these are, didn’t really fit into a brunch category. In my mind that is.
Although, truth be told, these guys are healthy enough to eat for breakfast or brunch…
So yes. I bet you are wondering what exactly are in these brownies?
Let me just start by saying again – no vegetables. And NO black beans!
Have you all tried black bean brownies? I have a few times actually. And while they are pretty good, it’s still a little hard for me to get on board with. I mean beans in dessert? It’s just a little weird still… for me that is.
So I’ve been trying to create brownies that are healthy, don’t taste like cardboard, and don’t have weird vegetables in them. It has not been the easiest task and there have definitely been many fails along the way.
But perseverance is an amazing thing. Or brownies are the amazing thing. Yes. Brownies…
These are super simple and so chocolate-y good. The secret ingredient that makes them creamy and irresistibly rich? That would be peanut butter and applesauce. Which neither have a very prominent taste in these brownies. My husband couldn’t pick out either ingredient.
Also, one note, if you are new to healthier desserts and want more sugar feel free to increase the amount of brown sugar up a few tablespoons. If you are fine without the extra sugar, use only three. I like the brownies with three tablespoons, but if I were making these again just for my husband – they would get a few more tablespoons 🙂
One last thing – these call for oat flour. That is just regular oats that have been ground up until they reach a flour consistency. Make sure to measure the oat flour AFTER grinding the oats and not before.
Since these are healthy – no guarantees you won’t rationalize your way into eating the whole batch…
Or is that just how my mind works? I will admit, they are significantly LESS healthy with a huge scoop of ice cream and all the hot fudge sauce on top…⬆️⬆️⬆️
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter*
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2-4 + tablespoons brown sugar lightly packed**
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour regular old fashioned oats that have been blended
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 + 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips separated (can sub milk chocolate chips)
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper. (Do not use a different size pan and don't forget to line it or these brownies won't come out)
- Grind your oats and measure the 1/4 cup AFTER grinding the oats.
- In a large bowl, beat together (using hand mixers) the peanut butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat in the applesauce until combined and then beat in the egg until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir together.
- Using a wooden spoon, combine the wet and dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips. Transfer the mixture into the lined 8 x 8 baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the mixture.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly puffy. I like to slightly under-bake the brownies because they will be softer, more chewy, and overall I like the taste better.
*I have not experimented with a no-stir or natural peanut butter. **If you aren't used to healthier desserts, add more sugar starting at 4+ tablespoons. I would not recommend leaving out the chocolate chips.
To ensure these brownies are gluten-free, make sure your oats specify that they are certified gluten-free.
Try these healthy and highly rated recipes next:
Healthier oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies (with peanut butter)
Healthier Chocolate Banana Bread
Best EVER Healthy Greek yogurt banana bread
Greek Yogurt Healthier Zucchini Bread
Medeja says
I was really wondering how is it possible to make such brownies without flour or fat 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I love me a good brownie and I’m always looking for ways to make them “healthier.” I love how you added peanut butter and applesauce! Hehe, love your title “no beans.” I’ve not tried black bean brownies yet… mental block. I’m sure they’re not as bad as I picture and I will try them one day, but I’d rather go the route of PB and applesauce because it simply sounds tastier. These brownies look so fudgy and delicious! Love 🙂
Amy says
I was skeptical about bean brownies too, but I tried these: http://www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com/2013/08/24/chocolate-zucchini-beanie-brownies/
And these:
http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2014/04/healthy-flourless-black-bean-avocado-brownies-vegan-and-gluten-free/
And they were both SO GOOD!! I’m always looking for creative ways to get my chocolate fix; about to mix up a batch of these “no bean” babies, can’t wait to see how they turn out!!
Cate @ Chez CaetyLou says
These look so moist and fudgy! I laughed when I read “No beans!” in your title. I’m with you – sometimes, it is just a little weird to put beans in dessert! Pinning these!
Alyssa {Cake, Crust, and Sugar Dust} says
I was so excited to see “no beans” in the title of these! Now these are some healthy brownies that I’m actually going to try!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Couldn’t wait to see how you made these delish looking brownies!
Mary Frances says
Yes, skinny without weird! 😉 I’m always looking for new ways to use oat flour. My last brownies with oat flour, I didn’t grind them well enough … my family let me know that was not okay haha! I need to get some more applesauce! These are incredible, Chelsea. You nailed everything a brownie should be while still keeping it healthy!
[email protected] says
Black bean brownies are amazing!!! Weird vegetables…that is funny.
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Chelsea, I’m so happy you didn’t make us wait any longer for this creation you did! All about the skinny double fudgy-ness! Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday with your sweet little man.. and your big man! 😉
dina says
great healthy brownies!
Kelly says
Yay for a skinny brownie with no beans! Anything with peanut butter and chocolate gets my vote. These look so moist and fudgy and I would totally have to hold back from eating the whole batch 🙂
Beth @ bethcakes says
These brownies look so fudgy, Chelsea! Not at all like they’re healthier. I love all of those chocolate chips on top! I’ve tried black bean brownies once, but they didn’t have a brownie “texture,” so that was kind of weird. I think I’ll take this version over beans any day. 🙂
Lynna says
Woot, woot!! Brownies that aren`t too horrible for your body! 😀 Thanks for the perseverance, to create this beauty!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I am SO in love with this recipe! You’ve totally solved a problem for me. I’ve been looking for a good fudgy better brownie and I never thought to use PB!! These are totally getting made for the husband!
Ala says
I’ll just have to settle for echoing everyone else’s accolade: peanut butter and applesauce are wonderful ideas for making these brownies both healthy and delish! Fortunately, I have just half a jar of applesauce left and look forward to whipping these up very soon. Thanks for sharing!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
You did say that since these were healthy, we could have them for breakfast and brunch, right??!! You are my hero, hahaha. Seriously, these look so moist and fudgy!
How to Philosophize with Cake says
Haha I can see why you’d want to avoid black beans in a healthy brownie. When I’ve made them, I could always detect a slight beany taste. These look amazing, though, and I love the addition of peanut butter!
[email protected] says
I just can’t bring myself to do beans in brownies. I think it will take me a lonnnnnnng time to jump on that bandwagon, but I love what you have done with this recipe! I love applesauce as a wet ingredient in brownies and these look too good not to try! Pinned!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
I have been anxiously awaiting these since I caught them on insta!!! Would never have guessed a pb + applesauce combo is the secret, these look crazy good! pinned 🙂
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
I’m with you – as good as black bean brownies may be, it’s just…weird. Love your creation, and they do look perfectly fudgy!
Maria says
Ha! I love your disclaimer about “no weird veggies” 🙂 These look SO GOOD!!!! I can’t believe they are so healthy too, they look amazing!!!!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
YOU ARE A COMPLETE AND UTTER GEEEENIUS!!!! Pinning and totally making these!
[email protected] says
These sound amazing! I love that they are so healthy. That means I can eat 4 and not feel guilty, right?! 😉
Jenn says
These are amazing, made them tonight and they hit that chocolate craving.
Kristina says
Made these using natural peanut butter and worked out great. Delicious! I loved them, kids loved them and I am sure if there are any left tonight, my husband will love them too!
admattai says
just made these brownies for breakfast – they were so good! thanks so much for the great recipe.
Chelsea says
These look wonderful! Have you tried them using an egg substitute?
chelseamessyapron says
Sorry, I haven’t tried these with an egg substitute. If you do try them and they are a success, I would love to hear about it!
Hulda says
Can you say “YUMMY”? Just made these tonight. Was a little short on peanut butter so I finished off the 1/2c with almond butter. Also added sliced almonds for crunch. They turned out so gooey and good we could have eaten the whole pan! I will be making these from now on as my “go-to” brownie recipe. Delicious!
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!! So glad you loved them – and I love all the additions/changes – definitely adding sliced almonds next time because that sounds awesome!
Sandy says
I’ve tried some of your other oat flour recipes ( pumpkin and chocolate and they were wonderful ) do you know if these can be frozen ? Thank you.
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks Sandy! I’m not sure since I’ve never tried freezing these, but I’ve had a few readers freeze muffins with great results so I don’t see why not!
Marybeth Lopez says
Simply the best! I had to change peanut butter with sunbutter and since I didn’t have applesauce I used pumpkin! Oh my gosh they were so good! Thank you!
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I’m so glad you tried this recipe and loved it 🙂 Your substitutions sound awesome! 🙂
Carla says
OMG! These are amazing!!! I made them lastnight and I loveee them. I’m a chocolate/pb fanatic but I’m trying to watch my sugar so I only used 1tsp of brown sugar and 1 tbsp honey and they were perfect.
I keep them in the fridge and they’re even better the next day…with coffee.
🙂 Go to town on these, they’re worth it.
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks so much for your kind comment Carla! So glad to hear you enjoyed these (and with less sugar!) 🙂
Betty says
Just wondering, are the oats quick oats or long cooking oats? Can’t wait to bake these. Thank you! We diabetics appreciate your dedication.
chelseamessyapron says
Either type will grind down to a great flour in a blender or food processor 🙂 I usually use old fashioned because I have that on hand, but quick oats will work the same! Hope you enjoy these 🙂
Elaine says
Delicious brownies! I cut the sugar in half, and they were perfectly sweet and chewy. 🙂
Allison says
Just made these and felt compelled to leave a comment because they are SO DELICIOUS! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! It will be my new go to brownie recipe too! AWESOME RECIPE!
chelseamessyapron says
Yay!!! I love hearing things like this!! So glad you loved these and thanks for the kind comment! 🙂
Elizabeth says
What is the fat grams and calorie count?
Laura says
OMG! Made these last week and were awesome, fudgy and delicious!
I was wondering if I could make them in cupcake liners… Do you think it’ll be a disaster? :S
I’m making them tomorrow again!
chelseamessyapron says
Oh I am so, so happy to hear these were so well enjoyed!! Thank you Laura! I’ve never tried them in cupcake liners so I’m not really too sure how they’d turn out, but good luck! I’d love to hear the results 🙂
Rachael says
Could I use wheat flour instead?
Looks great by the way!
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks Rachael! I haven’t tried wheat flour so I’m not sure how it would work in these. I do know that oat flour (and oats) absorb more liquid than wheat flour so I don’t think the substitution would be 1:1
NaomiK says
I tried these with whole wheat flour and they turned out perfectly! They are so incredibly delicious! I have to try and stop myself from eating the whole pan now! Definitely a keeper!
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so happy these were a hit! Thanks so much Naomi 🙂
Jennifer says
Omg these brownies were SOO GOOD I had to make a review right away. They are the softest most gooey brownies ever, not to mention they’re HEALTHY!! The only difference I made was used 3 tbsp white chocolate chips because I was set on making a healthy brownie & the 1/2 + 1/4 cup that the recipe calls for was just a big no. It tasted great with the minimal amount of chocolate chips but if you’re not used to eating healthy you can keep the amount written. Also, when I was mixing the peanut butter it wasn’t turning into a liquid consistency because I don’t have an electric beater, so I just popped it in the microwave after I put the applesauce and that did the trick. Will only make this recipe from now on, YUM!!!
chelseamessyapron says
Yay!! I am seriously so thrilled you enjoyed these brownies so much! Thanks for the great review Jennifer! 🙂
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
Seriously one of the best brownie recipes on the planet! And those photos … wow!
Maria Fernandes says
Interesting recipe.. dying to try it .. Any substitute for apple sauce? I’m from India .. applesauce in a jar is unheard of here…
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks so much Maria! 🙂 You can absolutely make your own applesauce for this recipe, the applesauce in the jar isn’t necessary 🙂
Joanne says
These brownies look so fudgy and moist! I plan to bake them with Lily’s dark chocolate, to bring down the sugar content a little more.
chelseamessyapron says
Sounds great! I hope you love these Joanne! 🙂
Carole Lisy says
Thank you & I meant how pleased we were. Amazing!!!
Emmy says
These look amazing!! I’m always looking for ways to make my favorite sweet treats healthier! could you use powered peanut butter as a substitute for creamy peanut butter? has anyone tried it? Thanks!!
chelseamessyapron says
Thanks Emmy! I absolutely know for this recipe you can’t use powdered peanut butter as a substitute. Sorry, these just won’t work out without real peanut butter.
Cayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet says
No beans AND no protein powder?! Amen for you and this recipe
chelseamessyapron says
Haha!! Thanks Cayanne!
Carole Lisy says
I was not sure about the Flourless Applesause Brownies but still very excited to make them. My husband & I were shocked at hoe Delicious these brownies actually are. Very plesantly surprised. Id rated this recipe 5 stars. Thx Carole L. Cleveland Oh I meant how great these are.
chelseamessyapron says
Hi Carole! I’m so thrilled you and your husband enjoyed these brownies! Thanks so much for the comments 🙂
Amal says
This recipe is now my go to recipe. I substituted the egg for egg substitute, the brown sugar for splenda and the peanut butter for powdered peanut butter. I also only used 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and they turned out fudgy and delicious. I plugged the recipe in with my substitutions and for 1/9 th of the recipe it was obly 114 calories! Best brownie recipe!
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed these brownies Amal! 🙂 Thank you so much for the comment and sharing your substitutions!
Michelle Lambert says
I love this recipe! I made a batch. ..they didn’t last long…I will make another one soon!!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy to hear that! Thank you Michelle 🙂
Amy says
These were so good!! I subbed out vanilla with maple syrup and used half natural and half skippy PB and the brownies still turned out amazing!!! (I even did them in cupcake liners with a cooking time adjustment!) They were super chocolatey and delicious and MAYBE a bit underbaked but once cooled they were the most fudgey brownies I have ever had! Thank you so much for the recipe!
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed these Amy! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Evelyn says
Hi! Is there a substitute for the applesauce? Mashed banana perhaps? If I did used banana in these would they taste like banana do you think? Thanks in advance!?
chelseamessyapron says
If you use banana, I think these would definitely have a strong banana taste. What about trying pumpkin?
Liz says
I used natural peanut butter and it worked perfectly! These turned out great!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy you liked it! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Justina says
I made these on Monday, and finished the pan by Tuesday. By myself, my husband barely got any…But these were incredible!! and not “healthy” tasting, even my husband agreed! (He’s often suspicious of the ingredients used in my healthy baking attempts lol!) Also, I didn’t have any eggs on hand so I substituted a third of a banana (mashed) and these came out beautifully. I will totally be making these again! THANK YOU!!!
chelseamessyapron says
I LOVE getting comments like this!! So thrilled they were a huge hit and you couldn’t even tell how good they are for you 🙂 Thanks for the comment 🙂
Chelsea L. says
I have tried the bean brownies and they are pretty good. But, they don’t feel like you’re eating a gooey delicious brownie. So, I tried this recipe and they turned out amazing! So delicious and much healthier than regular brownies. I will always have this recipe saved for when I crave a beautiful brownie 🙂
chelseamessyapron says
Chelsea, this makes me so happy! I”m so glad you enjoyed them! They are definitely my go to! 🙂
Ashna says
Hi could you tell me how I could store these brownies to consume later? Do they need to be refrigerated or stored at room temperature? Thanks
Jade Keys says
Wow!! I have been on the hunt for a healthier FUDGY brownie all week. I’ve been making numerous batches a week and none of them were the fudgy consistency I wanted. They were cakey. THESE BROWNIES WERE FUDGY AND DELICIOUS. I was very skeptical after the many recipes I tried, but these were the best. I could’ve ground my oats a bit better, but they were still really really good. These are going to be my go-to brownie recipe! Thank you so much!
chelseamessyapron says
YAY!! Love hearing that! I’m so glad these were a hit 🙂 Thanks for the comment Jade!
Sarah says
Oh my gosh I’m dying! These are SO GOOD!!!!! Just had my first piece & I have a feeling there will be many many more. My oven is weird so I had these in for 25 mins & they are absolutely perfect. SO fudgy. You nailed this one!!
Anna says
Can you use unsweetened cocoa powder? These look delicious!
chelseamessyapron says
Yes!:)
Anna says
I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW GOOD THESE ARE!!! Literally the best brownies I have ever had!!! The whole batch was gone by the end of the night! Not used to healthier desserts so I used 3 and 1/2 TBSP of brown sugar but they were delicious!!! Definitely will make instead of processed garbage brownies!
chelseamessyapron says
Ahh i’m so happy to hear this! I love this dessert for the same reason, I can make a way yummy treat for my family without worrying about all the processed stuff in regular brownies/treats. So glad you enjoyed these! 🙂
Anna says
These brownies are THE. BEST!!!!! I was just wondering if you could make the batter ahead of time and put it in the fridge? I want to make some tomorrow but I would need to make them ahead of time to do so!!
Christine says
Brownie making rule #1- Don’t make these on an empty stomach because you will eat a quarter of the pan. I mean seriously these are the BEST brownies. I’ve made “healthy” brownies before and they never quite live up to traditional ones. These do not disappoint! Will definitely make from now on
chelseamessyapron says
Hahahaha that is a very good rule to live by. I need to live by it more often!! I’m soooo glad you enjoyed these! Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Cait says
These brownies are incredible! I can’t believe how fudgey and delicious they are while being healthier. I froze half of my batch (to avoid quarantine temptations) then defrosted them a week later and they are just as amazing as before. Recommending this recipe to friends! Ps – for a lighter brownie sundae, heat up the brownie then add some lighter vanilla ice cream. Heaven.
Chelsea Lords says
You are awesome Cait! Thanks so much for the tips and for sharing with others! I’m so happy you loved these healthy brownies! 🙂