Best Applesauce Brownies I Recipes

Applesauce brownies are a unique twist on the classic chocolate brownie recipe. With the addition of applesauce, the results are a lighter, more moist, and slightly healthier version of the traditional dessert.

History of Brownies

The origin of brownies is uncertain, but they first appeared in the United States at the end of the 19th century. They were made by creating a molasses cake batter which was then baked in small, square molds. Over the years, the recipe evolved and changed, leading to the classic chocolate brownie we know today.

Benefits of Applesauce in Baking

Using applesauce in baking brownies offers a variety of benefits. It replaces some of the fat typically used in the recipe, reducing the overall calorie count. It also adds a natural sweetness, reducing the amount of sugar needed. Finally, the applesauce gives the brownies a tender and moist texture.

Ingredients Used in Applesauce Brownies

The ingredients required for making applesauce brownies are basic and easily accessible. The list of ingredients includes flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, unsweetened applesauce, and unsalted butter.

Flour

Flour is one of the main ingredients used in making brownies. It provides the structure and texture to the brownies.

Sugar

Sugar is required in the recipe to add sweetness to the brownies. It also helps to combine all the ingredients together.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is added to the recipe to help the brownies rise and become fluffy.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor to the brownies.

Salt

Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the brownies and to balance the sweetness.

Eggs

Eggs are used to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the brownies.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is used to add a mild vanilla flavor to the brownies.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce replaces some of the fat in the recipe, making the brownies lighter and healthier.

Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter is used to add richness and flavor to the brownies.

Preparation of Applesauce Brownies

To prepare applesauce brownies, firstly, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. In another mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla extract, unsweetened applesauce, and unsalted butter until creamy. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly. Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the brownies in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing them into squares.

Variations of Applesauce Brownies

Applesauce brownies can be easily customized to suit your liking. Some variations of the recipe include:

Adding Nuts

You can add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the brownie batter for crunchiness and texture.

Adding Fruits

You can add fresh or dried fruits like cherries, raisins, cranberries, or blueberries to the brownie batter for additional flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

You can make gluten-free applesauce brownies by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.

Vegan Version

To make vegan applesauce brownies, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, and the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Conclusion

Applesauce brownies are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional chocolate brownies. With the addition of applesauce, the overall calorie count is reduced, and the texture is lighter and more moist. The ingredients used in making applesauce brownies are basic and easily accessible. You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding nuts, fruits, or making it gluten-free or vegan. The result is a decadent dessert that you can feel good about indulging in.

Applesauce brownies are an excellent twist on traditional brownies that add a fruity flavor to the classic dessert. These brownies are soft, moist, and flavorful and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. They're also a great alternative to regular brownies for individuals who want to enjoy a healthier dessert without sacrificing taste. Here are some valuable tips to consider when making applesauce brownies. 1. Choose the Right Applesauce The first thing to consider when making applesauce brownies is the type of applesauce to use. The applesauce should be unsweetened, as this will prevent the brownies from becoming overly sweet. Additionally, it's best to use a smooth applesauce, as this will blend better with the other ingredients. When purchasing applesauce, it's vital to read the labels carefully to ensure that it's pure and unsweetened. 2. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder The cocoa powder used in the applesauce brownies is a crucial ingredient as it adds flavor and richness to the dessert. Therefore, it's essential to choose high-quality cocoa powder to ensure that the end product tastes delicious. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is an excellent option since it has a smoother flavor than regular unsweetened cocoa powder. Alternatively, natural cocoa powder can also be used, but it has a sharper flavor. 3. Don't Overmix the Batter When making applesauce brownies, it's crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing causes the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in a dense and tough texture. Instead, mix the ingredients until they're just combined, and there are no visible flour pockets. This ensures that the brownies are light and fluffy. 4. Add Toppings Toppings can add an extra layer of flavor to the brownies and make them look more visually appealing. Some popular toppings for applesauce brownies include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Toppings can be added before or after baking, depending on personal preference. 5. Use a Square Baking Pan Using a square baking pan is essential when making applesauce brownies as it allows the batter to spread evenly, resulting in a consistent thickness. It's also easier to cut and serve square brownies than rectangular ones. A common size for a square baking pan is 9 inches by 9 inches, but other sizes can be used depending on how thick one likes their brownies. 6. Cool the Brownies After baking, it's essential to let the applesauce brownies cool down entirely before slicing and serving. Otherwise, the brownies will fall apart or become mushy. To cool the brownies, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice them. 7. Store Brownies Properly Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and texture of the brownies. Applesauce brownies can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to three days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to three months, but it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Conclusion Applesauce brownies are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional brownies. By following these valuable tips, one can create a delicious batch of brownies that are soft, moist, and flavorful. The right ingredients and proper mixing techniques can make all the difference in creating the perfect batch of applesauce brownies. Remember to take the time to select the best ingredients, choose the right baking pan, and cool and store the brownies correctly.