Low Fat Holiday Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies
Indulge in holiday cheer without the guilt with these Low Fat Holiday Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies! Packed with rich cocoa flavor, these soft and fudgy brownies are made lighter using wholesome ingredients like unsweetened applesauce, low-fat Greek yogurt, and whole wheat flour. A festive twist comes from a hint of peppermint extract and a topping of crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch and seasonal flair. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in, these brownies are easy to whip up in just 35 minutes and make 12 guilt-free servings. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra magical touch to this better-for-you dessert.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat)
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, egg whites, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
In a separate large bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Gently stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 equal squares.
For an optional festive touch, lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1300 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.0 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 1193 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.9 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.1 g | 136% | |
| Total Sugars | 201.8 g | ||
| Protein | 37.3 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 245 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 1842 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
