Fudgy Cocoa Brownies – Lightened-Up

 

Chocolate-Lover Approved

Rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey—these cocoa brownies prove you can have indulgence and balance in the same bite. Made with simple pantry staples and lightened up with just a tablespoon of butter, they’re the perfect treat for anyone watching sugar or calories without sacrificing flavor. Whether you use all-purpose or oat flour, you’ll get that classic chewy, gooey brownie texture while staying on track.

Try it topped with No-Churn Vanilla Frozen Yogurt for an extra leveled-up dessert!

💡 Why You’ll Love These Brownies:

• Bold cocoa flavor and satisfying fudgy texture
• Lower in sugar and calories—under 100 calories per square
• Just 1 egg and 1 tbsp butter
• Naturally sweetened or sweetener/sugar combo
• Oat flour or all-purpose flour friendly

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 9 squares):

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or light olive oil)
• 1/2 cup sweetener of choice (erythritol, monk fruit blend, or a mix of sugar and sweetener)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup oat flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
• Optional: 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

💡 DIY Oat Flour Tip:
To make 1/4 cup oat flour, blend about 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground.

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment or spray with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, and sweetener until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Add Cocoa & Dry Ingredients:
   Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour until just combined. Add the milk and mix again—the batter will be thick.
4. Fold & Bake:
   Fold in chocolate chips if using. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
   
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft. Don’t overbake!
5. Cool & Slice:
   Let cool completely before cutting for the best texture. These get fudgier as they chill!

🍫 Tips for Brownie Success:

• Want deeper chocolate flavor? Add a few drops of espresso or instant coffee powder.
• Use oat flour for a more wholesome bite, or AP flour for a classic feel.
• Refrigerate overnight for extra fudgy results—hard to do but worth it!