Fudgy Applesauce Brownies
Servings 9 brownies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted (4 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Make the Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Melt the butter in a large bowl. Whisk in the sugar until dissolved.
- Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Fold with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes. The top should look set and slightly shiny. A toothpick should come out fudgy, not wet.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting, at least 1 hour.
Notes
- Don't overbake: Pull them when the center is still slightly fudgy. They firm up as they cool.
- Use unsweetened applesauce: Sweetened applesauce makes the brownies too sweet and gummy.
- Sift the cocoa powder: This prevents lumps in the batter.
- Cool completely: For clean cuts, cool at least 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Storage: Room temperature 3-4 days, refrigerator up to 1 week, freezer up to 3 months. Refrigerate if not eating within 2-3 days.
- Box mix hack: Replace the oil in any boxed brownie mix with an equal amount of applesauce.