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My applesauce brownies are fudgy, moist, and full of chocolate flavor. Made with 3 key ingredients, they’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free! Multiple frosting options.
Love creative brownie recipes? Try my black bean brownies, protein brownies, vegan brownies, or sweet potato brownies next.
I’ve played around with just about every quirky ingredient you can think of, but adding applesauce to brownies is a no-brainer.
Not only does it replace the need for oil, but it adds plenty of moisture and sweetness to an already decadent brownie.
Table of Contents
- Why I love this recipe
- Ingredients needed
- How to make applesauce brownies
- Arman’s recipe tips
- Storage instructions
- Frequently asked questions
- More recipes using apples
- Applesauce Brownies (3 Ingredients!) (Recipe Card)
Why I love this recipe
- It’s a very healthy treat. There’s no added sugar, flour, eggs, oil, or dairy.
- Made in one bowl. So clean-up is done in seconds.
- Perfect with or without frosting! I think these brownies are flavorful enough as is, but of course, frosting makes everything better!
- Amazing texture and flavor. Oftentimes, substitutions take away from a recipe, but I actually think applesauce makes these brownies taste ten times better.
Ingredients needed
- Unsweetened applesauce. Double-check that it’s completely unsweetened, as I’ve noticed some brands sneak in sugar. You can make your own if you prefer, but make sure that it’s very smooth.
- Almond butter OR peanut butter. I tested both and couldn’t decide which one I liked more. If you try both and have a preference, let me know!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but you can use dark cocoa powder for a richer, bittersweet flavor.
- Liquid stevia. Optional, but good if you prefer sweeter brownies. I used 5-6 drops, but you can use as much as you prefer. Alternatively, use maple syrup or white sugar.
Frosting ideas
These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can take them up a notch by adding a simple frosting on top!
- Healthy frosting. My go-to frosting, made with applesauce and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Coconut cream ganache. Microwave 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 cup of canned coconut milk until melted, then spread over the cooled brownies.
- Chocolate glaze. Whisk powdered sugar with cocoa powder and thin with milk or water.
How to make applesauce brownies
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep work. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a 9×4-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2- Mix. In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until a smooth batter remains.
Step 3- Bake. Transfer the batter mixture to the prepared baking pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 4- Cool and frost. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan completely before frosting, if desired.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Make them nut-free. Swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Experiment with mix-ins. Add semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or coconut flakes.
- Enhance the brownie flavor. Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To freeze: Place leftover brownies in a freezer-friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use something other than applesauce?
Yes, you can use mashed bananas or make my pumpkin brownies instead.
More recipes using apples
- Apple cinnamon muffins
- Applesauce cake
- Apple blondies
- Applesauce pancakes
- Applesauce oat cookies
Applesauce Brownies (3 Ingredients!)
5 from 364 votes
My applesauce brownies are fudgy, moist, and full of chocolate flavor. Made with 3 key ingredients, they’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free! Multiple frosting options.Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 9 servings
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 15 minutes mins
Total: 20 minutes mins
Rate This Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond butter or any nut/seed butter of choice
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 serving liquid stevia optional * See notes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a 9 x 4-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, almond butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener of choice until a smooth batter remains.
Transfer the brownie batter to the loaf pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a cooked on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan completely, before frosting, if desired.
Notes
I used 5 drops of liquid stevia. You can use as much or as little as you’d like.
Frost the brownies with applesauce chocolate frosting.
TO STORE: These brownies must always be stored in the refrigerator, to remain fudgy and firm. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
TO FREEZE: Place leftover brownies in a freezer friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to eating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 4gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 4g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!
Originally updated August 2020, updated and republished August 2024