Lowered Fat Vegan Brownies

Note: Revised 24 April 2010 to make this easier: increased liquid, increased baking powder, added cider vinegar, eliminated cooking of flour.

This recipe began life somewhere on the internet. Tae found it, changed it, and liked it. She passed her changed version along to me. I wanted to reduce the fat and sugar in the original recipe, so I changed it even more.

This version uses 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce in place of 1/2 c of oil . We also added mesquite powder . Mesquite powder has a cinnamon-y chocolate-y flavor that really boosts the flavor of cocoa and carob flavors. Since its flavor is very strong, use it sparingly. And, there were blueberries in the freezer, so, why not blueberries? But any berry you like will work, and leave them out completely if you want, but you might need to shorten the baking time.

While I admit that I far prefer 'real' cocoa powder to carob powder, I used carob powder and carob chips for two reasons. First, I haven't used carob in ages and wanted to re-visit it. Secondly, kids will be eating the brownies and a large portion of them could end up on the floor. Since the resident canine will definitely go food-surfing, using carob instead of chocolate and cocoa makes it safe for the dog to eat as well.

If you really want to reduce the fat more, leave out the carob chips. Leaving them out reduces the fat per brownie from 4.75g to 1.23g, and reduces the calories from 193 each to 163.


Lowered Fat Vegan Brownies
16 brownies

1 c all purpose flour
1 c fine whole wheat flour
3 Tbs flax meal
2 Tbs mesquite powder OPTIONAL
3/4 c water
3/4 c soy or almond milk
1 1/2 - 2 c sugar (see note)
1 t salt
1/2 Tbs vanilla
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
3/4 c carob or cocoa powder
1/2 c carob or vegan chocolate chips
1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 c frozen blueberries (or your favorite) OPTIONAL

Note on sugar: If you are going to add a frosting or eat the brownies with ice cream, or whipped topping, use 1 1/2 c sugar. If you will eat them alone and like very sweet brownies, use 2c of sugar. I use raw sugar instead of white.

Preheat oven to 350F

Grease an 11x7 baking dish

Mix dry ingredients.

Mix wet ingredients.
Combine ingredients and stir as little as possible until mixed.

Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 45-60 minutes. Start checking the brownies after 45 minutes and bake until a knife comes out clean.