These one-bowl applesauce brownies are moist, decadent, and rich in flavor. A healthier twist on the classic, and they are made without eggs or butter, and are naturally gluten-free.
Add water and sugar to a microwave bowl. Microwave for 3-5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved completely. Stir it every 60 seconds. (Alternatively, you can heat the mixture in a pot over medium-low heat.)
¾ cup sugar, ½ cup water
Pour in the sugar solution and all the wet ingredients. Fold to combine.
¾ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup light olive oil, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Now, add all dry ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.
1 ¾ cup oat flour , ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon instant coffee, ½ cup chocolate chips
Pour batter into an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Optionally, top it with more chocolate chips.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until brownies look set. You can also insert a toothpick down the middle to check for doneness. You will want some moist crumbs attached to it.
Let brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow vegan applesauce brownies to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
*Sugar - This brownie is slightly less sweet than traditional brownies. You can slightly increase the sugar by 2-4 tablespoons for a sweeter brownie. **Oat flour - If you do not have it on hand, add some quick or rolled oats to a blender and process until they turn into flour. Helpful tips
Be careful not to overbake – Applesauce brownies are lower fat and dry out easily when overbaked. Insert a toothpick down the middle; it is done baking when the toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging.
Tips on slicing brownies – Let brownies cool completely, and slice with a straight-edge knife. Clean the knife between each cut to produce clean slices.
Storing - Brownies can be refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 3 months. Allow frozen brownies to thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.