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Light Chocolate-Chunk Brownies

SECRET INGREDIENTS Replacing butter with applesauce and reduced-fat sour cream lightens these brownies, while a double helping of chocolate means you won’t feel the least bit deprived. For the deepest flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 16

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower, plus more for pan
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 large eggs

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-inch square baking pan with oil; line with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides. Brush parchment with oil. Heat half the chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted.

    Step 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, applesauce, sour cream, melted chocolate, eggs, and oil until combined; add flour mixture, and mix just until moistened.

    Step 3

    Spread batter in prepared pan; sprinkle evenly with remaining chopped chocolate. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes.

    Step 4

    Let cool completely in pan. Use paper overhang to lift from pan; peel off paper, and cut into 16 squares. Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    (Per Brownie)

    Step 6

    Calories: 154

    Step 7

    Fat: 6.8g (2.7g Saturated Fat)

    Step 8

    Protein: 2.8g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 24.3g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 1.7g

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