I brought these brownies to a football watch party a few weeks ago and everyone ate them up. Most of our friends admitted they couldn’t tell I made any healthier recipe substitutions. Success! I love proving to family and friends that healthier baked goods can still taste delicious.
For this recipe I used my typical recipe substitutions – applesauce, healthier buttery spread (ie. Smart Balance), egg whites, Greek yogurt, and reduced sugar amount. It may sound like a lot of substitutions, but I still used butter, cream cheese, and sugar (just in lesser amounts). Generally you can reduce the sugar in recipes by about 20% without losing the overall sweet flavor. Sugar substitutes are another possible substitution (for sugar) to reduce the calories, but I do not personally like the flavor they produce.
This recipe can also be made without the red food coloring. I typically try to avoid food colorings due to the artificial coloring. Natural red food coloring is difficult to create, however I hope to do some experimenting in the kitchen soon.
On another note I decided to restart Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred workout video. The cold wintery weather has made it difficult to run or walk outside, which is something I typically enjoy doing. Today I completed day 2. Only 28 more days to go! The workout is only 20 minutes, therefore I typically add a bit more cardio through walking or jumping jacks at the conclusion of the workout. I have done this workout video numerous times before, however I have never completed the complete 30 days. Wish me luck!
What is your favorite exercise activity?
Enjoy!
Your family’s dietitian,
Kristen Smith
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Smart Balance buttery spread (or butter), melted
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/3 – 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 oz package cream cheese (1/3 the fat), softened
- 1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons + 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Nutrition