This weather has been crazy!! One day hot and the next day jacket weather. It was just such a cool-ish day that the kids were craving brownies that we stumbled upon this recipe. It really is so easy that the kids, aged 9 and almost 4, made it on their own!

We decided to use applesauce for 2 reasons really – firstly, to reduce the sugar and secondly for all the health benefits that you get from apples/applesauce. Applesauce is a good source of fiber and Vitamin C and contains no fat! On its own, applesauce is a good snack. You can learn more about applesauce at http://www.livestrong.com/article/294397-how-many-calories-in-apple-sauce/

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 5-7 walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray an 8 inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Dust with cocoa, shaking out excess.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt margarine on low heat.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa, sugar, egg, applesauce and vanilla, beating until smooth.
  6. Gently stir in flour, baking soda and salt until well combined.
  7. Next mix in the chopped walnuts if you are using them. (Note: I didn’t use them because of my sons nut allergies)
  8. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until set.
  9. Cool completely and cut bite-sized squares with a hot wet knife. (The hot knife helps to cut clean straight lines)
  10. Store in the refrigerator.