Name: Greek Yogurt Brownies (No Sugar, High Protein, Ultra Fudgy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt

These Greek Yogurt Brownies are your new go-to healthy indulgence. Fudgy, rich, and deeply chocolaty, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, contain no added sugar, and pack a satisfying dose of protein. Whether you’re following a clean eating plan, meal prepping healthy treats, or just trying to lighten up your desserts, this simple one-bowl brownie recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that tastes indulgent but fits into your healthy lifestyle, this recipe delivers. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Fudgy texture without flour or butter
No refined sugar; naturally sweetened with applesauce
High in protein from Greek yogurt
Quick and easy to prepare in one bowl
Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes
Versatile enough for snacks, desserts, or post-workout fuel

Ingredient Highlights

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt replaces oil and butter in this recipe while adding richness and moisture. It also brings a creamy texture and boosts the protein content, making these brownies more satisfying than your typical sweet treat. For best results, use plain, unsweetened full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Applesauce naturally sweetens the brownies and adds moisture, making up for the lack of sugar and fat. It also creates that dense, gooey interior without needing any refined sweeteners. Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce to keep the recipe sugar-free.

Ingredients List

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins and Swaps

½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
2 tbsp natural peanut butter, swirled in
Sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top
Use mashed ripe banana instead of applesauce for a banana-chocolate version
Swap in dairy-free Greek-style yogurt for a dairy-free option

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Add the cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges with a spatula.
Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt or sugar-free chocolate chips.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The center should be just set and slightly fudgy when tested with a toothpick.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up and develop the best texture.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Don’t overmix the batter; stir until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and let cool completely.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, intense chocolate flavor.
Let brownies rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting to allow them to set.
Store them chilled if you prefer an even denser texture.

Variations to Try

Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
Double Chocolate
Stir in sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for added richness.
Espresso Brownies
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor.
Mint Chocolate
Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and top with crushed sugar-free mints.
Fruit-Infused
Fold in chopped strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve plain or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sugar-free whipped cream.
Top with banana slices or fresh berries for added nutrition.
Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy warm with a melty texture.
Pack into lunchboxes or gym bags for a convenient post-workout snack.
Plate with a drizzle of almond butter or melted chocolate for a dinner party-worthy dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These brownies are perfect for meal prep and keep well for several days. Follow these tips to store and enjoy them at their best.

How to Store

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5–6 days. This helps preserve the texture and prevents spoilage, especially in warmer climates.
Freezer: Wrap individual brownie squares in parchment or plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

Microwave: Warm for 10–15 seconds for a gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Toaster Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 5–6 minutes until warmed through.
Room Temperature: Let thaw for 30 minutes if frozen; enjoy as-is without reheating for a chewy, chilled brownie bite.

Additional Sections to Expand Content

Nutritional Benefits of Greek Yogurt Brownies

Swapping traditional brownie ingredients for Greek yogurt and applesauce doesn’t just lighten the calories—it also adds real nutritional value.

Higher Protein: With Greek yogurt and eggs, each serving offers more protein than standard brownies, helping to support muscle repair and satiety.
Lower Sugar: These brownies use natural sweetness from applesauce, making them diabetic-friendly and more blood sugar-stable.
No Refined Flour: Unlike traditional brownies, this recipe is flourless, making it ideal for those avoiding refined carbs or gluten.
Good Fats and Fiber: Add-ins like nuts, chia seeds, or flax can provide omega-3s and fiber without affecting taste.

Perfect Brownies for Every Lifestyle

These Greek Yogurt Brownies can easily be adapted for multiple diets and occasions. Here’s how they fit:

Clean Eating: Made from whole-food ingredients with no processed sugar.
Gluten-Free: No flour means this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Low-Calorie: About 120 calories per brownie makes it a light dessert or snack.
Meal Prep: Stays moist and fudgy all week; great for planning ahead.
Family Friendly: Kids love the taste; parents love the nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt made from almond, coconut, or soy milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened and plain for best results.

Do these taste like regular brownies?
They’re slightly less sweet than traditional brownies, but still rich, chocolaty, and indulgent. The fudgy texture makes them very close to classic recipes.

What if I don’t have applesauce?
Mashed ripe bananas work well as a substitute. Use the same amount (½ cup), though the brownies will have a slight banana flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes and check for doneness at the center.

Do these need to be refrigerated?
If you’re not eating them within 24 hours, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Greek Yogurt Brownies prove that healthy desserts don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture. With their rich chocolate taste, ultra-fudgy center, and naturally sweetened base, they’re a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping clean snacks, or satisfying a late-night craving, this recipe delivers every time.

Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making a batch every week. Don’t forget to share the recipe with a friend looking for a healthier way to enjoy chocolate!

Greek Yogurt Brownies (No Sugar, High Protein, Ultra Fudgy)

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Fudgy Greek Yogurt Brownies made with no added sugar, no flour, and high-protein ingredients like Greek yogurt and applesauce. These healthy brownies are perfect for clean eating, meal prep, low-calorie desserts, and gluten-free diets. Easy, one-bowl, and under 35 minutes from start to finish. A rich, indulgent snack that fits into any healthy lifestyle!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined (batter will be thick).
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until set but still slightly fudgy in the center.
Let cool completely before slicing into squares.