Low calorie fudge brownies: From Korty’s Kitchen

I was trying to come up with a lo-calorie brownie that still tasted good, without having that awful flavor.  Well this was the result of my time in the kitchen today. It is not too bad in flavor, but with only 35 calories if you leave out the chocolate chips and nuts you can't go wrong.  Of course I didn't leave out the chocolate chips, and it came out to only 45 calories still. 

 If you're trying to still enjoy the pleasures in life while taking care of yourself this might just hit the spot.   

Ingredients

non-stick olive oil cooking spray

2/3 cup Stevia or other Sugar Substitute

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup white unbleached flour or whole-wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional:

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray an 8x8 baking pan with olive oil.

In a large bowl whisk applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla together until well combined. Whisk the flour, cocoa, soda, powder and salt until smooth.  Add the flour mixture and stir until all the flour is incorporated then add in vanilla. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips if using.

Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread out evenly. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out with crumbs clinging to it, about 15 minutes or 20 minutes.

Cool the pan on a wire rack. Once cool refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Slice into 15 2x2  inch squares. For clean cuts wipe the knife clean after each cut.  Store in an airtight container in a cool place 3-4 days. 

Approximately 45 calories  for each brownie if nuts and chocolate chips were used.