You'll never believe how fudgy and deceivingly decadent these healthy brownies are. Gluten free, dairy free, and only 6 ingredients to make!
I've never met a brownie I didn't like. However, these beauties are in a league of their own.
Coming off the holidays, I find most people want to strictly cut out what they seemingly overindulged in the month prior. However in my opinion, January should not be a month of deprivation.
Instead, I prefer to continue enjoying the foods I love (cookies, brownies, etc.), just in more healthful way.
These brownies boast all there is to love about the classic dessert:
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Ultra moist
- Fantastically fudgy
They also happen to be made with a stellar list of ingredients, including heart-healthy tahini and mineral-rich maple syrup.
The blind taster would NEVER guess they were classified as a "healthy dessert." The only thing they'll be questioning is where you got the recipe, and if there are any more left.
How to Make Healthy Brownies
Naturally gluten free, dairy free, AND nut free, these brownies will appeal to the masses. I have not tried them with any substitutes, so the following ingredients are the only ones I know work.
- Tahini: Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, and has a texture similar to a loose peanut butter. Just make sure to stir tahini well in the jar before you measure (it should be pourable). The brand I prefer is Soom Foods, and you can get 10% off your orders using code dishingouthealth
- Eggs: I have not tried this recipe with a vegan alternative (such as flax eggs), so I cannot confirm anything else works!
- If you're looking for a vegan brownie recipe, use this one!
- Maple Syrup: I prefer using maple syrup over granulated sugar for its richer, deeper flavor. I find it complements the chocolate profile beautifully.
- Cocoa Powder: Look for unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Hershey's brand.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps lighten the texture of the brownies so they're not too dense.
- Vanilla: Make sure you're using pure vanilla extract, which is made from higher quality vanilla beans. The vanilla actually enhances and enriches the chocolate flavor.
- Mix-Ins: I love mixing in some chocolate chips (either Lily's or Enjoy Life brand), however walnuts are also a great choice!
Once the brownies are hot out of the oven, I like to sprinkle some flaky salt overtop. Maldon's Sea Salt Flakes do the job best!
The Directions:
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350ºF and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine tahini, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla; whisk well to combine.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Bake
Fold in chocolate chips and transfer mixture to prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired.
Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift parchment and brownies from the pan and cut into squares. 
Recipe FAQs
What Can Replace Sugar in Brownies?
This recipe calls for pure maple syrup, which is considered an unrefined sweetener. Maple syrup is rich in minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which gives it a leg up over other sweeteners.
Can You Reduce Sugar in Brownies?
This recipe only calls for ½ cup of sweetener, which is significantly less than most. You can also reduce sugar by omitting the chocolate chips (or swapping them for walnuts), or using a lower-sugar chocolate chip, such as Lily's Brand.
What Makes Brownies Fudgy?
Using heart-healthy tahini in place of oil or butter makes these brownies supremely fudgy. Also completely omitting flour lends a fudgy over cakey texture.
Storage Tips:
- To Store. Store brownies in an airtight container or gallon zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.
- To Freeze. Place brownies in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.
More Healthy Dessert Recipes to Try
Fudgy Vegan Brownies
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Healthy Pumpkin Bars
If you give these healthy brownies a try, I’d love for you to come back and give it a rating and review. Also, be sure snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations.
Healthy Fudge Brownies
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup tahini, well-stirred (I use Soom Foods brand) sub creamy cashew butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (use Enjoy Life brand for dairy-free, or Lily's brand for lower-sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine tahini, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla; whisk well to combine.Add cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips (or walnuts) and transfer mixture to prepared baking pan. Bake for 24 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired.Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift parchment and brownies from the pan and cut into 12 squares.
Video
Notes
- To Store. Store brownies in an airtight container or gallon zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.
- To Freeze. Place brownies in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.
Diane
I am not a gluten-free fan, but these...OUTSTANDING! Everyone could not believe these were gf. Making these every week!
Morgan
Love love loved these! Had a craving for brownies and decided to try these because of how easy and quick the recipe is. Can’t beat the healthy ingredients either. This will definitely be my new go-to-brownie recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Dottie
Love a healthy twist on anything if it’s still good and these are great! First time I made them I took them to my painting class and let’s just say that healthy eating isn’t their number one concern and they LOVED THEM! I add a little espresso and cinnamon just to riches them up a bit - great recipe! Thank you - my first time to your site and I’ll definitely check out more recipes!
Jen
I love your recipes! But how is this dairy free if it has eggs? Can you substitute a flax egg?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Jen! Eggs are from hens, so they are not considered dairy - dairy is only from cow products.
W Brunson
These are the best brownies I've ever tasted!!!! Just everything is perfect from the sweetness to the fudge texture. Simply in awe. Thanks for posting!
Jayla
so good! super rich, fudgy, and chocolatey without being super sweet!
Jamie Vespa
Yay! I'm so glad they were a hit, Jayla!
Loren
Absolutely delicious!! Because I didn’t have tahini, I made them with sunflower seed butter (a perfect substitute!) and omitted the salt because the seed butter had salt in it. I cut them really small so that there were 20-30 tiny brownie bits. Just perfect. This will be my new go to recipe!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Loren - I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Megan Steinburg
Delicious!! This was my first time baking with tahini . I was worried there would be a bitter aftertaste, but the brownies are perfectly sweet and delish!
Abby
I was definitely a bit skeptical/curious about tahini in a dessert, however these are absolutely INCREDIBLE. The nuttiness of the tahini perfectly compliments the cocoa and chocolate chips and they are so wonderfully moist. Our first pan of these brownies didn’t even last 24 hours before we had eaten them all. Keeping this perpetually in our dessert rotation.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Abby - I'm so thrilled you enjoyed them!! Thank you for taking time to leave a review!
Kristen
THESE ARE THE BEST BROWNIES! I literally crave them! I cut them into smaller pieces and top with greek yogurt for some extra protein and pretend like its a brownie ala mode. BEST brownies! So nutty and dense and delicious
Jamie Vespa
Hi Kristen - I'm so thrilled you enjoyed them! Thank you so much for taking time to leave such a fab review!
Jennifer [email protected]
If you made these with coconut cream and honey instead, how much coconut cream honey would u add?
hanna
does anyone have the macros for these?
Maria Dangel
The first time I made these I accidentally left them in the oven for an extra 15 to 20 minutes. I was afraid I had burned them, but but they weren't. Instead, they just had a more cakey texture. I loved the rich, dark chocolate flavor! This time I'm going to be more careful with the bake time so that I can enjoy the fudgy texture I prefer in brownies. Thanks for this great recipe!
Sharon
We’ve already made these countless times and they’re the best healthy sweet treat!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad they're a hit, Sharon! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Holly
Love these brownies! I used honey because I didn’t have maple syrup and added some coconut cream and it tastes great! Thanks for this recipe!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Holly - Yay! I'm so glad they were a hit. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Jennifer
How much coconut cream did you add if you don’t mind me asking?
leah
best brownies ive ever had! i added a few tbsp of vegan chocolate protein powder and followed everything the same and they turned out great! 10/10 recommend
Jamie Vespa
Woohoo! I'm so glad they were a hit, Leah!
Megan
This is the third thing I’ve made from your site and everything keeps getting better!!! 10/10
Jamie Vespa
Woohoo! Love hearing that, Megan! Thank you for coming back and leaving a review!
Eva
Great recipe: easy, fast and healthy(ish). Thank you!
However, I made a big mistake and made half a batch only… should’ve made double instead! Silly me…
Jamie Vespa
Hi Eva - I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Laura
I’ve made my fair share of healthy brownie recipes and these are the cream of the crop! I halved the recipe and baked in an 8x4” loaf pan for 18 min and they were perfect. Definitely making a full batch next time (because there WILL be a next time)’
Jamie Vespa
Oh Laura I'm so thrilled you enjoyed them! Thank you for leaving a review!
Miranda
Delish!! We made these for early Valentines topped with pink and red sprinkles and the kids loved them. Didn’t question whether they were even from a box or not! 😉
Kayla
Oh, Jamie. You brownie goddess. Hopefully there’s one left for Braelyn after her nap 😉
Jodi
Do you think I could sub peanut butter for the tahini?
Kayla
I just made a second batch of these with peanut butter because I was craving something sweet and didn’t have tahini on hand. I wouldn’t say it made a good substitute. The flavor was drastically different (the peanut overpowered everything else) and the fudge-y texture was completely missing. I would definitely recommend to make them as Jamie said, with either the tahini or cashew butter
Tracy
Will never make “regular” brownies again, the fudginess f these brownies are like no other! I used “special dark” unsweetened cocoa powder. Thank you so much for this recipe, I’ve shared with all my friends!
Jamie Vespa
Woohoo! I'm so glad you love these as much as we do! 🙂
Lorrie Swanson
SO GOOD AND SO EASY. Honestly even better than the boxed mixes - just wait til day 2 and 3 when they’re ultra fudgy!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Lorrie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Julie
Delicious! Semi-sweet brownies with a hint of nuttiness and depth from the tahini. Truly curb your sweet tooth without feeling guilty and no cloying sweetness. A must-make!
Tracy
Incredible. INCREDIBLE! Followed recipe exactly as listed. Baked for maybe 1.5 mins more than called for. So fudgey and delicious- would take these over any other brownie recipe any time!!
Katie Marcos
The BEST healthy brownies out there!!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Katie - so glad the recipe was a hit! Thank you for coming back and leaving a review!
Stephanie
Wow, these are the best brownies I've ever had, no exaggeration. I love the tahini and chocolate combo. And so easy to make! My fiance says, don't change a single thing! These are perfect as is. Thanks for the recipe!
Kyle
A scare this past Saturday induced some stress baking at our house. These brownies didn't make to Tuesday. You can't eat just one!
Jamie Vespa
Impossible to stop at just one!
Linda
Making these for a second time in a week! I used spicy maple syrup (Trees Knees Spicy Maple was on sale) and it added a little heat on the finish- kind of think of Mayan chocolate. Unbelievable that it is relatively healthy and this delicious!
Thank you for the magnificent recipe,
Linda- not a baker and DEFINITELY not gluten free.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Linda - I'm so thrilled you enjoy this recipe! Love the idea of adding some spice to them!
Antoinette C
Another amazing recipe! I didn't have tahini so I subbed it out with cashew butter and they still came out perfect. Thank you for always creating delicious recipes 🙂
Jamie Vespa
Love that you used cashew butter - I'll have to try that soon! Thank you for leaving a rating and review!
Orr
Super easy to make, and not too sweet. Great with walnuts. Fudgy & soft even days later. Brava!
Jamie Vespa
Yay! So glad you enjoyed them, my friend. Thank you for leaving a review!
Cat M
These brownies are to die for- light, fudgy, chocolatey, and not too sweet! They feel like such an indulgent treat but are made with good for you ingredients and no processed sugar or flour. These are the best brownies I’ve ever made from an online recipe. Plus, they’re a one-bowl wonder! Do yourself a flavor and make a batch asap! 🙂 Thank you for yet another delectable and thoughtful recipe, Jamie!
Jamie Vespa
Oh Cat I'm so thrilled you enjoy these! Thank you SO much for leaving such a fabulous review!
Alice
Loved this recipe, wow definitely my favorite brownie recipe! The tahini added an additional nutty flavor, which I loved. Will definitely be making it again!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Alice - I'm so glad the brownies were a hit! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Ida Moringa
WOW! Insanely fudgy and so easy to make!! Can’t believe they’re made with such great ingredients!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Ida - I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Margaret
MUST MAKE! These were ridiculously easy to throw together, and do not disappoint. I was licking the batter while they baking and new they couldn’t be bad. My kids (5,3,1) inhaled them! Thinking I’ll need to buy tahini in bulk from this point forward!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Margaret - I'm so glad you and the family enjoyed them! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
sara
approved by my 4yr old! These are so easy to whip up. They are going on a repeat here.
Jamie Vespa
Woohoo! I'm so glad you both enjoyed them, Sara! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Jodi
Do you think I could sub peanut butter for the tahini?
sara
approved by my 4yr old! These are so easy to whip up. They are going on a repeat here.
Shannon Weber
Ok had to make these after you posted and WOW. I couldn’t believe there was no flour needed but it’s why they’re so moist and fudgy. Definitely a keeper!!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Shannon - I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for coming back and leaving a rating & review!
Shannon
Made these because the picture looked delectable and they turned out great! Best served warm.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Shannon - I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for coming back and leaving a review!
Laura
So deliciously sinful. I love these. So hard to eat only one.
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Laura!! Thank you for letting me pawn some off on you. 😉