Chocolate Walnut Brownies

I’m trying to remember if I have ever met anyone that didn’t like brownies. They were always a staple at our football tailgate parties (go LU Flames!) or potluck birthday bashes. It seems that almost everyone enjoys the tasty treat. There’s something comforting in their chewy, fudgy goodness. Unfortunately brownies usually come loaded with sugar and unhealthy fat. I wanted to share this recipe for an alternative to the not-so-healthy traditional recipe. This recipe produces a very pleasant tasting brownie – not too sweet, not too heavy. I’ve tested out some recipes using beans as a base for healthy brownies, but have yet to find one that gives me a brownie I actually enjoy. I’ve stuck with whole wheat flour for this recipe instead. You’ll thank me for it if you ever find yourself eating a bean-based brownie.


Adding walnuts to the recipe offers a flavorful crunch and also adds some extra nutrients. Walnuts are a really great source of plant-based protein. They are rich in B vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Most diets aimed at lowering cholesterol levels promote eating walnuts, as their monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help to lower LDL and C-Reactive Protein levels (precursors for heart disease). Moderation is key though, as these nuts tend to be high in calories. Eating about 20 halves as a snack is usually a good balance.

Chocolate Walnut Brownies

¾ cup unsweetened baking chocolate (4 squares)
3/4 cup coconut sugar (or ½ cup Sucanat)
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
3 egg whites
2 eggs, whole
¼ cup brewed coffee, cooled
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup raw walnut halves

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).

Prepare a 9” square baking dish by oiling and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.

Melt chocolate in a double broiler. If using two saucepans, keep an eye on the pots so that no water splashes up into the melting chocolate. Also, take your time. If the temperature is too high, you could easily burn the chocolate.

Once melted and smooth, remove the chocolate pot from the heat and set aside.
Beat together sugar, applesauce, eggs, coffee, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.

Add the melted chocolate

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, and baking powder) in a separate bowl using a whisk. Add to wet ingredients. Stir well.

Add in walnut halves and stir.


Pour batter into prepared dish and let bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.


Makes 9 brownies - 215 calories, 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 13g fat, 4.5g fiber

I hope you like them.