Low Calorie Mug Brownie Recipe

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What if I said you could still satisfy that sweet tooth with a decadent brownie without the guilt that usually comes with it? Yes, you heard it right! And the cherry on top? It’s as easy as can be and ready in just a matter of minutes! Introducing the Low Calorie Mug Brownie, a game-changer for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier way.

How to make Low Calorie Mug Brownie

A Low Calorie Mug Brownie is a single-serving dessert made in a mug and designed to be lower in calories than traditional brownies. It’s a quick and convenient treat that you can whip up in just a few minutes, usually in the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (For a gluten-free version, opt for almond flour or oat flour, which adds a nice texture and is healthier)
• 2 tablespoons of low-calorie sweetener (Erythritol or a stevia-based sweetener works well for a sugar-free option)
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (Make sure it’s 100% cocoa for the best health benefits)
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder (To give that perfect rise to your mug brownie)
• A pinch of salt (This enhances the chocolate flavor magnificently)
• 3 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk (Or any other plant-based milk to keep the calories low)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (For that lovely, aromatic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of unsweetened applesauce or banana puree (This acts as a great butter or oil substitute for moisture without all the fat)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Mug: Get a microwave-safe mug and apply a light coat of non-stick spray or use a dab of oil to lightly grease it. This ensures your brownie doesn’t stick to the mug and comes out easily after cooking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In your prepared mug, combine the flour, low-calorie sweetener, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir it well to ensure the mixture is lump-free and well incorporated.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce (or banana puree). Mix it well until you achieve a smooth batter without any dry pockets.
4. Microwave It: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for around 60-90 seconds. Keep an eye on it; microwave strengths can vary. The brownie should be cooked through but still slightly moist in the center for the best texture.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the brownie to cool for a few minutes. It can be quite hot straight out of the microwave. Optionally, top it with a sprinkle of powdered sweetener or a few fresh berries for an extra special touch.

Tips for the Perfect Low Calorie Mug Brownie:

• Texture Matters: If you prefer a gooey brownie, lean towards the 60 seconds cooking time. For a more cake-like texture, give it the full 90 seconds.
• Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference.
• Go Nutty: Adding a tablespoon of chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) can add a delightful crunch and healthy fats without adding too many calories.
• Serving Suggestion: For a decadent yet still healthy treat, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top or a scoop of low-calorie ice cream on the side.

What to serve with

Your delightful low calorie mug brownie can be transformed into a gourmet treat with some delicious, healthy pairings. Here’s what you can serve with your brownie to enhance your dessert experience without piling on the calories:

1. Fresh Berries

A colorful addition of fresh berries not only elevates the visual appeal but also injects a natural sweetness and tartness that compliments the deep chocolate flavor. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for a healthy dessert topping.

2. Greek Yogurt or Skyr

Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or Icelandic skyr for a creamy texture and a tangy contrast to the sweet and chocolaty brownie. Opt for the plain, unsweetened varieties to keep it low in calories. These are rich in protein and calcium, adding nutritional value to your dessert.

3. Nut Butters

A small drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter can provide a rich, creamy texture and a complementary nutty flavor. Choose all-natural, unsweetened nut butter to avoid added sugars and oils. This enhances the taste and increases the satiety level of your dessert, helping you feel complete with a smaller portion.

4. Low-Calorie Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

For those times when you really want to indulge, add a scoop of low-calorie ice cream or frozen yogurt. Look for varieties that are lower in sugar and use natural sweeteners. This combination feels ultra-indulgent without the excessive calorie count.

5. Dust of Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder

Sometimes, simplicity is key. A light dusting of cinnamon or extra cocoa powder can sufficiently elevate the flavor profile of your brownie. Both are calorie-free ways to enhance the taste without adding significant calories.

6. Coffee or Espresso

Serve your mug brownie with a cup of black coffee or a shot of espresso. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the brownie beautifully. Plus, coffee has minimal calories and can help to boost your metabolism.

7. Dessert Spices

Spices like nutmeg or cardamom can add a warm and aromatic flavor to the brownie. Mix these spices right into the batter or sprinkle on top before serving. They are calorie-free but rich in antioxidants.

8. Coconut Flakes

Toast some unsweetened coconut flakes until golden and sprinkle them over your mug brownie for a crunchy texture and a hint of tropical flavor. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also provides beneficial fats.

9. Mint Leaves

Garnish your brownie with a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist. The freshness of mint pairs wonderfully with chocolate, adding a pop of color and a burst of cool flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a low calorie mug brownie doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or texture. Intelligent ingredient substitutes allow you to enjoy a delicious treat that aligns with your health goals.

Flour Alternatives

• Almond Flour: Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, almond flour is a fantastic substitute that adds a nutty flavor and a moist texture. It’s also gluten-free.
• Coconut Flour: Highly absorbent and lower in calories than traditional flour, coconut flour is a good choice for those looking for a low-carb option. Remember, you’ll need less coconut flour than regular flour due to its high absorbency.

Sugar Substitutes

• Stevia: A natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, it has no calories and is much sweeter than sugar, so you’ll need less.
• Erythritol: Another sugar alcohol that’s almost as sweet as sugar but with practically no calories. It doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, making it diabetic-friendly.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: Extracted from monk fruit, this sweetener contains zero calories and carbs. It’s much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way.

Fat Replacements

• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can replace oil or butter in recipes, adding moisture without the fat. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but reduce the amount of any added liquid to compensate for the extra moisture.
• Greek Yogurt: High in protein and low in calories, Greek yogurt can replace oil or butter. It keeps the brownie moist while adding a creamy texture. Use three-quarters of the amount of Greek yogurt to replace all fat content.

Cocoa Powder

• Choose unsweetened cocoa powder: Opting for unsweetened cocoa powder ensures control over the sugar and calorie content in your mug brownie, allowing other ingredients to add the necessary sweetness.

Milk Substitutes

• Almond Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk as a low-calorie, dairy-free alternative to regular milk, maintaining the moist texture without adding many calories.
• Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk is another option with a hint of coconut flavor and creamy texture without as many calories as full-fat coconut milk.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a delicious, guilt-free low-calorie mug brownie that you can whip up in minutes whenever the craving hits. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a quick chocolate fix without compromising your health goals.

More Brownie Recipes:

• Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts Recipe
• How to Make Brownies from Scratch
• Copycat Brenda Gantt Brownie Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Katie Black Bean Brownies
• Cottage Cheese Brownies Recipe