Recipes!!

I've been trying out some new healthier versions of some of my favorite desserts and so far I've had really good luck picking out some delicious recipes to try. And since I've had several requests for the recipes here they are:

BROWNIES!
preheat oven to 350

BEAT WITH WHISK:
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
ADD IN:
1/4 cup unbleached flour (I used whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp instant espresso - OPTIONAL
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Pour into sprayed 8x8 pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer pan to cooling rack and allow to cool 10 minutes, cut into 12 squares.

Nutrition facts per brownie: 88 cal, 1g fat, 0 cholesterol, 2.5 g fiber (if using whole wheat flour)


CHOCOLATE CAKE!
Preheat oven to 350

Mix together:
1 1/2 cups flour (again, I used whole wheat)
4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

In separate bowl mix together:
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup warm water

Mix wet ingredients into dry until combined. Pour into a sprayed 9 in round cake pan and bake for 35 minutes. Cool and cut into 8 pieces, topping with sifted powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition fact per slice: 105 cal, 4 g fat, 0g cholesterol, 2.5g fiber


CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES!
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Melt chocolate chips in microwave. Beat cream cheese until smooth and add in melted chocolate. Mix until combined. Add in cocoa powder, mix will turn crumbly at first. Add in confectioners sugar and mix until smooth. Roll into 1 inch balls and roll in either cocoa powder or confectioners sugar, place on waxed paper and chill at least 1 hour.

Nutrition facts per truffle: 70 cal, 2.5g fat, 5mg cholesterol, 1g fiber

My kids have also enjoyed all the recipes. I don't think they had any idea that these were healthier desserts since they all taste so much like the real thing. I hope to be trying many more recipes this summer and if I find some more like these I will definitely post them!