Indulging in a sweet treat like a brownie is a guilty pleasure for many, but what if you could enjoy it without the added calories from icing? A delicious 2" square brownie without icing contains only 129 calories. So, you don't have to feel guilty anymore.

In addition to being lower in calories than an iced brownie, a brownie without icing also has nutritional value. In a single serving, you'll get 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 9% of your daily iron intake.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of a brownie without icing, share a recipe for making them from scratch, and provide some tips on storing and pairing them with other treats.

The Calories in Brownie without Icing

As mentioned earlier, a 2" square brownie without icing contains only 129 calories. This is roughly 6-7% of your daily calorie intake if you follow a 2000 calorie diet. Compared to an iced brownie, which can have upwards of 300-500 calories, a brownie without icing is a much lighter option that won't sabotage your diet or weight loss goals.

Nutritional Value of Brownie without Icing

In addition to being lower in calories, a brownie without icing also has some nutritional value. In a single serving, you'll get 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 9% of your daily iron intake. While a brownie without icing is still considered a treat and shouldn't be relied on as a primary source of nutrients, it's nice to know that you're getting a little bit of sustenance along with your sweet indulgence.

Effects of Eating Brownie without Icing

While a brownie without icing won't necessarily have negative effects on your health in moderation, consuming too many can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It's important to remember that a brownie without icing is still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Ingredients in Brownie without Icing

The ingredients in a brownie without icing typically include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Some variations may also include add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Baking Tips for Brownie without Icing

To ensure your brownies turn out perfectly, here are some tips: - Measure ingredients carefully to avoid over or under mixing. - Grease your baking pan well to prevent sticking. - Don't over bake the brownies as they will become dry and crumbly. - Let them cool before cutting into squares.

Variations of Brownie without Icing

While a classic brownie without icing is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas: - Add nuts like chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch. - Mix in chocolate chips for added sweetness. - Swirl in peanut butter, caramel, or raspberry jam for a different flavor profile. - Experiment with different types of flour like almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.

Storage Instructions for Brownie without Icing

To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

Making Brownie without Icing at Home

Making brownies from scratch is easy and fun. Here's a simple recipe for making brownies without icing at home: Ingredients: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup cocoa powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 8-inch square baking pan. 2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add sugar and stir until combined. Remove from heat and mix in eggs one at a time. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir this combination into the saucepan mixture until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract. 4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 5. Let the brownies cool before removing them from the pan and cutting them into squares.

Healthy Alternatives to Brownie without Icing

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to a classic brownie without icing, there are a few options to consider. - Black bean brownies: using black beans instead of flour or adding them for extra protein and fiber, and less guilt. - Sweet potato or zucchini brownies: using sweet potato, zucchini, or other veggies for extra nutrients. - Chia seed brownies: using chia seeds for a little extra fiber and protein.

Pairing Suggestions with Brownie without Icing

Brownies without icing pair well with a variety of treats and beverages. Here are a few ideas: - A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic dessert. - Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity addition. - A glass of milk or hot cocoa for a comforting drink. - Whipped cream for added sweetness.