Discover these amazing low calorie box brownies that have all the yummy goodness for a fraction of the calories.

Craving the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies but not thrilled about the calorie count? Fear not!

I’ve got a GAME-CHANGING secret ingredient that will let you enjoy these irresistible treats with 1,000 fewer calories. The secret is only one ingredient – Greek yogurt!

These are box brownies made better! Get ready to embark on a guilt-free, low cal box brownie adventure that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

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This post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Everything is OKAY in Moderation

This post is not to say that you shouldn’t EVER have regular brownies. Absolutely not!

I am very much a person that firmly believes that EVERYTHING is okay to eat in MODERATION. Nothing is truly off the table. If you want a brownie or piece of cake or your favorite chips, eat them! But do so in moderation.

A restrictive mindset only sets you up for failure; you starve your body of your favorite foods only to binge on them when you do finally get a taste. Instead, eat them as you wish in moderation.

That being said, I also love to find HEALTHY alternatives to make some of my favorite, not-so-healthy, foods with less calories. There is nothing wrong with wanting to alter a recipe to fit within your calories needs and goals.

I do this daily. Each morning I have a breakfast burrito but substitute a regular 250 calorie tortilla with a 70 calorie Mission carb-balance flour tortilla. (And it tastes the same!)

Additionally, if you haven’t tried these Greek yogurt bagels, it is a must try!! They are a little chewier and have a slightly sour taste, but I LOVE them and actually prefer them over traditional bagels!

Now, let’s get on with these low calorie box brownies!

Ingredients:

1 box of your favorite brownie mix (I use the Milk chocolate Betty Crocker brownies)
1/2 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt (substitute oil for Greek yogurt at a ratio of 1:1)
2 eggs (as per the brownie mix instructions)
2 tbsp water (as per the brownie mix instructions)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box. While the oven is heating up, grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

The parchment paper is optional but it really does make for easy removal without any mix sticking to the bottom of the pan. Highly highly recommend.

2. Mix it Up

In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix and the Greek yogurt. Skip the oil entirely and use the yogurt to add moisture and richness to your brownies.

3. Add Water

Follow the instructions on the brownie mix for the amount of water needed. Typically, you’ll need to add water to the mix, but the key here is that you’re omitting the oil, slashing those calories without sacrificing flavor.

4. Blend Well

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and well-incorporated batter. You can either hand mix or if you are using a Kitchen Aid mixer, you can use the paddle attachment to get the perfect mix.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the brownie mix box.

low cal box brownie mix, brownie batter in a cake pan

6. Watch the Magic Happen

Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs – a sign of perfectly fudgy brownies.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow your brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares and get ready to indulge in guilt-free chocolatey goodness.

Calorie Breakdown

If made as instructed, the milk chocolate Betty Crocker box brownie mix has a total of 120 calories per serving. Most of calories coming from the oil.

1/2 cup of oil has about 955 calories compared to 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, which has 60-70 calories. With just this single substitution, you can save a ton of calories!

With the substitution, that brings the calories per serving down to 58 instead of 120.

Will these brownies taste like regular brownies?

The short answer is no. Oil and Greek yogurt are both different in taste and consistency. Trading one for the other will not result in the same brownies.

These brownies are a bit chewier and more dense than the brownies you would get if you followed the instructed box recipe and used oil. Personally, I think these brownies taste more like a cakey fudge than brownies. Still super good!

Why Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for oil in brownie recipes because it adds moisture without the excess calories. It’s rich, creamy, and brings a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the brownies. Additionally, Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, making your indulgence a bit more nutritious.

Other substitutes

When seeking alternatives to oil, several options can impart moisture and texture while reducing fat content.

Another popular substitute is applesauce, which not only adds moisture but also a hint of natural sweetness. Apple sauces tends to be a more liquid state than Greek yogurt and may provide extra moisture than what you would see in substituting with Greek yogurt.

Beyond applesauce, mashed bananas, avocados, and nut butters can serve as effective replacements, each lending their own distinct flavor.

Experimenting with these alternatives not only modifies the nutritional content of recipes but also introduces unique flavors and textures to culinary creations.