Greek Yogurt Brownies

Greek Yogurt Brownies – Fudgy & Healthy Dessert

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When a brownie craving hits, you want something fudgy, chocolatey, and absolutely indulgent—but without feeling like you just devoured an entire cheat day in one bite. That’s where Greek Yogurt Brownies come in. These decadent chocolate squares have all the gooey richness you love in a traditional brownie, but with a healthier twist thanks to the addition of creamy, protein-packed Greek yogurt.

With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deep cocoa flavor, these brownies prove that you can have dessert without loading up on refined sugar and excess butter. They’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, making them perfect for a weeknight treat, post-workout snack, or even a guilt-free addition to your brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier alternative – Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey.

  • Fudgy texture – Moist and soft, never dry or cakey.

  • Quick to make – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

  • Kid-friendly – A great way to sneak in protein without anyone noticing.

  • Customizable – Add nuts, swirl in nut butter, or use different chocolate chips.

  • Perfect for meal prep – Stores well for grab-and-go snacks.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s why each ingredient matters in making these brownies so irresistible:

  • Plain Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture, richness, and protein while keeping the brownies lower in fat.

  • Coconut Oil or Melted Butter – Helps create a smooth, tender crumb and enhances flavor.

  • Maple Syrup or Honey – Natural sweeteners that keep the brownies moist and add a subtle depth of flavor.

  • Cocoa Powder – The star ingredient for deep, rich chocolate flavor.

  • Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and give structure.

  • Flour (All-Purpose or Almond Flour) – Provides stability; almond flour keeps it gluten-free.

  • Baking Powder – Gives a slight lift while keeping the brownies dense and fudgy.

  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the chocolate notes.

  • Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.

  • Chocolate Chips – Melty chocolate pockets for extra indulgence.

Greek Yogurt Brownies

Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies

  1. Don’t overbake – Remove them from the oven when the center is just set to keep that fudgy texture.

  2. Room temperature ingredients – Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature for a smoother batter.

  3. Use quality cocoa powder – The better the cocoa, the richer the flavor.

  4. Rest before slicing – Cooling allows the brownies to firm up and slice cleanly.

  5. Boost the chocolate flavor – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the cocoa notes.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option – Replace all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.

  • Vegan Version – Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and dairy-free yogurt.

  • Nut Lovers – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

  • Swirled Brownies – Add dollops of peanut butter or cream cheese before baking for a marbled effect.

  • Extra Decadent – Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic – Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.

  • Dessert Plate – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

  • Party Platter – Cut into bite-sized squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant dessert table.

  • Brunch Treat – Pair with fresh berries for a slightly tangy contrast.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Store – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

  • Freeze – Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

  • Make Ahead – Prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate; let it come to room temperature before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?
A: Plain Greek yogurt works best to control sweetness, but vanilla yogurt can be used if you reduce added sweetener slightly.

Q: Why are my brownies dry?
A: Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove them when slightly underbaked in the center—they’ll set as they cool.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Q: Do these taste like yogurt?
A: No—the yogurt simply adds moisture and richness without a tangy flavor.

Q: Can I make these without chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely, but they won’t have the melty chocolate pockets. You could replace them with nuts or dried fruit.

Greek Yogurt Brownies
Emily

Greek Yogurt Brownies

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted) or unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, then sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style finish.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is just set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—this ensures fudgy brownies.
  7. Let brownies cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and develop their full flavor.

Notes

  • For the richest flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • If using honey, lower the oven temperature by 5°F to prevent over-browning.
  • Brownies will firm up significantly as they cool, so don’t judge doneness solely by their appearance in the oven.

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