Looking for a chocolatey treat you can feel good about? These Just Apples and Cocoa No Sugar Brownies are about as wholesome and fuss-free as it gets. Made with just two ingredients—fresh apples and unsweetened cocoa powder—this naturally sweet, rich dessert is a game changer for anyone looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. There’s no flour, no added sweeteners, no eggs—just fruit and cocoa. The natural sweetness of apples (especially varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp) balances perfectly with the rich bitterness of cocoa, creating a snack that’s both clean and satisfying. It’s great for kids, adults, and anyone trying to eat a little cleaner without giving up dessert entirely. These brownies won’t have the same texture as traditional, fudgy brownies—but if you’re in the mood for a guilt-free chocolate bite, you’re going to love what these deliver. Plus, you can get creative with the base and customize them however you like (more on that in Part 2). Let’s start by prepping the apples and getting that soft, mashable texture we need.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 2 large sweet apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work great)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

That’s it. Just two ingredients—whole, natural, and pantry-friendly. STEP 1: PREP THE APPLES Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they’ll cook.

  STEP 2: COOK THE APPLES UNTIL SOFT Place the diced apples into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and mushy. You’re essentially making a quick applesauce base.

  STEP 3: MASH OR BLEND Once the apples are soft, remove them from the heat. Mash them with a fork for a chunkier texture or use a blender for something super smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before moving on. ADD COCOA, MIX, AND SHAPE YOUR NO SUGAR BROWNIES With your soft, mashed apples cooled and ready to go, it’s time to stir in that rich, unsweetened cocoa and bring these naturally sweet brownies to life. This is the part where your humble apples get transformed into a chocolaty, fudgy treat that’s perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. STEP 4: STIR IN UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mashed apples. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. You can adjust the cocoa to your taste—if you like a deeper chocolate flavor, feel free to add a little more. At this point, you’ll start to notice the texture looks similar to a thick brownie batter. It won’t be pourable like traditional brownie mix, but it should hold together well with a spoon or scoop. OPTIONAL STEP 5: CHILL TO SET If you want a firmer, more bite-like consistency, use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture into small mounds or “brownie bites.” Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up just enough to eat by hand.

 

SERVING IDEAS AND VARIATIONS

• Warm Dessert Option: Skip the chilling and eat warm with a spoon for a pudding-style treat.
• Add Texture: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a pinch of sea salt for added flavor and crunch.
• Spice It Up: A dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can add another layer of flavor without extra ingredients.
• Spread It: Use the mixture as a topping for toast, pancakes, or even oatmeal.

STORAGE TIPS

Keep your brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for a longer shelf life—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This recipe is a great way to satisfy a chocolate craving without processed sugar, flour, or dairy. It’s perfect for clean eaters, little kids, or anyone who wants a lighter dessert option with ingredients they can trust.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON JUST APPLES AND COCOA: THE BEST NO SUGAR BROWNIES

These naturally sweet, no-sugar-added brownies are about as easy as it gets—and they pack a big flavor punch with just two ingredients. Whether you’re keeping it simple or customizing with extra add-ins, this recipe is a great way to enjoy chocolate in a whole new (and healthier) way. Let’s go over a few commonly asked questions and wrap up with why these brownies are definitely worth trying. 1. CAN I USE UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE INSTEAD OF COOKED APPLES? Yes! Use about 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of the cooked and mashed apples. Just stir in the cocoa powder and continue as directed. 2. CAN I ADD SWEETENER IF I WANT A SWEETER TASTE? Of course. If you find the brownies a bit too dark or intense, try adding a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener to the cocoa mixture. 3. WHAT KIND OF COCOA POWDER SHOULD I USE? Any unsweetened cocoa powder works well. Natural or Dutch-processed cocoa are both fine—just make sure there’s no added sugar. 4. CAN I BAKE THIS MIXTURE FOR A MORE CLASSIC BROWNIE TEXTURE? This recipe isn’t designed for baking like traditional brownies, but you can experiment by spreading the mixture into a small, greased baking dish and baking at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes. The texture will be denser and more fudgy. 5. HOW DO I MAKE THESE MORE FILLING? Add-ins like nut butter, chia seeds, or oats can help make the brownies more satisfying and give them a bit of protein and fiber. 6. ARE THESE BROWNIES KID-FRIENDLY? Yes! They’re soft, naturally sweet, and contain no added sugar—great for little ones who love chocolate but don’t need extra processed ingredients.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THESE NO SUGAR BROWNIES ARE A GAME-CHANGER

With just apples and cocoa powder, you can whip up a chocolatey treat that’s wholesome, quick, and totally free from added sugar. These Just Apples and Cocoa No Sugar Brownies prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list or refined sweeteners to make something indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for snack time, a healthy dessert, or even a pre-workout bite, this recipe is a great one to keep in your back pocket. Try it once and you’ll be amazed at how much flavor two simple ingredients can deliver. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you try any add-ins or make it your own? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep sharing easy, real-food recipes that taste as good as they feel. Print