Brownies are a classic dessert favorite loved for their rich, fudgy texture and sweetness. Adding honey to the mix not only enhances their taste but also offers a touch of natural sweetness and moisture. This brownies with honey recipe is perfect anytime you want a sweet treat!
Honey Brownies
Honey's Sweetness and Moisture
Honey is a natural sweetener and adds depth to the flavor profile of brownies. Its inherent sweetness, coupled with a touch of floral notes, mixes with the rich cocoa flavor. Additionally, the moisture in honey adds to the brownies' soft and chewy texture, ensuring they remain moist for longer.
Health Benefits of Using Honey
Incorporating honey into brownies introduces natural antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties. While it's not a complete replacement for sugar, honey offers a more nutrient-rich alternative. Its various vitamins, minerals, and enzymes elevate the nutritional value.
Ingredients
`While this recipe isn't our typical minimal ingredient recipe, there are some amazing brownie recipes on our site made with 5 ingredients or less. For some variety try some 5 ingredient mint brownies or some delicious Italian brownies also made with under five ingredients.
You will need:
- honey
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- unsweetened applesauce
- olive oil
- egg
- vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey and cocoa. Microwave the mixture for 30-60 seconds until the honey is warm and starts to bubble.
Next, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, applesauce, olive oil, egg, and vanilla to the honey-cocoa mixture. Gently stir the ingredients until they are just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to evenly spread it. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the top.
Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Cut the cooled brownies into 16 squares.
Substitutions
There are several substitutions that can be made in this recipe to accomodate for any dietary preferences, intolerances or allergies.
- Gluten free: You will want to use gluten free flour in place of the regular flour
- Vegan: In place of honey you can substitute maple syrup or agave. You can also use egg replacer instead of egg.
- Dairy free: This recipe is naturally dairy free.
Storage
For storage, place the brownies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or stored in the freezer for several weeks.
FAQ
While honey is sweeter than sugar, it contains more moisture. As a general rule, for every cup of sugar, use ¾ to 1 cup of honey and reduce the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
The best brownies with honey use a mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower to ensure it doesn't overpower the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
Honey is not a direct 1:1 substitute for sugar in all recipes. It's essential to consider its moisture content and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Lightly coat the measuring cup with oil or cooking spray before measuring honey to make it easier to pour and prevent sticking.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Brownies with Honey
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup honey
- ⅓ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup white whole wheat flour or gluten free baking blend
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce can substitute greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 whole egg room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray in 8x8 inch baking pan. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the honey and cocoa. Microwave for 30-60 seconds until honey is warm and bubbly.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, applesauce, olive oil, egg and vanilla, stirring until just combined.
- Pour into the pan and use a spatula to smooth. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Cut into 16 squares.
Heather Roper
Good recipe. Good texture and flavor. Thank you.
burntapple
Thank you so much!
Amy
Can I substitute horny for date syrup?
burntapple
Horny probably not but honey 🍯 probably yes! Thanks for the laugh this morning I needed it! 😂 let me know how it works!
Cheryl
Can you use all purpose flour?
burntapple
Yes, you can use all purpose flour.
Val
Baking with gluten-free flour I've learned that they are not all created equal.
The flour you're using might weigh more or less than mine. So using one cup of yours might be too much or not enough of mine.
That's why I've started weighing my gluten-free flour.
That said, would you mind weighing the flour in this recipe and letting me know how many grams it is?
Thank you!
burntapple
Hi Val,
It's hard to know what type of gluten free flour you are using but if I'm weighing this site has been helpful to me. I use Bobs 1:1 gluten free flour. https://www.bobsredmill.com/blog/featured-articles/bobs-red-mill-flour-weight-chart/