Hi Friends! There is something irresistible about a warm, fudgy brownie topped with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. This Lightened-Up Brownie à la Mode keeps that classic combination but uses a few lighter ingredients to create a dessert that feels rich without being overly heavy.

Unsweetened applesauce helps keep the brownies moist, while egg whites contribute structure without adding extra yolks. Dutch-processed cocoa gives the brownies a deep chocolate flavor, and coconut sugar and dark brown sugar add a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownies

- ½ cup (1.5 ounces/42.5 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder

- 1 cup (5 ounces/142 grams) all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup (7 ounces/200 grams) coconut sugar

- ½ cup (3.5 ounces/99 grams) dark brown sugar, firmly packed

- 2 large egg whites

- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Serving

- 2¼ cups Halo Top Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

- Chocolate sauce, optional

- Sprinkles, optional

- Cherries, optional

Equipment

- 1 8-inch square baking pan

- Rubber spatula

- Medium mixing bowl

- Large mixing bowl

- Hand mixer

- Whisk

- Toothpick

- Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

- Start by positioning an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan before mixing the batter. You can lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. The parchment makes it easier to lift the brownies out once they have cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dutch-processed cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

- Whisking the ingredients together helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour and cocoa. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Sugars and Butter

- Add the 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and coconut sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir them together with a rubber spatula until combined.

- Next, use a hand mixer to beat in the dark brown sugar. Add the egg whites, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract one at a time, mixing until the batter becomes smooth after each addition.

- The applesauce is especially helpful for creating a moist texture, while the brown sugar brings extra depth and softness to the brownies.

Step 4: Make the Brownie Batter

- Add the dry cocoa-flour mixture to the bowl containing the wet ingredients.

- Using a rubber spatula, gently stir everything together until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing once the flour disappears, as excessive mixing can make brownies less tender.

- The finished batter should be thick and evenly combined.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

- Scrape the batter into the prepared 8-inch square baking pan. Use the rubber spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and smooth the surface.

- Place the pan on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

- Start checking the brownies toward the shorter end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center. The brownies are ready when the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached rather than completely clean.

- For a fudgier texture, avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

- Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

- Then carefully remove the brownies from the pan and allow them to cool completely before slicing. Cooling gives the center time to set, making the brownies easier to cut neatly.

- For an extra-special à la mode dessert, you can also warm an individual brownie for a few seconds in the microwave just before serving.

Step 7: Assemble the Brownie à la Mode

- Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into approximately 2-inch squares.

- Place one brownie on each serving plate and add about ¼ cup of lightened-up vanilla ice cream on top or alongside the brownie.

- For a classic sundae finish, drizzle with chocolate sauce and add a small handful of sprinkles. Finish with a cherry if desired.

- The contrast between the warm chocolate brownie and cold vanilla ice cream is what makes this simple dessert so satisfying.

This Lightened-Up Brownie à la Mode proves that a dessert can still feel indulgent without being overly rich. With only about 15 minutes of preparation and a straightforward baking process, this recipe is a practical choice when you want a homemade chocolate dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve the brownies warm for the ultimate brownie-and-ice-cream experience, or let them cool completely for a firmer, fudgy bite.