If you’re looking for a seriously fudgy, satisfying treat that skips some of the usual guilt, you have to try these Greek Yogurt Brownies! Imagine perfectly moist brownies, deeply chocolatey yet lightened up with creamy, tangy Greek yogurt. With every bite you get the best of both worlds: rich chocolate flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, all thanks to this clever ingredient swap. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this irresistible dessert is bound to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Yogurt Brownies lies in their simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings a distinct personality to the pan, ensuring your brownies turn out rich, tender, and delectable with every bake.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds moistness and protein, creating that crave-worthy fudgy center without excess fat.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Gives these brownies richness and beautiful flavor; use unsalted so you can control the salt level.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the brownies just right and contributes to that iconic glossy top.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): The real MVP for pure chocolatey depth—choose high-quality for the best flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mellow warmth and rounds out the cocoa’s intensity.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and creating that luscious brownie bite.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): The key to structure—just enough for stability, but not so much you lose fudginess.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens all the chocolate notes; don’t skip this tiny but mighty addition!
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts the brownies just a touch, ensuring they aren’t too dense.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/3 cup, optional): Fold these in for extra pops of gooey chocolate—totally worth it if you’re a chocophile!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a good spray with nonstick. This step makes clean up a breeze and helps you lift those brownies right out—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth and glossy—this is where you build the brownies’ signature texture. Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and eggs, whisking again until everything is unified and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently mix just until you see no more streaks of flour—overmixing is the enemy of fudginess, so be gentle! The batter will look thick and luscious (that’s what you want).
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re going for double chocolate goodness, fold in the mini chocolate chips now. Keep a few aside to sprinkle on top for extra presentation points and melty bites in every square.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a center that’s just set; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for ultimate fudge factor.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your Greek Yogurt Brownies cool completely in the pan. This patience will pay off when you cut clean squares with rich, gooey centers—say goodbye to crumbly messes!
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of dark chocolate, or even a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that gourmet touch. A few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can make dessert feel extra special (and photogenic!) too.
Side Dishes
These brownies are perfectly rich on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or espresso ice cream is hard to beat. For a lighter option, try a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt alongside, which doubles down on the theme and makes for a creamy, cooling bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Greek Yogurt Brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or special occasions. For a crowd, arrange brownie bites on a platter with toothpicks, or layer crumbled brownies in parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The Greek yogurt keeps them remarkably moist, so you’ll have fudge-like bites all week long—just make sure they’re sealed well so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
Greek Yogurt Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix. Thaw at room temperature (or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a warm treat).
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, microwave a brownie for about 10–15 seconds. This softens them up and brings out the chocolate chips’ meltiness—like having them straight out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a flavored Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Flavored varieties like vanilla or mocha can add an extra layer of flavor to your Greek Yogurt Brownies. Just be mindful of the added sweetness, which might make your brownies a little sweeter than usual.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The trick is to look for set edges and a center that’s just shy of firm—a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Slight underbaking is the secret for super fudgy brownies.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The Greek yogurt keeps the brownies plenty moist, so you won’t miss out on texture.
What’s the best way to melt the butter?
Use the microwave in 20-second bursts to melt your butter, stirring in between. Let it cool just a touch so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when whisked together with the other wet ingredients.
Can I substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup?
You can, but it will change the texture and flavor a bit. Liquid sweeteners will make the brownies extra moist, possibly a bit denser, so you might need to adjust the flour by a tablespoon or two for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a brownie recipe that’s a little lighter yet just as decadent, these Greek Yogurt Brownies check every box. Give them a try the next time a chocolate craving hits—one bite and you’ll see why they’re such a repeat request in my kitchen!
PrintGreek Yogurt Brownies Recipe
These Greek Yogurt Brownies are a healthier twist on the classic treat, featuring the tangy richness of Greek yogurt. Moist, fudgy, and easy to make, they’re sure to become a favorite indulgence!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add Greek yogurt, vanilla, and eggs; mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Mix in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until set. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, underbake slightly and chill.
- Experiment with flavored Greek yogurt for different tastes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg