For many people, a chocolate brownie is the perfect companion to an afternoon cup of tea. But traditional versions are often loaded with butter and sugar, making even a small serving surprisingly high in calories. A bite-sized piece can contain around 200 to 300 calories, while larger treats such as Starbucks’ Double Chocolate Brownie are estimated at roughly 450 to 480 calories.
Now, a wellness creator has shared a simpler brownie idea that he says is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause a sharp blood-sugar spike. He also insists that choosing lighter ingredients does not mean sacrificing flavour, claiming the finished bake tastes just like the “real deal”.
In an Instagram video, Dre Carter asked his 396,000 followers: “How old were you when you found out that cracking an egg into cocoa powder and whisking it until smooth, then adding a little honey and Greek yogurt before mixing again, can create fudgy brownies?” He explained that the mixture is baked in a greased pan at 350°F for 20 minutes and cooled before serving. According to Carter, the result is a chocolate treat that is easy on the stomach, supports beneficial gut bacteria and does not send blood sugar “through the roof”. He also described it as free from refined sugar, low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
The accompanying video showed Carter preparing and baking the dessert before revealing the finished brownies. Many viewers were enthusiastic, although others questioned whether the ingredients could deliver all the claimed health benefits.
One commenter, Glorie, wrote: “Yes, that looks amazing, but isn’t cocoa powder pure sugar?” Other users quickly stepped in to clarify the difference between cocoa powder and sweetened chocolate drinks. “Pure cocoa powder should have zero sugar. It’s simply ground cacao beans,” one person replied.
Maria encouraged viewers to try it for themselves, writing: “Taste a tiny bit. Tell us what you think.” Daisy added that drinking chocolate usually contains added sugar and asked whether anyone had ever dipped a fingertip into unsweetened cocoa powder.
Another commenter offered a helpful explanation: “He is using unsweetened cocoa powder. You can buy sweetened or unsweetened. Unsweetened is very bitter. Hope this helps.”
Several followers were more interested in the precise quantities and asked for a written recipe rather than relying on the video. Arlo summed up the reaction from many viewers, posting: “I think I would like to have the actual written recipe.”
Although Carter did not provide a complete written recipe, there are plenty of similar healthier brownie recipes available online. Arman Liew’s Greek yogurt brownie recipe, published on The Big Man’s World, has earned a five-star rating from hundreds of readers. The recipe makes 12 brownies and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare and bake.
Liew describes the dessert as a lower-fat, sugar-free brownie that uses yogurt instead of oil or butter. Made in one bowl, the brownies are designed to be gooey and fudgy, with each serving containing fewer than 100 calories.
100g sugar of your choice, such as white sugar, brown sugar or sugar-free granules
90g plain flour, or gluten-free flour if required
170g chocolate chips, optional
Begin by heating the oven to 180°C / 350°F, or Gas Mark 4. Line an 8 × 8-inch (20 × 20-cm) baking tin with parchment paper and put it to one side.
Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Leave it to stand for one or two minutes, then add the yogurt, vanilla extract and sugar. Whisk the mixture until smooth before transferring it to a larger mixing bowl.
Add the flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda, mixing only until the ingredients are combined. Pour in the milk and stir until incorporated, then fold through the chocolate chips if you are using them.
Tip the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
According to the recipe, each brownie contains 91 calories, 15g of carbohydrates, 3g of fat, 3g of protein and 2g of fibre.
