Low Calorie Brownies

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published August 26, 2025 • Updated February 3, 2026

Reader Rating
4.5 Stars (2 Reviews)

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These fudgy keto brownies are only 20 calories each with just 1 net carb, but you'd never know it from the crackly tops and rich, chocolatey center that tastes like the real deal. No weird aftertaste, no dry texture, just pure brownie magic in every bite.

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be raving about brownies with only 20 calories and 1 net carb, I would’ve politely smiled and kept eating my real brownies. But here we are, and these? These are real brownies. They’ve got that crackly, glossy top, a rich cocoa flavor that makes you pause mid-bite, and an actual fudgy texture. Not “fudgy for a healthy dessert,” but legit fudgy-fudgy. The wildest part? They’re made with Greek yogurt and whipped egg whites instead of butter or oil, and they still feel like a treat.

A stack of three rich chocolate brownies sits on a white plate next to a coffee cup and forks.

Why you can eat a brownie everyday

This recipe is what happens when you want to eat brownies daily but don’t want to blow through a thousand calories doing it.

  • The secret sauce (well, not literally sauce) is a mix of oat fiber, cocoa powder, and a whole lot of aeration. I’m talking stiff-peak egg whites folded into a rich, cocoa-y base to give these brownies that signature lift without weighing them down.
  • Other ingredients do their part: The Greek yogurt adds creaminess, the espresso powder sneaks in depth, and the oat fiber gives structure without bulk. I know it sounds like wizardry, but I promise this all works.

These take slightly more effort than a box mix. There are two bowls involved. You have to fold. But if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by a dry, sad diet brownie, this one will make up for it. You’ll pour that thick, airy batter into your pan, bake until you see those classic cracks across the top, and then (this is key) let them fully cool. That’s when the texture magic happens. Once cooled and sliced into 16 squares, you’re rewarded with perfect little brownie bites that don’t taste “low calorie” at all.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll immediately go back for a second (or third), and then have to remind yourself that these are only 20 calories each. Which honestly means you’re allowed to forget how many you’ve had. These are the brownies I make when I want something chocolatey after dinner but don’t want to feel weighed down, or when I just need something sweet with my afternoon coffee. They’re low carb enough to fit into any day, but satisfying enough that I never feel like I’m missing out.

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Low Calorie Brownies

4.5 (2) Prep 10m Cook 25m Total 35m 16 servings

Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat oven & mix dry ingredients

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking oil. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together oat fiber, cocoa powder, sweetener, instant espresso, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

A glass bowl filled with cocoa powder mixture being whisked with a wooden-handled whisk.
Ingredients for this step
  • 1 tablespoon oat fiber
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch of salt
2
Beat egg whites

In a medium bowl, pour in egg whites. Using an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until frothy. Then increase speed to high and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

A clear bowl with egg whites and a handheld electric mixer ready to whip.
Tip Stiff peaks means when you lift the beaters out of whipped egg whites, the peaks stand straight up without collapsing or folding over.
Ingredients for this step
  • 3 egg whites
3
Remaining wet ingredients

To the bowl with the dry ingredients, add yogurt, milk and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Thick, glossy chocolate batter mixed in a bowl with a rubber spatula.
Ingredients for this step
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup nut or seed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4
Fold it in

Add a third of the egg meringue mixture to the chocolate batter and fold in carefully trying to keep as much air as possible in the batter. Add another third of the egg mixture and fold in. Once incorporated, gently fold in the remaining egg mixture.

Chocolate batter with a smoother consistency being stirred with a spatula in a glass bowl.
Tip To fold in meringue, gently scoop from the bottom of the bowl and lift it over the top in a slow, turning motion to combine without deflating the air.
5
Step 5

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until the brownies begin to crack around the edges and is puffy on top. The batter may still be a little wet in the middle but will solidify as it cools. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Freshly baked brownies in a parchment-lined square pan with a crackly top.
Tip The brownies will deflate as they cool too.
6
Cut them into squares

Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the brownies into 16 squares to make them 20 calories each.

Overhead view of freshly baked brownies cut into squares inside a parchment-lined baking dish.
Nutrition Per Serving 1 brownie
20 Calories
0.9g Fat
2.2g Protein
1.1g Net Carbs
2.6g Total Carbs
16 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Neatly arranged rows of crackly-topped brownies on a sheet of white parchment paper.

What makes these brownies low calorie

Greek yogurt replaces oil to keep them moist without the fat, and whipped egg whites add volume and structure without needing whole eggs or added flour. Instead of sugar, they’re sweetened with a zero-calorie sweetener like Lakanto, and the small amount of oat fiber gives just enough bulk without adding carbs or calories. The result? Brownies that are rich, chocolatey, and fudgy, but only 20 calories and 1 net carb per piece.

Storage information

Once your brownies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fudgy and delicious. Just let them come to room temp or microwave for a few seconds before eating if you like them warm. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Cut the brownies into squares, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Low Calorie Brownies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Greek yogurt replace oil in brownies?

Yes, Greek yogurt can replace oil in brownies. It adds moisture and richness without all the fat and calories. Plus, it gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that brownies made with yogurt will be a little more cake-like and less greasy than traditional versions, but still fudgy if you get the ratios right.

Why did my brownies deflate after baking?

Brownies naturally puff up in the oven as the air expands (especially if you're using whipped egg whites like in this recipe), but they'll often deflate as they cool, and that's totally normal. The steam escapes, the structure settles, and if your brownies are fudgy (like these ketogenic brownies), that slight sink actually helps create that dense, rich texture. But if they completely collapsed into a sad puddle, it's from overmixing the meringue into the batter, underbaking, or not letting them cool fully before cutting.

What can I use instead of oat fiber?

Oat fiber is unique in how it absorbs moisture without adding carbs or calories. Substituting it with something like almond flour or coconut flour will change the texture, and I wouldn't recommend skipping it unless you're okay with experimenting.

Can I skip the espresso powder?

You can! It just enhances the chocolate flavor—you won’t taste the coffee. But if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, the brownies will still turn out chocolatey.

What major celebrity couple got engaged as I'm writing this recipe?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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Reviews 3
4.5 Stars (2 Reviews)
  1. D
    Daniel N. Oct 30, 2025

    I loved how easy the folding step was even for a beginner like me and the Greek yogurt gave these brownies a creamy texture that was surprisingly satisfying. Definitely a keeper for when I need something chocolaty without the guilt.

  2. B
    Barbara Sep 21, 2025

    Loved how simple and speedy this recipe was to follow. The rich chocolate taste paired perfectly with the creamy texture from the Greek yogurt. Next time I'm adding chopped walnuts for crunch.

  3. M
    Maria Sep 15, 2025

    I was amazed at how these brownies smelled just like traditional ones while baking and the crackly tops added a real bakery-style touch. I used coconut milk and they still turned out moist and rich. These might be my new go-to treat for low calorie chocolate cravings.

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