These brownies are reasonably healthy using applesauce as a sweetener and less butter than traditional brownies. The only problem is that you have to control your serving size, as it's hard to eat just one!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven until brownies are just set in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.
Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and confectioner's sugar in a bowl; beat until smooth. Frost brownies while they are still warm.
