Ever craved a chocolate brownie but felt guilty about the calories? Say hello to our Healthy Chocolate Brownies! Crafted with love and health in mind, these brownies will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. From swapping out butter for avocado to using whole grains, I’ve experimented to bring you a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for any chocolate lover looking to keep it healthy!
Prep & Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Nutritional breakdown:
Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Proteins: About 4 grams.
Carbohydrates: Around 20 grams.
Fats: Approximately 6 grams per serving
Fiber: About 3 grams.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (rich in fiber)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (packed with antioxidants)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (a healthier fat alternative)
- 2 large eggs (good source of protein)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (natural sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for extra omega-3s)
Instructions:
Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the brownies.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the mixture, whisking to distribute evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, crack 2 large eggs and beat them lightly with a whisk.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil and 1/2 cup of maple syrup, blending well to create a cohesive mixture.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid forming lumps.
- If the batter is too thick, add a small amount of almond milk to adjust the consistency.
Add Chocolate and Nuts:
- Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional) into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Ensure that the chocolate and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Brownies:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
- Once completely cooled, cut into squares.
- Dust with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
FAQ Section:
Q: Can I use a different type of flour instead of whole wheat?
A: Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, you can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour or oat flour. Keep in mind that these alternatives may change the texture slightly, making the brownies denser.
Q: What can I use instead of coconut oil?
A: If you prefer not to use coconut oil, unsalted butter or a neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil are excellent substitutes. Each will subtly alter the flavor profile but should work well in this recipe.
Q: Is there an alternative to maple syrup for sweetening?
A: Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as a direct substitute for maple syrup. If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, consider a sugar-free syrup or a small amount of stevia, adjusting to taste.
Q: Can I make these brownies vegan?
A: To make vegan brownies, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, set aside for 15 minutes) and use a dairy-free chocolate chip option.
Q: How can I add more protein to these brownies?
A: For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your preferred chocolate or unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. You might need to slightly increase the wet ingredients to compensate for the additional dry ingredient.
Q: Can I add fruit to the brownies?
A: Yes, incorporating fruits like raspberries or chopped apples can add a fresh flavor and texture. Be mindful that adding watery fruits may require adjusting the amount of flour to keep the batter from becoming too wet.
Excited to try a dessert that feels indulgent yet is fully health-conscious? Whip up a batch of our Healthy Chocolate Brownies and experience the joy of guilt-free baking. Share your creations with us by tagging [Your Blog’s Name], and keep coming back for more nutritious and delicious recipes!
