Sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it? However, dark chocolate is loaded with nutritious goodies! This once-taboo food has been given much grace in recent years, because of the health benefits that have emerged! It may even contribute to improved cardiovascular health. Packed with natural antioxidants, dark chocolate and cocoa are in the same category as green tea and blueberries.
When asked to bring a pan of brownies recently, I tweaked a couple recipes and came up with my version of Healthy Brownies!
The preparation is easy so grab a bowl and let’s get cooking!
Over low heat melt butter with chocolate chips and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, honey, agave and flax seed mixture. I used grain sweetened chocolate chips since they do not contain refined sugar. If you desire, you can use your favorite brand, they just won’t be quite as nutritious!
In place of eggs, I used 2 T. flax seed mixed in 6 T. vanilla almond milk. You could use skim milk if you prefer.
Whisk dry ingredients together and set aside.
Stir liquid mixture in. Pour into sprayed 8×8” pan and bake 350 for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. I doubled this recipe and baked it in a 9×13” pan. Cool and dust with confectioners sugar if desired.
I honestly think these tasted better than the brownies out of the box. The decadent rich chocolate taste hit a homerun with everyone of my taste buds! They are extremely moist as well! I froze some and yep, they are just as amazing right from the freezer!
Healthy Brownies (GF)
2/3 c. oatmeal (blend in blender)
1/3 c. wheat germ (I substituted almond meal)
1/4 c. dark chocolate cocoa powder
2 t. baking powder
2 T. flax seed mixed with 6 T. vanilla non sweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
1/2 c. butter
1/3 c. grain sweetened chocolate chips (or regular mini chocolate chips)
1/4 c. agave
2 T. honey
1T. vanilla
Spray 8×8” pan. Over low heat melt butter with chocolate chips stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla, honey, agave and flax seed mixture. In separate bowl whisk dry ingredients. Stir liquid mixture in. Pour into sprayed pan and bake 350 for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
I didn’t add nuts, but a cup of chopped walnuts would probably but these brownies over the top!
Jane these look really decadent but very healthy. Great job!
Nancy, it took tremendous will power to quit eating these! A perfect chocolate fix!