In case you’re wondering why you’re already noticing a chocolatey theme on my blog… I love choc. There’s only one thing I love more than chocolate and that’s warm, gooey, indulgent brownies. They’re my go-to comfort food and number one pudding choice on any occasion. In fact, I’m eating a brownie as I’m writing this post, but there’s a twist! THEY’RE HEALTHY?!
That’s right, I have created a recipe for healthy brownies, that are ALMOST as good as the real thing, but they contain no refined sugar, no flour, no butter, no oil, nothing!
I must admit, it sounds too good to be true, and I thought this recipe would have to be very trialed and tested 1000 times before it was near to being perfected, but it was a first time lucky miracle.
As with most my recipes, these brownies are suitable for vegans, dairy-free, gluten free and no refined sugar diets, depending on the type of protein powder and milk you choose.
Nuts For Brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Brownies that taste so indulgent you wouldn’t know they’re not. Soft, gooey, rich and fudgey chocolate brownies with a chocolate-coconut frosting. Quick and easy to make, with simple and few ingredients, here we go!
Author: Goodness Grace
Recipe: Dessert, Snack
Dietary Info: No Refined Sugar, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan options.
Makes: 9 naughty squares or 12 good squares
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE BROWNIES
- 3 mashed bananas (the riper the better)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, I combined smooth and crunchy (or any nut butter of your choice).
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use MyProtein)
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs (optional)
FOR THE FROSTING
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup milk (I used almond milk)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS:
FOR THE BROWNIES
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- In a small pan/ microwavable bowl, melt the nut butter until a liquid consistency.
- Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana, along with the protein powder and the cocoa powder, mix until combined.
- Lastly, gently fold in the cocao nibs
- Pour the batter into a small, lined baking tin and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until crisp on top. A good way to check if its done, is to stick a skewer in the middle – if it comes out clear, they’re done.
- Once baked, leave to cool on a cooling rack, and try not to get impatient like I usually do, or the frosting will melt.
FOR THE COCONUT FROSTING
- Add all dry ingredients into a small mixing bowl
- Gradually add the milk, continually mixing until a good, thick consistency
- I had no faith this frosting was going to work so I didn’t even photograph the process…
- Spread the frosting onto the cool brownies, and then cut into squares to serve.
I hope you enjoyed this brownie journey as much as I did, if you are inspired to make them, I would LOVE to know how you got on so please feel free to comment below 🙂
For more healthy inspiration, including fitness tips and savoury dishes, feel free to stalk me on instagram @goodness.grace.blog
