Discover a surprisingly delicious and secretly healthy treat with these Creamy Avocado Chocolate Brownies. You’ll love how the avocado creates an incredibly moist texture without any butter, making these a perfect addition to your collection of Healthy Brownies Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Avocados: Essential for creaminess. No good substitution for this recipe’s unique texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for best results.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar work well.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is fine, or use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended.
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe avocado, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus more for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 9
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210 kcal
- Tools: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your brownies won’t stick.
2. Mash the Avocado
In a large bowl, mash the ripe avocado until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. You want a creamy consistency to integrate well into the batter.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed avocado. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
5. Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter for chocolatey goodness in every bite.
6. Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious Healthy Brownies Recipes creation!
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch.
- Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the chocolate.
- Include a dash of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Creamy Avocado Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual brownies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can you taste the avocado in these brownies? No, the avocado flavor is completely masked by the chocolate. Its purpose is to provide moisture and healthy fats.
- Are these brownies gluten-free? If you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, yes, they will be gluten-free.
- Can you use regular milk instead of almond milk? Yes, any milk can be used, but a plant-based milk keeps them dairy-free.
- How do you know if an avocado is ripe enough? A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Can you make these ahead of time? Yes, these brownies are excellent for making a day or two in advance.
- Are these suitable for a vegan diet? Yes, as written, this recipe for Healthy Brownies Recipes is vegan.
