Double Dark Chocolate Brownies

If you are like me and love brownies, then you will have to bake these delicious, creamy, and moist brownies. These are not your typical brownies. What if I told you they are heart-healthy and have an incredible flavor you expect from a brownie?

Most of the time, brownie recipes use refined flour and unhealthy fats. So, what makes these brownies healthier?

First, I must tell you, that despite being a healthier version, that does not mean they do not have calories. Sorry. However, they are full of nutrient-dense calories using heart-health ingredients compared to a typical brownie recipe.

Let us start with unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce makes for a healthy substitute for fat in recipes. For most recipes, you can substitute fifty percent of the fat with the same amount of applesauce. Not only will you decrease the fat content, but your product will remain moist.

Next is whole white wheat flour. It has a milder flavor than traditional whole wheat, which my family prefers. According to the Whole Grains Council, both have the same nutritional value. And being a whole grain, it contains all three parts of the grain (endosperm, germ, bran), which includes heart-healthy oils, B-vitamins, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals necessary for good health.

Then there is ground flaxseed. If you are like me, you probably already have a bag of flaxseed sitting in your pantry. If not, no worries. I think it is a great kitchen staple that is versatile. Everyone should have a bag they use. Did you know ground flaxseed can be used as an egg replacement? Yes, it is true. It also does not contain cholesterol, unlike a typical egg. It is easy to make; start by adding one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to a small bowl and add three tablespoons of water. Mix; wait 5 mins., then your egg replacement is ready to be added to your baked good! Plus, adding ground flaxseed to the foods versus the whole seed it’s easier to digest. It is full of fiber, heart-healthy fats (omega-3s), and phytochemicals (lignans).

We cannot forget dark chocolate. It contains an antioxidant called flavonoids. Research suggests consuming foods rich in flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, insulin resistance, and blood pressure. Again, remember that dark chocolate still contains added sugar, but it can still be part of an overall healthy intake.

Lastly, there is WOWBUTTER. Comprised of soy, it contains omega-3s, which are heart-healthy fats. Research shows when saturated fat in our intake; is replaced with these healthy fats, it reduces the risk for heart disease. It has additional benefits as a plant-based protein because it does not have cholesterol found in animal proteins. And unlike some plant-based proteins, soy contains all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein source for anyone trying to switch out animal protein for a heart-healthy alternative.

WOWBUTTER is also a great alternative if you have an allergy to peanuts.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

3 Tbsp. water

1/2 cup creamy WOWBUTTER

2 Tbsp. honey

1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsweetened natural applesauce

1/4 cup whole white wheat flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Line an 8 1/2" x 8 1/2” baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, add flaxseed and water. Mix and let sit for five minutes. Then add WOWBUTTER, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and applesauce and mix well.

3. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Stir together until combined.

4. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan. Using a spatula, spread the mixture in a pan to create an even layer. Drop the remaining 2 Tbsp. of dark chocolate chips over the mixture and gently press them into the batter.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the center and it comes out clean. Allow to completely cool in the pan on a cooling rack before cutting.

Photo credit: Valley Nutrition & Wellness, LLC/Jessica Clark, RD, LDN