Delicious and Healthy Broccoli Brownies Recipe

Treat yourself to a delicious yet healthy dessert with this easy-to-follow recipe for Broccoli Brownies! They are rich, moist and guilt-free! I fell across this recipe from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook. Her recipe used carrot and spinach, but I substituted a mixture of broccoli and zucchini.  I was FREAKING out while cooking this. You could smell the broccoli cooking, NOT the chocolate!!! I was so freaked out I had the kids try a piece and I even snuck a piece--just in case. What resulted was a mouth wateringly delicious moist brownie unlike ANY I've ever tasted before. And the brownies became the surprise hit of the evening!! (gluten free option, dairy free option, nut free option, soy free)

Making the Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Layer

Craving a yummy dessert but want to keep it healthy? Look no further! Broccoli Brownies combine the delicious indulgence of chocolate brownies with the nutrient-dense power of broccoli. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying these guilt-free treats in no time!

Gather the Ingredients

For this recipe you will need:  1 cup of cooked broccoli, 3 ounces semi sweet chocolate squares, ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 large eggs, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, ¾ cup flour and ½ tsp baking powder. 

Substitutions

The star of the recipe will be the broccoli. I was so busy with the littles that I didn't have time to steam and then blend my broccoli so I used a couple of jars of Earth's Best broccoli and zucchini baby food. (Yes, baby food!!) It worked out wonderfully! So many people came back for seconds, and the owner of the store that I hold classes at came back for thirds.

Broccoli Brownies Have Lot's of Health Benefits! 

These brownies also have plenty of antioxidants, close to 3 grams of fiber (unheard of for a dessert!!) and only 125 calories each! Top each brownie with a small scoop of fat free ice cream and you've got a delicious dessert that's moist, tastes great and is good for you!!

Preparation and Pre Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking pan and pop it into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Enjoy!

Bake and Enjoy!

Once the brownie batter is in the baking pan, you can top the brownies with some chopped walnuts or pecans if you would like. Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes. Before you remove the brownies from the oven, make sure to insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready! Finally, remove your brownies from the oven and let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious yet healthy Broccoli Brownies today!

BROCCOLI BROWNIES

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray

3 ounces semi sweet chocolate squares

1 cup broccoli puree (steam and then puree it in a food processor, or use already pureed baby food) You can also substitute zucchini or squash or a mix and match of all if you want.

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar or coconut sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp butter (you can substitute dairy free)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

¾ cup unbleached all purpose flour or gluten free flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degree. oat an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over low-med heat.

In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate, broccoli puree, sugar, cocoa powder, butter and vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy--1-2 minutes.

whisk in egg whites. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt with a wooden spoon.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 124, Calories from Fat 53, Total fat 6g, Sat fat 3.7g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 140mg, Carbohydrate 18.1gm, Protein 2.7g, Fiber 2.8g.