Who knew you could have a brownie that’s both delicious and healthy? Today, we’re reinventing this classic dessert with a couple of clever cooking hacks. These Healthier Brownies are not only flourless and free of added sugar, but they’re also blood sugar-friendly and packed with protein. The secret ingredients? Butternut squash and cottage cheese! Trust me, you won’t even notice they’re in there, but you’ll definitely feel good about eating them.
Whether you’re looking for a treat that won’t derail your healthy eating or simply want to try something new, these brownies are sure to impress. They’re perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving while keeping things nutritious. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup dark cacao powder
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
- Splash of vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Avocado oil spray
- Sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel and deseed 1 small butternut squash, then cut it into cubes or chunks. Place the squash pieces on a baking sheet, spray with avocado oil, and roast for about 50 minutes. Roasting the squash not only softens it but also enhances its natural sweetness, which helps keep these brownies sugar-free.
Step 2: Process the Squash
Once the butternut squash is roasted and cooled slightly, transfer it to a food processor. This step is essential to ensure a smooth brownie batter without any chunks. You want the squash to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
To the food processor, add 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup dark cacao powder, 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener, a splash of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon baking powder. Blend everything until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The cottage cheese adds a surprising boost of protein while keeping the brownies moist and fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the brownie mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This step ensures the brownies bake uniformly.
Step 5: Add Some Extra Chocolate (Optional)
If you’re a chocolate lover, sprinkle some sugar-free chocolate chips over the top of the brownie mixture before baking. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra chocolatey kick.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Once the brownies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. This step is crucial! Cutting into the brownies too soon can result in a crumbly mess, so patience is key here.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
After the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares or your preferred shape. If you want to add a little extra flair, drizzle some melted sugar-free chocolate chips on top. These brownies are delicious on their own, but a little extra chocolate never hurt anyone!
Tips and Tricks
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap the almond flour for another nut flour if you have allergies or preferences.
- Sweetener: You can use any powdered sweetener you prefer, but powdered monk fruit keeps these brownies low in sugar.
- Serving Suggestions: These brownies are fantastic on their own but also pair well with a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein.
Homemade Healthier Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash about 1 lb
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup dark cacao powder
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Avocado oil spray
Optional Toppings:
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
Instructions
Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into cubes or chunks. Place on a baking sheet, spray with avocado oil, and roast for 50 minutes until tender.
Prepare the Mixture:
- Let the roasted butternut squash cool slightly, then transfer it to a food processor. Add almond flour, cottage cheese, dark cacao powder, eggs, powdered monk fruit, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Process until smooth, ensuring no chunks of squash remain.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the brownie mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Add Optional Toppings:
- If desired, sprinkle sugar-free chocolate chips over the top.
Bake the Brownies:
- Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Cool Completely:
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is crucial to achieve the best texture.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut into your desired shapes and serve as is, or drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Notes
- Make sure the brownies cool completely before cutting to achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like chopped nuts or berries, to add more flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Healthier Brownies prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With the clever use of butternut squash and cottage cheese, you get a dessert that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. So next time you’re craving something sweet, whip up a batch of these brownies and enjoy a guilt-free treat!
Leave a Reply