How to Make Healthier Brownies
By Brandi Goodman
Brownies are a classic treat that many people enjoy. Though Chocolate Brownie Day is in December, Butterscotch Brownie Day is in May. There's even a Blondie Brownie Day in January. With all of these days dedicated to the delicious dessert, it's important that people trying to watch their intake of sweets know how to make an alternative. You can still indulge on these days, but do so in a healthier way with a few substitutions.
Substitute Almond Flour
Brownie recipes call for flour. Never use the typical all-purpose flour you see in any store's baking aisle. Instead, almond flour is a better solution. It's a gluten-free alternative.
Use Dark Chocolate
If you're making a chocolate brownie recipe then dark chocolate is the way to go. Use a version that's at least 80 percent cocoa to receive the full benefits of the darkness. Dark chocolate is a healthier kind that provides antioxidants.
Exchange Butter For Coconut Oil
Butter is a common ingredient in most baked goods. It isn't the healthiest to consume though. Coconut oil makes the dessert dairy-free and takes away some of the fat content to make it a healthier option.
Try Coconut Sugar
White sugar that most people use for recipes is extremely unhealthy. Coconut sugar is a better alternative. It is lower on the glycemic index and contains some nutrients that sugar doesn't have. You'll get a bit of calcium, iron, and zinc from coconut sugar made from coconut palm trees.
Yogurt Alternative
An even healthier alternative is to use yogurt in your brownie recipe. A cup of vanilla Greek yogurt mixed with oat flour, dark chocolate, coconut sugar, baking soda, and coconut oil makes a healthy version of your classic brownies. The yogurt helps to make the brownies moist and soft.
Add Nuts
Nuts are a popular addition to brownies. Whether you add them into the batter or place them on top after you've poured it into the pan, these add a crunchy texture to your treat. Walnuts and almonds are some of the healthiest choices. They provide calcium, Vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, among other nutrients.
Whether you're looking to enjoy a butterscotch brownie on that day or a traditional chocolate brownie when you have a sweet tooth, some substitutions can help you enjoy one or two guilt-free. Try out some different variations and see which flavors you enjoy best.
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