Brownies have never been my go-to dessert of choice, but I think this recipe just changed my mind. These brownies are so moist (ew, ik ik), dense, chocolate-y and perfectly sweet. They are made with no oil and only 1/4 cup of coconut sugar.
These brownie bites are only 47 calories a pop. Makes me wonder if I just call these muffins, can I eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack?
Sweet potatoes are full of beta-caratene (also found in carrots) that promotes the health of light receptors in your eyes. They are also rich in vitamin C (like oranges) which supports immune system health. This fiber-rich potato will keep you full longer while keeping your blood sugar in check.
Begin by roasting your sweet potatoes at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until soft.
Remove the hot potato (ha) from the oven and place it in the fridge or freezer to cool down a bit.
This recipe also calls for cacao powder (can be subbed for cocoa powder). Cacao powder is a superfood full of a variety of health benefits. Most notable: it is the highest plant source of iron, filled with antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and a known mood-elevator. I would recommend purchasing a fair-trade and organic cacao powder like Navitas (found at Whole Foods). Normal cocoa powder is chemically processed and removes most of these benefits. Further, non-organic cacao powder is typically grown in third world countries and harvested by workers paid unfair wages (similar to most coffee). Not to mention it is covered in harmful pesticides.
Enough of my chocolate tangent.
Next, prepare your oat flour. This is done but blending (or in a food processor) oats until they resemble a fine flour. You will need a heaping cup of oats to form the 1 cup of oat flour this recipe calls for.
In one bowl add all the dry ingredients (oat flour, cacao, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar, cinnamon).
In your blender, blend the wet ingredients (dates, sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, almond milk and applesauce).
Note 1: you can sub the applesauce for a nut butter or oil. However, applesauce is a great way to add moisture and sweetness for a relatively small calorie count.
Note 2: You can sub the dates for maple syrup, honey, or add extra coconut sugar. I just like to use dates because they are a fruit sugar and more blood-sugar friendly.
You guessed it- combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until a batter forms.
Use a tablespoon to measure out these mini muffins and place in your muffin tin.
Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top and pop them in the oven for about 12-14 minutes.
Stick a fork or toothpick through the center. If it pulls out clean, they are done! Remove them from the tin when they are cool.
Grab yourself a glass of milk (or a bowl of ice cream) and enjoy!
NOTE: you can prepare these brownies in a traditional 88 pan. Dont quote me, but bake for about 25 minutes.
Ingredients: 1 Cup oat flour 6 TBS cacao powder 1/4 Cup coconut sugar 2 tsp baking soda dash of salt 1 TBS cinnamon 1 Cup sweet potatoes (about 2, roasted) 1/4 Cup applesauce (can be subbed with oil) 1/2 Cup milk 3 Medjool dates (or honey, maple syrup) 2 tsp vanilla extract 1. Roast your sweet potatoes at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until soft. Once they cool a little, scoop out the 'meat' of the sweet potato and discard the skins. Place in the freezer to cool for a little. 2. Grind/ Blend your oats in order to form a flour-like consistently. 3. Add your dry ingredients to a bowl (oats, baking soda, coconut sugar, cacao powder, salt, cinnamon). 4. In your blender or food processor, blend your wet ingredients (sweet potato, vanilla extract, applesauce, milk, dates). 5. Combine your wet ingredients with your dry ingredients. 6. Use a tablespoon to measure out the batter into mini cupcake tins. 7. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of batter. 8. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes. Subs: Sub Dates for: honey, maple syrup, or more coconut sugar. Sub applesauce for: nut butter or oil. Sub cacao powder for: cocoa powder. Sub mini muffin tins for 8x8 pan and bake for ~25 minutes.
Grab that bowl of ice cream and enjoy..