My sisters and I have been absent this week- we’ve been having a bit too much fun! I drove down to LA to see Holly and the two of us got ready for our trip to DC (in between shopping, talking about Holly’s baby and a trip to Disneyland, that is!). It was a great week and now we are back for some great recipes!
I’m a bit excited about sharing this recipe because it is such a good secret!
By looking at these, would you ever guess they were made with non-traditional ingredients? Our taste testers said no!
Sometimes people don’t want to hear that what they are eating is actually healthy. The term ‘healthy’ sometimes signifies that it’s not going to be as rich and fudgy as the unhealthy option. That kind of thinking is what really excites me to try something natural and healthy! And when the ingredients are really healthy, it never hurts to keep the recipe a little secret.
I didn’t say a word when I made these and after my husband ate a couple, I knew he didn’t have a clue as to what was really in these deep fudge, no pudge brownies. All he could taste was moist and dense chocolate dessert bars. Of course, like any chocolate dessert, some chocolate frosting definitely will take these brownies from amazing to outstandingly delicious!
Try to keep these a secret and be sneaky when you make them! It’s an awful lot of fun!
Secretly Vegan Brownies
Print Recipe
1 Large Ripe Avocado
1 Tablespoon Applesauce
3/4 cup Almond or Coconut Milk
1 1/2 cup Coconut Sugar
1/2 cup Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Vanilla
Dash of Pink or Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup White Wheat Flour
3/4 cup Chocolate Chips or Chunks of choice
In a large bowl, beat together the avocado, applesauce and milk until very smooth and creamy. Add the coconut sugar and maple syrup. Add the vanilla and mix until very smooth. Add the baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, and flour together and mix until just incorporated. Add the chocolate chips or chunks. Pour the mixture into a greased glass 7 by 11 or 9 by 9 baking dish. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes for the 7 by 11 dish or 35-40 for the 9 by 9 dish. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Store any left overs in the refrigerator.
*Please note: these brownies are very dense and fudge like! They are not super chewy and they have a very moist texture. Please do not over bake!
P.S. What are your favorite things to make sneakily healthy? Is your secret ever discovered?
Sadly, there have been a few things that my husband could tell were healthy and didn’t really love. But as I’ve stuck to his favorite treats and tried to make those healthy- they are winners every time!
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes
Birthday Cake Batter Bars
No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites
Peanut Butter Protein Blondies
Rose Lemonade
Livehappygogreen says
I am stuck at home with strep throat and it is that time of the month. My poor fiancee is trying to avoid the house at all costs. I don’t blame him one bit. I would stay away from me right now too! Last night when I told him I was going to make brownies he seemed relieved to know that I would be ingesting chocolate soon and that WW I I I going on inside me might be tamed, even for a little while.
I had high expectations for these brownies as I put avacado in everything. It is my primary source of fat.
I COULD LIVE OFF THESE THINGS! These fudgy, creamy, delicious little things turned my mopey frown right upside down! I even had one for breakfast this morning to start the day off right. Thanks!
Annie says
We are so glad you loved them! You really can never go wrong with avocado! :) Thanks for your comment!
Erica says
Would spelt flour work in this recipe instead of wheat flour? Thanks!
Annie says
Yes, you can, but you will probably want to decrease the milk by a few tablespoons. I would start with 1/2 a cup and add a little more as needed. Good luck!
Kay says
I made these brownies and loved them!!! I had to bake them for slightly longer than suggested, and they are super soft but sooo good!
Julia says
Oh. My. Gosh. Just made these and my vegan-denying mother LOVED them. These brownies are a-ma-zing! Next test: Let’s see how my bf likes them ;)
Hannah says
The texture of these brownies looks so rich and fudgy- Which is to say, perfect!
Annie says
These are super rich and fudgy! Thanks Hannah!
Chelsea says
Great recipe! And may I add, this batter would be great as a pudding or a sauce- maybe a thick sauce, but still delicious!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Can’t have too many healthy brownie recipes! I have a few, but I need them all. And more. Haha. These look deliciously fudgy!
cookingwithlysa says
Brownies with avocado ? wow ! I am trying this !! I don’t have a lot of sneaky tricks..probably just some greens in my smoothie…or carrots in my juices :) !
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
These look amazing! So moist and chocolately! Love how healthy they are.
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
Thank you so much Jessica!
The Roasted Root says
My gosh, I’ve been craving brownies like nobody’s business! And I’ve tried to refrain because…well…normal brownies are not healthy whatsoever. I LOVE this recipe! Well, I love all of your girl’s recipes, but since I’ve been going brownie berzerk over here, I particularly love this one :)
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
I think I’m always in a constant brownie craving state! This is why I tried to make ones I really wouldn’t feel guilty about eating. otherwise, it’s not good. :) Thank you!!
emilialiveslife says
Avocado is perfect for brownies, now that I think about it, I’m kind of shocked I haven’t seen it sooner! I love making healthy desserts, they feel so much more satisfying to make. They really force you to be creative in the kitchen! :)
Annie says
I was thinking the same thing! People use them all the time in raw treats and savory dishes, but I haven’t seen many baked sweet dishes with them. I agree- healthy treats are so so much more satisfying! :)
Anna @ The Guiltless Life says
Nice, I love the use of avocado! I haven’t ever baked with avocado, I’ve only used it in raw chocolate desserts, so I’m excited to give this a try!
Annie says
Thanks! I know! I’ve loved them so much in raw treats I thought I’d give them a try in a baked dessert. :) They are so versatile it’s crazy!
Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oooh, these look so perfectly fudgy! I love the addition of applesauce!
Annie says
Thanks! The applesauce gives a nice touch. :)
sensualappeal says
I have on my list to make brownies with black beans but I haven’t thought to use avocado.. I’m all for sneaky healthy treats so I might have to try this too :)
Annie says
Black beans are really good in brownies! I like the avocado because they have a more neutral taste- perfect for people who are really sensitive to any bean tastes in baked goods!