Bonkers Brownies
Sometimes there is no use in trying to fight it anymore… You just want chocolate! I hear ya! I have a MAJOR sweet tooth and so does my daughter! As with all other desserts that I refuse to live without, I have created a modified brownie recipe WITH icing that allows me to leave some of that guilt behind! These brownies are BONKERS!
They are unbelievably:
~~Gluten-free~~
I never really tried working with gluten-free options until I joined my book club. When hosting the book club, the host is in charge of the menu. One of my friends in our group is gluten intolerant and so we always try to provide a gluten-free option for her. I would always avoid baking in the past because flour is in EVERYTHING! I finally crossed the bridge and tried different recipes with gluten-free flour once I found one that didn’t cost an arm and a leg! This is the one that I use:
I honestly can’t tell the difference between recipes when I use Krusteaz GF or when I use a traditional all-purpose flour. Plus it is whole grain and contains no sugar or added sugars like regular flour.
~~Butter-free and Oil-free~~
I was born allergic to milk. I can eat it now in moderation but I still try to find alternatives. (For example, I will ALWAYS put orange juice on my cereal rather than milk.) Applesauce is such a great alternative to use instead of butter in recipes. You may notice that, when baking, things are not quite as fluffy when using this alternative. However, the nutritional benefits outweigh the slight texture difference!
~~Egg-free~~
Flaxseed and water is an amazing substitution for eggs in almost every recipe. Mixing 1 tbsp flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water and letting sit for 5 minutes replaces one egg. This modification also reduces the cholesterol level and increases the dietary fiber which keeps you full longer! My favorite flaxseed brand is Bob’s Red Mill.
Adding honey to recipes in place of sugar helps to reduce the amount of added sugars. When using this replacement use equal amounts of honey for sugar for up to one cup. If substituting more than one cup, replace each cup of sugar with 3/4 cup honey.
However, eating honey is not recommended for children under the age of 1 due to the risk of Botulism (a paralytic food poisoning that may lead to death). Maple Syrup or molasses may be used as a substitution.
Related Post:
5 Easy Trick’s to Sneak Nutrition in for your Toddler
Bonkers Brownies
Equipment
- 8 inch square baking pan
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1/2 c Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1 c White Sugar
- 2 tbsp Flaxseed
- 6 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 c Gluten-Free Flour
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
Frosting:
- 3 tbsp Unsweetened Applesauce
- 3 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tbsp Honey **DO NOT USE IF CHILD IS UNDER THE AGE OF 1. (Substitute with maple syrup or molasses)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract I just use the imitation vanilla because it is cheaper
- 1 c Confectionary Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease and flour an 8" square pan.
- Mix flaxseed and water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients for brownies and mix well.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake on center rack for 25-30 minutes.
- Do no over bake!
- While baking, mix ingredients for frosting.
- Frost brownies while still warm.
- Enjoy!
36 Comments
Crizel Ibarra
Perfect for our sweet tooth…this recipe is so perfect I can’t wait to try it on my own…my kids surely love this.
Robyn H
These sound (and look) amazing! Definitely trying this recipe!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
These brownies look so delicious. I would love to try this recipe. My whole family loves brownies.
Ben
Those look and sound really good. I love how much healthier they are than regular brownies, too.
melissa chapman
Brownies are always a big hit but you have taken it to the next level. Making them gluten free and without eggs or butter makes them available to everyone to enjoy.