For many dessert enthusiasts, the brownie holds a special place in their hearts. That perfect square of rich, dark chocolate, with its crisp top and irresistibly gooey, fudgy center, is pure bliss. As a self-proclaimed brownie aficionado, my quest for the ultimate brownie is never-ending. But what if we could elevate this beloved classic, making it just a tiny bit healthier without compromising its decadent appeal? Enter the extraordinary world of avocado brownies!
These aren’t just any brownies; they are a revelation. By ingeniously replacing traditional oils and butter with the creamy goodness of mashed avocado, we unlock a new dimension of texture and nutritional value. The result? Chocolate avocado brownies that are still deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist, and wonderfully fudgy, but with the added bonus of heart-healthy fats, essential vitamins, and a surprisingly undetectable avocado flavor. Prepare to be amazed by this healthy-ish treat that satisfies your sweet cravings guilt-free.
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Beyond the Ordinary: The Allure of Healthy Avocado Brownies
I understand if the idea of “brownies made with avocado” initially sounds a bit, well, *unusual*. I admit, I was skeptical myself. The thought of a vegetable in my favorite chocolate dessert might raise an eyebrow or two. However, I promise you, these healthy avocado brownies possess all the indulgence and rich flavor of a classic fudgy brownie, but with absolutely no discernible avocado taste. Instead, the avocado works its magic behind the scenes, imparting an unparalleled moistness and a truly unreal fudgy texture that sets these brownies apart.
Through numerous tests and refinements, I’ve perfected this recipe to achieve the ideal balance of flavor and texture. The healthy fats from the avocado contribute to a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both satisfying and surprisingly light. This recipe has quickly become a cherished staple in my collection, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients create the most delightful outcomes. Give these a try, and you’ll likely find yourself converting to the avocado brownie camp too!
Why Avocado? The Secret to Fudgy Perfection
Avocados are much more than a trendy toast topping; they are a fantastic ingredient for baking! When incorporated into brownies, avocados act as a brilliant substitute for less healthy fats like butter and oil. They contribute a smooth, creamy texture and a wealth of monounsaturated fats, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. Beyond the nutritional boost, avocados are the silent heroes of this recipe, creating an incredibly moist and dense crumb without adding any unwanted vegetal flavor. The vibrant green hue of the avocado completely disappears amidst the rich cocoa, leaving you with nothing but pure, chocolatey indulgence.
The Importance of Ripe Avocados
For the smoothest texture and the absolute best flavor in your avocado brownies, selecting the right avocado is crucial. Aim for avocados that are ripe but not overripe. An underripe avocado will be firm and could impart a slightly bitter taste to your batter. On the other hand, an overripe avocado might lend a strong, undesirable vegetal flavor. A perfectly ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure and will be creamy green inside. When it’s just right, the avocado seamlessly blends into the chocolate batter, working its magic to create that luxurious, fudgy consistency without making its presence known. It’s truly a magical transformation!
Avocado Brownies Recipe
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
9
brownies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed avocados (about 1 large avocado)
- ½ cup chocolate chips melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 3 grams
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee hot (180-200°F)
- 1 cup chocolate chips plus more for topping
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray and set the pan aside. This preparation prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado, ½ cup of melted chocolate chips, granulated sugar, large eggs, egg yolks, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of avocado remaining for a uniform batter.1 cup mashed avocados,
½ cup chocolate chips,
⅓ cup granulated sugar,
2 large eggs,
2 egg yolks,
3 tablespoons brown sugar,
2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract - Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Gently whisk these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder,
⅔ cup all-purpose flour,
½ teaspoon baking soda - Stir in the hot brewed coffee. The hot coffee helps to deepen the chocolate flavor and create a richer color. Whisk until fully combined. Finally, add 1 cup of chocolate chips and fold them into the batter using a rubber spatula. This ensures the chocolate chips are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.2 tablespoons brewed coffee,
1 cup chocolate chips - Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×9-inch baking pan. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the top of the batter before baking.
- Place the baking pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry brownies instead of fudgy ones.
- Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares. Cooling is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture.
Notes for the Perfect Batch
- **Parchment Paper Tip:** I like to lightly spray the baking pan with nonstick spray before laying down the parchment paper. This simple trick helps the paper stay in place and prevents it from shifting as you spread the batter.
- **Frozen Avocados:** If fresh avocados aren’t available, or you have frozen ones on hand, you can still make this recipe. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before mashing and incorporating them into the batter.
- **Mashing Avocado:** For the best results, ensure your avocado is mashed until it’s incredibly smooth. You can achieve this with a potato masher, a fork, or for ultimate creaminess, a food processor. The smoother the avocado, the smoother your brownie texture will be.
- **Melting Chocolate Chips:** When melting chocolate chips, adding about 1 teaspoon of shortening or a neutral oil (like coconut oil) to the bowl can help create a beautifully smooth, glossy chocolate, making it easier to blend into the batter.
- **Flavor Variations:** Don’t hesitate to experiment with your chocolate! Try adding a mixture of milk, semisweet, and dark chocolate chips to your brownies for an even richer, more complex triple-chocolate taste. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before baking can also enhance the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Storage: To maintain their freshness and fudgy texture, store your avocado brownies in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Calories from Fat 135
Becky Hardin
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Crafting Your Avocado Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful avocado brownies is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your brownies are nothing short of perfect:
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Before you begin mixing, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and prepare your baking station. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will serve as a convenient handle to lift your cooled brownies out of the pan effortlessly. Lightly spray the parchment paper with a nonstick spray for added insurance against sticking, then set the prepared pan aside. Finally, ensure your avocado is mashed to a creamy, lump-free consistency, melt your chocolate chips until smooth, and brew a small cup of hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients for a Rich Base
In a spacious mixing bowl, introduce the mashed avocado, ½ cup of melted chocolate chips, granulated sugar, two large eggs, two egg yolks, three tablespoons of brown sugar, and two and a half teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, homogenous mixture. The key here is to ensure the avocado is completely integrated, leaving no discernible pieces, which is essential for the brownie’s velvety texture.
3. Incorporate the Dry Elements Thoughtfully
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture: ⅔ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Using a whisk, incorporate these dry components until they are just blended. The golden rule in brownie making is to avoid overmixing, as this can activate the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tougher, cakey brownie rather than the desired fudgy texture.
4. Enhance the Flavor Profile
Pour in the two tablespoons of hot brewed coffee. The hot coffee plays a crucial role in deepening and intensifying the chocolate flavor, making your brownies even more irresistible. Whisk briefly to combine. Then, add the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your decadent mix without deflating the batter.
5. Prepare for Baking
Carefully transfer the rich, chocolatey batter into your prepared 9×9-inch baking pan. Spread the batter evenly across the bottom with your spatula. If you’re feeling extra indulgent (and who isn’t when it comes to brownies?), now is the perfect time to sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top. This creates beautiful molten chocolate pools on the surface once baked.
6. The Art of Baking and Cooling
Place the pan into your preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. The key to truly fudgy brownies is not to overbake them. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and immediately transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately! Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan is essential for them to set properly, ensuring that desirable dense, fudgy texture. Patience truly is a virtue here.
Optimal Storage and Reheating for Maximum Enjoyment
To ensure your avocado brownies remain as delicious as the day they were baked, proper storage is key. Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their freshness, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 1 week. For longer-term enjoyment, avocado brownies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy a frozen brownie, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To recapture that glorious, fresh-from-the-oven warmth and gooeyness, reheat individual servings in the microwave in short 10-second increments until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Brownies
Q: Can I really not taste the avocado?
A: Absolutely! The rich, bold flavor of the cocoa powder and chocolate chips completely masks any hint of avocado taste. The avocado’s primary role is to provide moisture and a healthy fat alternative, not flavor. Even the pickiest eaters won’t guess your secret ingredient!
Q: What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
A: You can use your favorite! Semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but dark chocolate chips will intensify the richness, and milk chocolate chips will add a sweeter, creamier note. A mix of different types of chocolate can create a wonderfully complex flavor profile.
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: While this specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, many readers have successfully substituted it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Always check the specific recommendations for your chosen gluten-free flour, as some may require slight adjustments to liquid content.
Q: My brownies are dry. What went wrong?
A: The most common culprit for dry brownies is overbaking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Remember, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean like a cake. Every oven is different, so baking times can vary slightly.
Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter or cream cheese can be fantastic additions. You can also mix in some shredded coconut or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips in the final step.
More Brownie Recipes to Try!
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