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Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are a delicious gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free treat packed with high protein and low sugar. Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, oats, and hazelnuts, they offer a rich chocolate flavor and a creamy hazelnut frosting that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for those seeking a healthier dessert option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (or oat flour)
  • 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – liquid included
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1/8 cup oil (canola oil recommended)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sweetener of choice
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Frosting

  • 1 cup hazelnuts
  • 1/4 cup agave (or other sticky sweetener of choice)
  • 2 Tbsp oil (canola oil recommended)
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sweetener of choice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt of choice (Greek yogurt recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend Brownie Base Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the oats (if not using oat flour) and the entire can of chickpeas including the liquid. Blend until completely smooth. Then add the milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Blend again just until all ingredients are combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, granulated sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oat flour (if you did not use whole oats in the blending step).
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the chickpea mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
  5. Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-29 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  6. Prepare Frosting: While the brownies bake, place hazelnuts, agave, oil, granulated sweetener, and salt into a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even texture.
  7. Add Yogurt to Frosting: Transfer the hazelnut mixture to a large bowl. Add the yogurt and whisk vigorously with an electric mixer or by hand with a wire whisk for about 1 minute until the frosting becomes fully incorporated and slightly fluffy.
  8. Chill Frosting: Place the frosting in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to thicken and develop its texture.
  9. Cool Brownies: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before applying the frosting.
  10. Frost Brownies and Serve: Spread the chilled, thickened frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped hazelnuts or chocolate bits. Slice and enjoy your healthy chocolate hazelnut brownies.

Notes

  • You can substitute rolled oats with oat flour to save blending time at the start.
  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the hazelnuts lightly before blending for the frosting.
  • For vegan yogurt in the frosting, use plant-based yogurt alternatives such as almond or coconut yogurt.
  • Adjust sweetness by choosing your preferred granulated sweetener and agave quantities.
  • Store leftover brownies refrigerated with frosting to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/healthy-chocolate-hazelnut-brownies-recipe/