>U Mom Knows Best: Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

Monday, March 6, 2017

Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

These brownies are healthy enough to eat for breakfast!


My boys are always hungry when they come home from school. The first thing they do once they walk in the door is to head for the kitchen. I always hear the pantry or refrigerator door opening and I have to remind them to wash their hands first. The boys usually prefer a sweet snack in the afternoon and will eat cookies if I purchase them. I don't like buying cookies as they are loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients so my boys usually make a smoothie or have yogurt for their snack. So my boys get excited when mom bakes up a treat for them. When I make treats, I like to sneak some nutrition into them, especially protein as the youngest does not eat meat. My youngest preferred source of protein is peanut butter so any chance I can sneak protein into his diet is good. I find that the easiest way to sneak protein in is through protein powders. I love using protein powders in my baked goods and it does not change the flavor. I think it enhances the flavor of my brownies. I like using chocolate protein powder to give my peanut butter brownies a wonderful chocolate taste. I also add black beans to my brownies for even more protein and some fiber. Don't worry as you can't taste the beans since they get pureed and their black color looks like chocolate. These moist cake-like brownies are so healthy so you could even eat them for breakfast.

MMM peanut butter frosting!


 Made with a zero calorie, zero glycemic sweetener

 I decided to reduce the sugar in my brownies as my youngest tends to misbehave after eating sugar. My normal recipe has honey in it and yes, honey is sugar! So I decided to substitute Monk Fruit for the honey. Now I did not tell my boys that I used monk fruit in the recipe. I wanted to see if they would still think their favorite brownies tasted good. I gave the first brownie to my picky child and watched as he ate one. He ate the whole thing and asked for more! I declared that these healthy peanut butter brownies were Kodi approved! When I make something new the teenage always has Kodi taste it first because if picky Kodi will eat it then it must taste good. I love using monk fruit in my coffee and now I will be using it more often in my baked goods. This sweetener is safe for diabetics as it is a Zero calorie, zero glycemic sweetener. It is also Gluten-free and Non-GMO. In fact, these brownies are also gluten-free. You can even make these delicious brownies plant-based or vegan by using a vegan egg substitute like a chia egg. 

These brownies are Kodi approved


   Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies
                                           Makes 16 squares 
Ingredients

1 15oz can black beans, rinsed/drained
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
4 tablespoons coconut oil
2 large eggs or use 2 chia eggs
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt

Peanut Butter Frosting
1/2 creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon almond milk
1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
1. Add all of the ingredients for the brownies into a food processor.
2. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray. 
     The parchment will help you lift the brownies out later.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
7. Using the parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on the counter.
8. Frost with peanut butter frosting is desired.

Directions for peanut butter frosting
 Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If the mixture is too thick and some more almond milk, 1/4 teaspoon at a time.



Check out Eleven Egg Substitutes For Baking & More 



Yield: Makes 16 squares

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

These delicious brownies are gluten-free and can be made vegan

ingredients

  • 1 15oz can black beans, rinsed/drained
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs or use 2 chia eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Peanut Butter Frosting
  • 1/2 creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener

instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. 1. Add all of the ingredients for the brownies into a food processor.
  3. 2. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. 3. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  5. The parchment will help you lift the brownies out later.
  6. 4. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
  7. 5. Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. 6. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  9. 7. Using the parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on the counter.
  10. 8. Frost with peanut butter frosting is desired.
  11. Directions for peanut butter frosting
  12. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If the mixture is too thick and some more almond milk, 1/4 teaspoon at a time.
Created using The Recipes Generator

13 comments:

Masshole Mommy said...

Peanut butter and chocolate were made to go together. These brownies sound ah-mazing.

Shirley said...

My husband loves Peanut Butter, i will try Peanut Butter Frosting for sure. It seems to be so delicious.

Unknown said...

These are really healthy brownies.My son loves Peanut Butter so might actually love the peanut butter frosting too. Never thought of that before.

Sarah Bailey said...

I have not encountered Monk Fruit Sweetener before. I am trying to lessen my sweet cravings but it is very challenging. I would love to try some of your brownies.

Annemarie LeBlanc said...

I have to look for that Monk Fruit Sweetener. I have to watch my sugar intake and would jump at any chance to enjoy sweets without having to deal with loads of sugar. I'm saving your recipe and try my hand at making these awesome peanut butter and chocolate brownies!

Elizabeth O. said...

I think it's nice to have freshly baked treats for the kids from time to time. It's even better when it's healthy! These are definitely perfect!

Unknown said...

These looks so delicious! Plus they are healthy?! Count me in! My kids would love these so much.

Tammy said...

These look so good and those flavors really go well with each other. I will pass this on to a friend of mine who kids are gluten free.

MammaNatty said...

My kids love brownies! I would love to try it with the peanut butter frosting. I love the addition of coconut oil and protein powder!

Buzz4Mommies said...

They look amazing! I have never actually tried Monk fruit sweetener before. must add to the list!

Marcie W. said...

Healthy brownies?! Where have these been all my life?! The peanut butter frosting really adds an extra special touch too.

Anonymous said...

They must be lucky to have you as a mommy. Plus you frosting sounds like a good try.

Rebecca Swenor said...

These peanut butter chocolate brownies look so delicious. I am for sure going to have to make these brownies. It is awesome they are gluten free because my son is gluten free now. Thanks for sharing this awesome treat idea and recipe.

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