The Anti-Aging Seriously Delicious Brownie!

15 Aug The Anti-Aging Seriously Delicious Brownie!

So, I’m all about looking and feeling young and fit with all- natural mouth-watering meals!  And yes, that includes dessert.  Say hello to the Anti-Aging Seriously Delicious Brownie. This totally rich and decadent brownie helps you fight the hands of time and may even help to keep you healthy. Here’s how.

Cocoa Cherry Brownies get their intense rich flavor and tons of powerful anti-aging antioxidants from cacao powder (an unrefined cocoa powder you can buy at your local health store or Whole Foods) and sweet chopped dark cherries.  I used a mix of real butter and coconut oil, which contains the antioxidant Vitamin E to help slow the aging process. I also skipped the processed white flour that can cause bloating and inflammation and used gluten free oat flour (ground oats), for extra fiber instead.  And in place of white sugar, I stirred in pure maple syrup (one of my favorite sweeteners) for a natural dose of vitamins and minerals.   What do they taste like?  Picture a rich and moist but Not cloyingly sweet brownie with just a hint of fruity cherries.   These literally are the healthy adult’s answer to complete indulgence while doing something wonderful for your body.  All that being said, my ten year old nephew is obsessed with these, so they’re kid-friendly too.  Love it? Share it via the social media buttons below!

The Anti-Aging Seriously Delicious Brownie!

Makes 9 brownies

INGREDIENTS

• All natural cooking spray (I like propellant free sprays)
• 5 tablespoons of real butter (if you’re dairy free use vegan butter or all coconut oil instead)
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen cherries or 1 heaping cup frozen cherries, defrosted and drained well
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup (not the fake stuff!)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup gluten free oat flour (I like Bob’s Red Mill brand)
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons cacao powder (unrefined cocoa powder)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon gluten free baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray an 8 x 8 inch glass or metal pan with all natural cooking spray.
2. Chop defrosted and drained cherries into small pieces (it will be mushy) and pour into a large bowl.
3. Heat butter and coconut oil in a small pan over medium heat until melted (approximately 7 minutes) whisking occasionally. Pour melted butter/ coconut oil into the bowl of cherries.
4. Stir in pure maple syrup and stir.
5. If it’s too hot, let it cool for a moment. If not, stir in beaten eggs.
6. In a separate bowl whisk together all of the dry ingredients (gluten free oat flour through baking powder).
7. Fold dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, half at a time.  Stir until just combined (don’t over-mix.)
8. Pour brownie batter into pan and bake approximately 22 to 25 minutes for a metal pan or 25 to 30 minutes for a glass pan or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean (it’s okay if they’re a little moist)
9. Remove from the oven and let cool.  Cut into squares and serve.  Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (they’re awesome cold!)

SO, WHAT’S THE NUTRITION BALANCE?

This recipe is mostly carbohydrates and fat.  There are a few ways to indulge in dessert while keeping your waist line in check: have a light dinner of lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for example, plus some green veggies (low in carbs.)  Then follow the meal with a brownie for dessert.  The balance of protein, fat and carbs is a good thing and will prevent blood sugar from spiking!  Or be weird like me and eat some egg whites or a protein shake (just mix up protein powder and water and gulp it down) first and then dive into the brownie (I’ve done this for breakfast before!) Serving protein alongside the brownie will prevent a blood sugar spike and minimize fat storage and cravings later on. Or just have it as it is when you want as a healthy splurge.