Craving brownies but looking for a healthier twist? These oat flour brownies are the perfect guilt-free indulgence! Rich, fudgy, and surprisingly easy to make, this recipe swaps traditional flour for nutritious oat flour, resulting in a delicious dessert that’s packed with fiber and naturally sweet. Perfect for a quick after-school snack, a weekend treat, or even a sophisticated dessert for your next gathering, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (you can easily make this by blending rolled oats in a blender until finely ground)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup maple syrup (or honey for a slightly different flavor)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dairy-free options are readily available!)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies will easily come out of the pan once baked.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in your final product.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
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Add-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). This is the perfect time to get creative! You can add other mix-ins such as dried cranberries, raisins, or even espresso powder for an intense coffee flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Oat Flour Brownies:
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Oat Flour Type: Using finely ground oat flour will give you the best results. If your oat flour is too coarse, the brownies might be slightly crumbly.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten (even in oat flour!), leading to tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Cooling Time: Patience is key! Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Brownies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter twist.
- Spiced Brownies: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Vegan Brownies: Ensure your chocolate chips and any other add-ins are vegan-friendly to create a completely plant-based dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate based on the recipe above:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fiber: 3-4g
These oat flour brownies are a fantastic example of how healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. Enjoy this easy, quick dinner idea or treat yourself to a delicious dessert without the guilt! They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still making healthy choices. Happy baking!