Recipe

Deceptively Decadent "Healthy" Brownies

By Ellie Haun at Michigan State University

Decadent healthy brownies. Which word does not belong? The answer is that they all belong, because there really is such a thing as a decadent yet healthy brownie! Don’t believe me? Well, the proof is in the pudding… I mean batter.

The best part about these brownies? They're secretly healthy brownies, or at least healthier than most other brownie recipes floating around the web. How? Well first of all, they're vegan so they’re not chock-full of artery-clogging, high calorie butter. Second of all, they have a healthy secret ingredient in them.

Hint: it's a trendy leafy green. If you guessed kale, you win a virtual brownie!

Yes, kale brownies. Am I crazy for creating these? Only slightly. I promise they don't taste like kale though. Seriously. They just taste like gooey, cakey, chocolatey goodness. I got the idea of sticking veggies into dessert from the cookbook Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

The whole point of the cookbook is to encourage parents to sneak veggies into their kids’ diets, and you already know I love it. Anyone who likes desert but is trying to be a little healthier, or wants an excuse to eat more brownies, will love this recipe. They’re “healthy,” so you can eat more of them- right?!

Deceptively Decadent Brownies

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Servings: 16
Ingredients
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup oil canola or vegetable
  • cup applesauce
  • 1 cup KALE WATER
  • cup chocolate chips

Ellie Haun

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Ellie Haun

Step 2

First make the kale water by combining ½ cup water and 1 cup raw kale in a blender (or food processor) and blending on high for a minute, or until the kale is completely blended. You can use regular water or nondairy milk too if kale isn't your thing.

Ellie Haun

Step 3

Mix together the dry ingredients, from flour to baking powder.

Ellie Haun

Step 4

Add in the wet ingredients, aka the rest of the ingredients including the kale water. Mix until just combined and add in a ½ cup of chocolate chips.

Ellie Haun

Step 5

Pour into an 9" X 9" oiled brownie pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the brownies.

Ellie Haun

Step 6

Let cool for about 15 minutes, then cut and enjoy!

Ellie Haun