Brownies for Everyone

Did you know that the classic brownie recipe only consists of 5 ingredients? That’s right, all you need is butter, sugar, chocolate, eggs, and flour to make the most decadent dessert. Of course, you can always change things up and add more ingredients to perfect this recipe. However you decide to make them, don’t forget to celebrate National Brownie Day on December 8th.

You may be surprised to be reading a blog about brownies on a dietitian’s website. However, I firmly believe that every food has a place in a person’s diet. The traditional brownie recipe can be tweaked to accommodate a variety of health conditions. From diabetes to celiac disease, you can adjust the recipe to fit almost anyone.

If you are someone who likes to stick with tradition, you can spice things up in the toppings or mix-ins. You can use nuts, candy, or even more chocolate to make things a little more exciting!

A Brownie for Everyone

When you think of brownies, I bet images of melting chocolate comes to mind. Nothing else matters in the recipe as long as you incorporate some chocolate! Here are some ways you can change up the traditional brownie recipe to accommodate a variety of health conditions:

Pumpkin Puree: You can use pumpkin puree as the base for your recipe. Add in some cocoa powder, sweetener, and nut butter for the perfect brownie base. This brownie is suitable for vegans as well as those with celiac.

Oat Flour and Yogurt:For an extra creamy brownie with protein, add in some Greek yogurt. You can also use oat flour to make the recipe gluten-free. This is an easy way to incorporate more protein into your diet.

Dark Chocolate:Make a dairy-free brownie by using dark chocolate instead of milk. The brownies will still be delicious and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Black Bean: Can you believe that you can use black beans as the base of your recipe and sugar-free chocolate chips to make a brownie fit for people with diabetes? You won’t even be able to tell the difference!

Brownie Add-Ins

While you can always enjoy the deliciousness of a chocolate brownie by itself, it can taste even better with some add-ins. From nuts to candy, the possibilities are endless:

Chocolate Chunks: These chunks do not melt the same way that chips do. For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, swap out chips for chunks!

Walnuts: A classic brownie add-in for a reason, walnuts add a little bit of crunch and protein to your brownie.

Peanut Butter: After pouring your batter into the pan, add some swirls of peanut butter for a tasty twist (yum).

Marshmallows and Graham Crackers: Line the bottom of the pan with graham cracker crumbles, pour in the batter, top with marshmallows, and bake for a smore surprise.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite “add in” to your brownie recipe? Let me know in the comments below.