Imagine biting into a brownie that's not only decadently chocolaty but also surprisingly wholesome. That dream is now a delicious reality, thanks to the magic of quinoa. These quinoa brownies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, blending rich, indulgent flavors with the nutritional benefits of this superfood. And the best part? They're incredibly easy to whip up, meaning you can satisfy those chocolate cravings without spending all day in the kitchen.
Today, we're making wonderfully wholesome Quinoa Brownies - yes, you heard that right!
If you're anything like me and have a soft spot for all things chocolatey still try to sneak in some healthiness where you can.
These moist, fudgy brownies are packed with the goodness of quinoa, making them a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy with the whole family.
Stick around as I share how this delightful twist on a classic dessert can be both a crowd-pleaser and a secret weapon for sneaking in those superfoods.
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate (chopped): Feel free to substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Unsalted Butter: For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or Earth Balance is a good choice.
- Cooked Quinoa: Make sure to cook and cool the quinoa first.
- All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Blend): The foundation that binds our brownies, suitable for everyone when choosing the gluten-free option.
- Cocoa Powder: For that essential deep chocolate essence. Opt for unsweetened to control your sweetness levels.
- Salt: A pinch to amplify and balance the flavors within.
- Baking Soda: Gives the brownies a slight lift, making them lighter.
- Eggs: Crucial for adding structure and moisture. Vegan? Flax eggs are an excellent substitute.
- Sugar: You can replace it with coconut sugar if you prefer.
- Maple Syrup: Honey can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Plain Yogurt: Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan alternative.
- Melted Coconut Oil (or any mild-flavored oil): Adds to the fudgy texture, making every bite irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate taste and adds aromatic depth.
- Chopped Walnuts (Optional):You can use almonds or pecans or omit the nuts altogether.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Is Key: Before you start, make sure your quinoa is cooked and cooled. This little prep step makes a big difference in texture.
- Blend It Well: To get that smooth, fudgy texture we all love, blend the quinoa and flour mixture until it’s completely smooth. A high-powered blender does the trick!
- Double Boiler Magic: Melting chocolate can be tricky, but using a double boiler (or a makeshift one with a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water) helps melt your chocolate and butter beautifully without burning.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Cutting into them too soon might result in crumbly pieces, but if you like it warm and gooey, who am I to stop you?
More Sweet Quinoa Treats
- Quinoa Chocolate Cashew Clusters: Imagine the perfect blend of crunchy cashews and crispy quinoa, all held together by silky smooth chocolate – it's a snack that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
- Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies: These aren’t your grandma’s cookies, but they might just become your family’s new tradition – imagine the classic chocolate chip cookie, now with a quinoa twist for added texture and nutrition.
- Quinoa Energy Bars: For those days when life just doesn’t pause, these Quinoa Energy Bars are your go-to snack, packing a flavorful punch of nuts, fruits, and quinoa to keep you going.
- Quinoa Chocolate Bark: This recipe turns quinoa into a decadent but simple dessert, proving that chocolate bark can be both a luxurious treat and a source of nutrition.
Double Chocolate Quinoa Brownies
Ingredients
- 6 ounces dark chocolate chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or earth balance
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- ¾ cup all purpose gluten free flour blend or all purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 large eggs or flax eggs
- ¾ cup sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup plain yogurt or coconut yogurt
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 9 x 9 square pan with parchment paper allowing the sides of the parchment paper to overlap the pan.
- Place a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water and add dark chocolate and butter. Melt, stirring occasionally and being careful to not allow the water to touch the chocolate.
- Meanwhile, place quinoa and flour in a blender. Process for 2 minutes. Add cocoa powder, salt and baking soda. Process until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl combine eggs (or flax eggs), sugar and maple syrup. Whisk until well combined. Add yogurt, coconut oil, vanilla extract and melted chocolate.
- Add wet ingredients to the quinoa mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in walnuts. (optional) Place batter in prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and place pan on rack. Allow to cool completely. Use the parchment paper to lift brownies from pan, cut and serve.
Shannon Graham
A much healthier brownie than what I eat! Love it!