There’s something truly delightful about discovering a dessert that marries indulgence with nutrition. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie, only to realize it’s not just a treat, but a smart choice packed with protein and fiber. After a long week of fast food and convenience snacks, I found myself craving something that could satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. Enter these Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies.
Made with wholesome chickpeas, they boast a chewy texture and a deep chocolate flavor, while a luscious, creamy hazelnut frosting elevates them to pure bliss. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and surprisingly low in sugar—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the sweeter side of life without compromising their health goals. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these brownies promise to be a crowd-pleaser that transforms your dessert game. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that guarantees satisfaction with every rich bite!
Why are Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies irresistible?
Decadent and guilt-free, these brownies deliver the best of both worlds with their rich chocolate flavor and nutritious ingredients.
Easy to make, they whip up quickly, perfect for those spontaneous cravings.
Vegan and gluten-free, this recipe caters to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can indulge.
High in protein from chickpeas, these treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fuel your body.
Luscious frosting adds a creamy finish that enhances the brownie’s fudginess, making them utterly irresistible.
Perfect for sharing, whether at gatherings or as a sweet surprise for yourself, these brownies are the antidote to fast food burnout!
Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Ingredients
Get ready to create your new favorite treat with these healthy chocolate hazelnut brownies!
For the Brownies
- Chickpeas – Main ingredient providing structure and chewiness; opt for canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed for convenience.
- Cocoa Powder – A must-have for rich chocolate flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened to keep sugars low.
- Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; if you prefer, substitute with agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Nut Butter – Enhances flavor with healthy fats; use hazelnut butter for that Nutella-inspired taste or almond butter as an alternative.
- Baking Powder – Lightens the texture slightly, helping achieve that cozy fudginess.
- Aquafaba – Acts as an egg substitute, binding the ingredients together; essential for this vegan recipe.
For the Frosting
- Hazelnuts – Provides flavor and texture in the creamy frosting; feel free to swap with almonds if needed.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess while keeping the sugar content low; a dairy-free yogurt can also work as a substitute.
These Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are not just a treat; they’re a perfect blend of satisfaction and nutrition. Get ready to indulge without the guilt!
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for your brownies, while you prepare the baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Blend Chickpeas: In a food processor, blend the drained and rinsed chickpeas until smooth. This creamy base is essential for achieving that chewy texture, so blend until there are no lumps.
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth chickpea blend with cocoa powder, maple syrup, nut butter, and baking powder. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the batter is thick and fudgy.
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Prepare Brownie Batter: Stir the mixture until fully combined. The final batter should resemble a rich chocolate pudding, dense yet spreadable, promising a delightful chew once baked.
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Bake: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 28 minutes, or until the edges feel firm and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool Brownies: After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps them set perfectly before you frost them.
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Make Frosting: While the brownies cool, blend hazelnuts until they reach a nut butter consistency. Whisk in the Greek yogurt and sweeten with your choice of maple syrup or agave for a creamy, luscious frosting.
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Apply Frosting: Once the brownies have cooled completely, generously spread the creamy frosting over the top, ensuring it covers every inch for that irresistible finish.
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Chill: Place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will help the frosting set, giving you a perfect slice every time.
Optional: Top with chopped hazelnuts for an extra crunch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these rich brownies with complementary flavors and textures that delight the palate.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries perfectly balances the richness of the brownies, adding a refreshing twist.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This fluffy addition brings a lightness and tropical flair that enhances each chocolate bite, making it feel truly indulgent.
- Espresso or Coffee: A bold cup of coffee or a shot of espresso harmonizes beautifully with chocolate, deepening those delightful flavors while providing a cozy vibe.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top for added texture; its nutty flavors will enhance the hazelnut experience.
Serve these brownies with a side of ice cream for a traditional dessert feel. Vanilla or coconut ice cream offers a creamy contrast that complements the chewy texture.
- Mint Tea: Offering a soothing profile, mint tea rounds off the sweetness with a refreshing touch, perfect for palate cleansing after a decadent treat.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the brownies; it amplifies the chocolate experience while being utterly irresistible.
- Nut Milk: A chilled glass of almond or cashew milk pairs perfectly with these brownies, providing a creamy counterpart that accentuates their flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Fridge: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen brownies in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm, fudgy texture.
Serving Suggestions: These delightful brownies can be enjoyed chilled or warmed up, offering a deliciously nutritious treat whenever you need a sweet fix!
Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize these brownies to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe, allergy-friendly alternative that retains a creamy texture.
- Sweetener Swap: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup for a low-calorie sweet option without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of warm, inviting flavor that enhances the chocolate.
- Extra Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added texture and a delightful nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Amp up the decadence by folding in dark chocolate chips or chunks before baking for rich chocolate bursts in each bite.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate mashed ripe banana or applesauce for added moisture and a hint of fruity sweetness while keeping the brownies healthy.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper into the batter for a unique flavor profile that adds warmth and a little kick.
- Different Frosting: Swap the hazelnut frosting for a creamy peanut butter frosting for a different nutty combination that’s just as delicious.
Experiment away, and make these Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies your own!
Make Ahead Options
Prepare to streamline your dessert game with these make-ahead tips for your Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies! You can mix the brownie batter and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you precious time on baking day. Additionally, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time—blend and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the brownies and allow them to cool before applying the frosting. This ensures that your brownies are just as delicious and fresh as if made on the spot, all while saving you effort during busy weeknights!
Tips for the Best Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
- Smooth Chickpeas: Ensure your chickpeas are blended until completely smooth to avoid graininess in your brownies. The creaminess is key for the perfect texture.
- Use Unsweetened Cocoa: Always choose unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the sugar content low while still achieving that rich chocolate flavor your taste buds crave.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added your ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies; you want a fudgy consistency that’s still light.
- Chill to Set: Allow the frosting to chill before spreading. This helps it hold its shape beautifully on the brownies and adds to the overall appeal.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. They can go quickly from perfect to overcooked; check a few minutes early for moist crumbs on the toothpick.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies!
Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies Recipe FAQs
What kind of chickpeas should I use for the brownies?
Absolutely! I recommend using canned chickpeas that are drained and rinsed to save time. This will provide the right texture for your brownies. If you prefer, you can also cook dried chickpeas, but that requires extra time.
How should I store the brownies?
For storage, place your Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This method helps retain their moist texture and rich flavor. If you freeze them, they’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I freeze the brownies and how?
Very much so! To freeze, first wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can thaw one at a time whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat! Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Are there any allergy considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! These brownies are gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free, making them suitable for many dietary restrictions. However, keep in mind if you’re serving anyone with nut allergies; you can substitute hazelnuts in the frosting with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
A fantastic question! Once baked for about 28 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached—not wet batter. The edges will also feel a bit firm while the center remains slightly soft; that’s the perfect fudgy texture!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the brownies?
Certainly! If you’d like a sweeter brownie, you can add a little more maple syrup or even some chopped dark chocolate. Feel free to taste the batter before baking and adjust it according to your personal preference. Enjoy experimenting!
Decadent Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the drained and rinsed chickpeas until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth chickpea blend with cocoa powder, maple syrup, nut butter, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Stir the mixture until fully combined, resembling a rich chocolate pudding.
- Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 28 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- While the brownies cool, blend hazelnuts until reaching a nut butter consistency. Mix in Greek yogurt and sweeten with maple syrup.
- Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.