Rich, moist and easy to make, brownies are a favorite dessert for many. From blondies, fudgy, nutty and other varieties, they offer a delightful treat for any occasion.
Here on the homestead I’m all about making foods from scratch with healthy nutrient dense foods. One way to make healthier brownies is with my homemade chocolate sourdough brownies recipe.
With the large amount of fresh beets from my recent garden harvest, I wanted to find creative ways to use them up. In this homemade brownie recipe, we’ll be adding in one of my favorite garden vegetables giving these brownies a unique nutritious boost. The same delightful taste, enhanced with antioxidants, fiber, and digestive health benefits is what this recipe offers!
What are the health benefits of beets?
Beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable that are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These can provide various health benefits from reduced inflammation, boosting exercise performance, supporting heart health and digestive health.
They also contain nitrates that your body converts into nitric oxide. This helps relax blood vessels that can lowering overall blood pressure and improving circulation.
So why not add these health benefits into your favorite dessert!
Ingredients for Homemade Beet Brownies
Here's how to craft these perfect homemade beet brownies.
Cooked Pureed Beets:
Creating your own beet puree is easy. Take any amount of raw beets you want to create into a puree (2-3 for this recipe depending on size of beets). Place the beets in a pot of water, brining it to a boil and then let simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender. You can check this by using a fork to pierce them.
Peel your beats after they have cooled slightly. Tip using your hands with a paper towel can make this process easier.
Place your peeled beets into a blender or food processor. Blend the beets until smooth adding small amounts of water if necessary until it reaches a creamy consistency throughout.
Maple Syrup or Honey:
Personally I love using honey from my own bee hives. If you don't have your own hives do the next best thing and source from a local bee keeping farm. Sourcing local can come with a multitude of benefits not only for your community but also for your health.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar:
Don't have any brown sugar on hand?
If you have these two ingredients you can make your own in a pinch. Sugar and molasses. 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of molasses (or two tablespoons of molasses for a dark brown sugar) combine and mix in a bowl.
Homemade Beet Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked, pureed beets (about 2 medium beets)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Beets: If using fresh beets, boil or roast them until soft, then peel and puree in a food processor until smooth. You’ll need about 1 cup of beet puree.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the beet puree, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay for a fudgy texture).
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. Enjoy!
Video
FAQ
1) Can you taste the beets in beet brownies?
I was actually surprised when I made this recipe that I couldn't taste the beets. Think of all of those added health benefits and still having that delicious brownie taste!
2) Are beet brownies a healthier alternative?
Beet brownies can provide a healthier alternative to other brownie recipes by adding in the raw power of health benefits that beets provide. From lower calories overall to possible health benefits in gut and heart health they make for a great brownie option.
3) Can I make beet brownies gluten-free?
Yes, in this recipe replace all-purpose four with almond flour for a gluten-free brownie option to this recipe.
