Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Brownies
Relationships with food are extremely complex. How you were raised, emotions, stress, sleep, economics, health concerns and weight goals – those are just some of the factors involved.
Although it may not hold true for everyone, I believe a healthy relationship with food can and should involve the occasional indulgence. For those that need a sweet pick-me-up, most days you may want to look for something a bit more calorie-conscious like a mini-candy bar or a frozen fudge bar.
However, if a decadent chocolate brownie can curb your sweet tooth for several weeks, than I would absolutely try out the one below. I will be serving them up to my loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
Decadent Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with foil. Spray foil with non-stick spray. Set aside. Combine melted butter and cocoa powder and blend with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Beat in the flour and sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until just combined (batter will be thick.) Spread it evenly into prepared baking dish and bake 25-30 minutes.
- While baking, make frosting by beating together softened butter, milk, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Remove brownies from oven and let stand 15 minutes. Pour frosting over warm brownies. Let cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Lauren Cornay, RD, LN, is a registered dietitian at Avera Heart Hospital.
If you’d like to learn more about healthy diet choices, contact the Avera Heart Hospital Dietitian Team.
