OMG. I accidentally birthed the most ridiculously fudgy and dream-like brownies for your faces! With the mission of creating the ultimate healthy brownie recipe (like my Healthy Pumpkin Brownies and Healthy Zucchini Brownies, I realized I had a number of ripe avocados on the counter just begging to be loved. Brownies always call for a substantial amount of fat—whether that’s butter, oil, nut butter, or in our case, avocado. (Cheers to the extra boost from the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, too!) We’re also using a bit of butter for classic brownie flavor and melted chocolate because…chocolate. Fat is the foundation for moist, fudgy brownies with that delectable crumb. While I love the taste of avocado, I happily swear that these healthier brownies taste absolutely nothing like avocado. The walnuts provide much-needed crunch!
Tips to make avocado brownies
These bad boys are made in the food processor to help break down the avocado. Now there are a couple factors at play when it comes to your epically rich, decadent, and fudgy brownie game.
First, we’re not using a leavening agent like baking soda. I wanted these to be far from cakey. Ya dig? Next, we’re using plenty of fat (avocado, butter, and chocolate), including a couple plant-based unsaturated fats (avocado and walnuts), and less flour. A mere half cup of whole wheat pastry flour, to be exact! It’s my favorite flour to make pancakes and beyond with thanks to its fluffiness. We’re also not over-mixing as we don’t want to stress the gluten. No hard brownies allowed! Notice the lovely top of these brownies? Experts say that beating the eggs long enough is the key to that divine exterior. These are denser and more fudge-like than your typical brownie, but in the best way.
My mumsy was famous for her walnut brownies growing up. I appreciate the nutty deliciousness and crunch of walnuts way more now that I’m an adult, but I can’t eat a walnut brownie today without thinking about hers. Totally gives me the warm and fuzzies! I love the complexity of flavor and texture that walnuts add to these avocado brownies. We’re using an entire cup to maximize the walnut goodness.
Are avocado brownies healthy?
Did you know walnuts are primarily comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids (13g/oz) whereas most nuts contain mostly monounsaturated fatty acids? That’s why walnuts are the only nuts that are a significant source of the plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (2.5g/oz ALA). Furthermore, a study in London looked at the impact of a Mediterranean-style diet on maternal and offspring outcomes. It examined 1,252 multi-ethnic inner-city pregnant women with metabolic risk factors like obesity and chronic hypertension. Researchers found those who followed a Mediterranean diet with a daily portion of nuts (half being walnuts) and extra virgin olive oil saw a 35% lower risk of gestational diabetes. How cool is that?
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite all purpose gluten-free baking flour. I imagine almond flour would also work. Coconut flour will not! Brownie on! This post is sponsored by California Walnuts, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Hummusapien possible!
