Can we have chocolate while on the Clean Program? The answer is a definite yes! Here are some chocolate fudge brownies to prove it. Free of flour, dairy, refined sugar, these are entirely cleanse-friendly. We feel like we’re indulging in a decadent treat, almost without noticing that we’re being packed with protein and healthy fats. There’s nothing to feel guilty about.
We’ve been making these chocolate fudge brownies for a while now, trying different ingredients, but recently made them with the addition of Gnosis raw chocolate. The results were fantastic. If you know ahead of time you will be making them for an event or party, you can order some or just stock up before your next cleanse!
These are wonderful for kids too! If you are looking for other special chocolate cleanse-friendly recipes, we recommend this delicious chocolate pie or this amazing chocolate shake. We also recommend making your own hemp milk to make a protein-packed version of the traditional treat.
Makes 24 small brownies or 12 large ones, depending on how strong your chocolate craving is (or how generous you feel when making them for others).
Fudge Brownies Ingredients:
3/4 cup coconut nectar
1/2 cup coconut oil (softened)
1/2 cup raw cacao powder OR unsweetened cocoa powder OR carob
2 cups almond butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 ounces dark chocolate melted (we use cleanse-friendly Gnosis bars; or others sweetened with coconut nectar)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
You can also be creative, adding nuts, coconut, dried fruit, whatever you like.
Directions:
Grease a 9×12 baking pan. Preheat oven to 325.
In a small pot over medium-low heat, being careful not to scorch it, slowly melt the 4 ounces of dark chocolate until just barely melted. It helps to occasionally stir with a wooden spoon as it’s melting and to remove from heat as soon as it’s creamy. Hopefully it’s timed to be done just as you’re ready to add to the other ingredients below.
In a large bowl put the cacao powder in first, then add in this order: coconut nectar, almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla, baking soda and sea salt. Mix well, making sure the coconut oil is well mashed and incorporated.
Add the melted chocolate and combine.
Mix the chips or truffle pieces (if using) and stir a few additional times.
Pour the batter into the baking dish, and spread until even with a spatula. Feel free to lick the bowl and the spatula at this point.
These bake for 30-40 minutes. Set a timer for 20 minutes, wait, turn the pan 180 degrees, and set the timer again for another 10 minutes. After this time has elapsed, the fudge brownies may be done, or they may need another 10 minutes.
The brownies’ readiness is going to vary depending on many factors, typical of baking (gluten-free especially). The brownie edges should be browned and firm but not too dark, it’s better to have the middle set as they cool rather than burn them. If they do get a tiny bit over-baked, just trim the edges with a sharp knife.
Let the brownies cool for quite a while before trying to slice, since they’re most often quite gooey and hard to cut. It just means they’re extra delicious!
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