CHOCOLATE BROWNIE OR MOUSSE
Gluten Free | Egg Free | Dairy Free | Oil Free
Delicious as a brownie. So gooey and fudgy. A word of warning, if you do want brownies - do not eat all the batter before you bake it! However one taste of the batter and you might change your mind and take the mousse option.
You decide!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup roasted pumpkin flesh
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup chocolate chips - dairy free if vegan (optional)
METHOD
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a standard loaf pan with non stick baking paper.
Blend ingredients: Add 1 cup of roasted pumpkin flesh, peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter), 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a food processor. Blend until smooth and thick. The mixture should be fudgy and well combined. Taste for sweetness, add a little more maple syrup if needed. (Ideally use a food processor but I did successfully use a blender).
Add chocolate chips: If using: fold them into the mixture, reserving a few for topping if desired.
Transfer to pan: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top if you set some aside.
Bake: Cook for 20-25 minutes, until edges pull away from the pan. The centre should still be fudgy. Don't overbake!
Cool completely: Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the baking paper. Chill. Cut into slices and enjoy! Should cut into 8-10 slices and then cut into smaller squares.
Notes
For Chocolate Mousse: Skip the baking entirely! After blending in step 2, simply chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes and serve as a decadent chocolate mousse. It will make 4 serves (1/2 cup).
Storage:
Room temperature: 2 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator: 5 days (makes them even fudgier!)
Freezer: Up to 3 months wrapped individually
Variations: Try almond butter instead of peanut butter, add a pinch of cinnamon, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Delicious and healthier than standard brownies, but still best enjoyed mindfully or shared. The perfect treat when you make a conscious choice to include something you love as part of your balanced lifestyle.
CREDIT
This recipe is adapted to suit The New You from Shane & Simple's 4-Ingredient Sweet Potato Brownies. I've swapped in roasted pumpkin and discovered it works beautifully as both a brownie and a mousse!