These healthy choc peppermint brownies are rich, fudgy, and full of flavour—with wholesome ingredients that make them a feel-good treat any day of the week.
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Before you close the page muttering to yourself 'oh dear the sleep deprivation has made her mad' let me ensure you I still have all, ok most, of my marbles and this actually tastes 1000% better than it looks.
There's something about green and baking and me that usually results in something not too pretty.
In this case, it was my attempt at a healthy peppermint icing to complete my healthy choc peppermint brownies.
I think they'd look a lot better had my blender done its job and actually made the icing smooth. The sesame seeds through it aren't a great look but they actually add a nice crunch.
I've been dreaming of a good brownie for a while now and spotted a rather tempting looking one on Pinterest (I spend a lot of time on Pinterest during early morning feeds).
Not only was it a gooey, rich brownie but it was topped with a peppermint buttercream and my mouth watered at the thought of it.
Seeing as I am now carrying around a few extra kgs from hosting Bubba C for 9 months, I'm trying not to be too naughty but you know me, I can't resist a treat.
Plus, being St Patrick's Day and with a maiden name of Kelly, I thought the green icing would make it perfect for the Irish celebration and fitting for this month's Sweet Adventures Blog Hop theme 'The luck o' the Irish' hosted by the lovely JJ over at 84th & 3rd.
While it's not the prettiest looking thing, the brownie is super rich and gooey. The icing is not too sweet but adds a little flavour boost and they're reasonably healthy.
Next time I'm going to use almond meal instead of the flour to make them gluten free as well. Is now too early to make another batch? Enjoy!
What about you? Are you making something special for St Patrick's Day?
Recipe
Healthy choc peppermint brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- ¾ cup wholemeal flour
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cacoa
- ¼ cup cocoa
- ¾ cup melted coconut oil
- 3 free-range eggs
Icing
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon peppermint
- 3 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon natural green food colouring
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 160C (350F) fan-forced and grease and line a 20x20cm (8x8") square cake tin with baking paper.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine all the brownie ingredients until smooth.
- Spread the batter into the tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or just until the top is firm.
- They will continue to cook out of the oven and you want them gooey so don't over-cook.
- Leave to cool in the tin.
- To make the icing, combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Spread the icing on the cooled brownies.
Nutrition
Danielle says
Maybe I'm a bit weird but I think these look great and even though St Patrick's Day is over I'm looking forward to trying these with natural green colouring ;-)
Claire says
Not weird at all Danielle. Thanks!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I didn't make anything green this year but if I'd seen these brownies first I'd have given them a go.
Claire says
I just scraped in at the last minute!
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas says
You had me at coconut sugar. Love the flavour it brings to baking. It's never to early to bake more by the way ;)
Claire says
I may just take you up on that Tania!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I totally missed St Patricks day because I've been on a plane! But I love the idea of these brownies and never did I think that you had gone mad :)
Claire says
Oh no! I hope they had some sort of celebration!
JJ - 84thand3rd says
How fun! Chocolate and mint are such a great combo. I find that grinding seeds or nuts before adding anything else breaks them down much easier. Thanks for sharing and hope the bub is doing well. xx
Claire says
Thanks for the tip JJ. I'll do that next time!
Yasmin says
Ok I can work with this recipe - but you mentioned almond meal - I'm not gluten intolerant but I have some I want to use, so is it 1:1 and what are alternatives to cacao - I'm assuming chocolate - but not sure of the quantity.
Claire says
I would say you can use it 1:1 yep. You can use cocoa instead of cacao if you like. It should just be the same amount.
My Kitchen Stories says
Well it is full of healthy ingredients ( or I am being told constantly that coconut oil is healthy). Eat up Claire you are a busy Mum.
Claire says
If you insist :-)