Brownies don’t need the melted butter to stay fudgy and rich. A triple hit of heart-healthy ingredients in the form of olive oil, dark chocolate, and walnuts, this is a treat you can feel good about sharing with those you love (or keeping all to yourself).
Tip: Replace the dried cherries with fresh when in season.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or light-tasting olive oil
1/3 cup (80 mL) packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
2 large organic eggs
1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract or vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60 mL) spelt flour or whole wheat flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cherries or dried cranberries, roughly chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) square pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on all sides.
In double boiler or medium saucepan over very low heat, melt chocolate with olive oil. Remove from heat and cool for a few minutes. Mix in sugar, eggs, and extract, followed by flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in walnuts and cherries or cranberries. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until moist in centre and slightly dry on top. Cool completely in pan before slicing.
Each serving contains: 305 calories; 4 g protein; 20 g total fat (7 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 29 g total carbohydrates (19 g sugars, 4 g fibre); 88 mg sodium
