The Secret Ingredient for a Healthier Brownie Recipe

I have a serious sweet tooth, but if I indulge whenever the craving strikes, my jeans wouldn't fit. I also don't like feeling deprived, so I "healthified" one of my favorite baked goods (brownies!) by replacing some of the sugar with a naturally sweet prune puree. The end results was a delicious and nutritious chocolaty treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 brown sugar
• 1/2 cup prune puree (recipe below)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 5 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Use a food processor to make the prune puree and then combine it with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.
3. Pour batter in a prepared 8 X 8 baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until brownies are cooked all the way through.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.

Prune puree: In a saucepan, heat 15 pitted prunes with 4 tablespoons of water for 5-7 minutes, until prunes are soft. Remove pan from heat and pour prunes and water into a food processor. Blend until a paste forms.

Read more:

• Light and Luscious Cupcakes
• The Best Healthy Burger Recipes
• 17 Healthy Muffin Recipes