Beetroot brownies
Treat yourself to the pleasure of our tempting beetroot brownies without feeling guilty! These delicious treats guarantee a delicious chocolate experience with a fraction of the fat found in traditional brownies. These brownies perfectly combine the rich sweetness of beetroot with the intense flavor of cocoa and are a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just looking for an innocent indulgence, our beetroot brownies will satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way. Treat yourself to this divine dessert that proves healthy choices can still be delicious!
Ingredients
- 500 g whole raw beetroot (3-4 medium-sized beets)
- 100g unsalted butter, plus some butter for the tin
- 200 g bar of dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250g golden powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 100g plain flour
- 25g cocoa powder
Tip
No microwave?
If you don’t have a microwave,
Boil the whole, unpeeled beetroot
tender (leaving the peel prevents this
from waterlogging), then peel
and use as above. For a real cheat use
400g fully cooked beetroot – just be careful
to buy the guy without vinegar!
Preparation steps
- Wearing a pair of rubber gloves to prevent your hands from becoming discolored, then cut off the top, tail and peel of the beetroot – you will need about 400g of pulp. Roughly chop and place in a large bowl. Add a splash of water, cover with cling film and then microwave on high for 12 minutes or until tender.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. While the beetroot is cooking, brush it with butter and then line a 20x30cm traybake or small roasting tin. Roughly chop the chocolate and cut the butter into cubes. Place the cooked beets in a colander, allow any excess liquid to drain, then place them in a food processor or blender along with the chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is as smooth as possible. The chocolate and butter melt.
- Place the sugar and eggs in a large bowl, then beat with an electric mixer until thick, light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the beetroot mixture to the bowl (it won’t look too pretty at this point, but be patient) and then fold it into the beaten eggs with a large metal spoon. Try to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. Sift the flour and cocoa powder and fold in carefully until a smooth dough forms.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until risen, with just a tiny quiver showing under the center of the crust when you shake the pan. Allow to cool completely in the tin and then cut into squares.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 255 | 13g | 7g | 32g | 24g | 2g | 4g | 0.11g |
Equipment and tools
To prepare beetroot brownies you will need the following equipment and tools:
- Baking pan (greased with butter)
- microwave
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
- spatula
- Knife
- cutting board
Allergen information
The beetroot brownies recipe contains the following allergens:
- Dairy products (unsalted butter)
Storage and leftovers
After making beetroot brownies, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store them in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave before enjoying.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Brownies
Beetroot brownies may sound like an unconventional dessert, but this unique twist on a classic treat offers a number of health benefits. The main ingredient, beetroot, is a nutritional powerhouse that gives this delicious dessert more than just vibrant color. Let’s explore the health benefits of beetroot brownies and why you might want to give them a try.
Rich in antioxidants
Beetroot is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals. The bright red color of beets comes from a pigment called betalain, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. By eating beetroot brownies, you can increase your antioxidant intake and potentially reduce your risk of chronic disease.
Heart-healthy components
Beets are also known for their heart-healthy properties. It contains dietary nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. These nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels, reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. Including beets in your brownies can contribute to better heart health.
Nutrient-rich supplement
In addition to antioxidants and heart-healthy compounds, beets are rich in essential nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and fiber. Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps your body absorb iron efficiently. Folate is crucial for cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. By incorporating beets into your brownies, you can get these essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Possible increase in training performance
Research suggests that consuming beets can increase exercise performance due to their nitrate content. Nitrates help improve oxygen delivery to muscles, resulting in increased endurance and potentially better athletic performance. While beetroot brownies alone may not give you a competitive edge, adding beets could give your workout an extra nutritional boost.
Next time you’re craving something sweet, give beetroot brownies a try. Not only do they offer a unique and delicious taste, but they also come with a number of health benefits. From antioxidants to heart-healthy compounds to essential nutrients, these brownies are a guilt-free treat that can contribute to your overall well-being.
