Decadent Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies

Makes 9-12 servings

1 ½ c Almond Butter (raw or unroasted, if possible)

1 ½ c Applesauce*

Stevia, to taste (I use 7-8 “SweetLeaf” stevia packets)

¼ c Cacao Powder (or Cocoa Powder – not to be confused

with the comforting winter beverage; found in the baking aisle)

2 oz unsweetened Baker’s Chocolate, melted∞

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tbsp Vanilla

2 tsp fresh Lemon Juice

½ c chopped toasted Walnuts †

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º.

2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.

3. Combine all the ingredients except walnuts and lemon juice in a medium bowl and mix well to completely combine.

4. When a smooth batter is formed, add the lemon juice and mix completely again.

5. Add the chopped walnuts and stir just enough to combine them throughout the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the parchment lined baking dish and smooth it out evenly over the bottom of the dish with a spatula or large spoon.

7. Bake for 30-45 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick or sharp, clean knife is inserted into the middle of the dish and comes out clean.

8. Allow the brownies to cool for 20 minutes (hard to do, I know!) before digging in. These brownies are even better the next day 🙂 Enjoy!

*TIP: To make a sweeter brownie, reduce the applesauce to 1 ¼ c and add ¼ c raw honey.

∞TIP: The easiest way to melt baker’s chocolate is to use a sharp knife to “shave” it into small chunks – then place the chunks in a plastic or glass measuring cup and microwave for 1 ½ minutes. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the shaved chocolate on the stove.

For fluffier brownies you can skip the baker’s chocolate and use all cacao or cocoa powder (for a total amount of 1 c cacao powder).

† TIP: To toast the walnuts, spread them in an even single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Place them in a 350º oven and bake, stirring occasionally, until they begin to become fragrant – about 5-10 minutes. When the walnuts are toasted remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Either mix them into your brownies or store them in an airtight container on the counter to add to your salads 🙂