Kale Brownies

Kale Brownies Yes, kale brownies… I promise I’m not crazy. Kale Brownies Adapted from Zucchini Brownies loosely-packed 3 cups kale or spinach leaves (80g) 1/2 cup applesauce (120g) 2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups water (360g) 3 tbsp ground flax (18g) 3/4 cup vegetable or melted coconut oil (115g) 1 cup coconut flour (135g) (Coconut-free recipes are linked at the very bottom of this post.) 3/4 cup cacao or cocoa powder (65g) 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 3/4 cup xylitol or sugar of choice (150g) 1/16 tsp pure stevia, or 2 extra tbsp sugar of choice 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, optional Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, or grease well. Blend together the first 6 ingredients (if using coconut oil, make sure applesauce and water are not cold). In a large mixing bowl, stir together all remaining ingredients. Pour wet into dry and stir until just evenly combined, pour into the prepared pan, then use a full sheet of parchment or wax paper to press down firmly until the batter evenly covers the pan. Bake 19-20 minutes. Pat down hard with a pancake spatula or another sheet of parchment paper. Let brownies sit 15 minutes before cutting into squares. (As a general rule, cutting brownies with a plastic knife prevents crumbling.) They taste 10 times better the next day, so make them in advance if possible. Makes 20-24 squares. (Frosting recipe is below the next photos.) Kale Brownies Nutrition Facts     Frost the coconut flour brownies with either  Healthy Chocolate Frosting or with the following: 1/2 cup cacao or cocoa powder (40g) 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or agave (30g) 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, melted (75g) chocolate chips for the tops, optional Mix the frosting ingredients to form a sauce. Spread over the kale brownies, top with chocolate chips if desired, then refrigerate or freeze 10-20 minutes; the sauce magically transforms into chocolate frosting! Due to the melty nature of the coconut oil, the frosted brownies are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer (they thaw well). The healthy brownies are high in fiber and Vitamins A, C, and K, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, vegan, low in sugar or sugar-free, and they also offer Omega 3s! from  Chocolate Covered Katie