You have probably heard of replacing oil with applesauce in a baking recipe (if you haven’t it is very easy- simply replace measure for measure- equally.) I recently heard about ditching the eggs and using chia seeds instead which offer many health benefits equal or greater than that of eggs. I also learned that the same can be done with ground flaxseeds. The best part is that chia seeds and flaxseeds don’t contain the cholesterol found in eggs and they both contain healthy protein. I decided to put my new found knowledge to the test.
Ya, I cheated……I bought a store bought brownie mix. Next time I will whip up my own mix but this time was purely scientific. Can you replace both the oil and the eggs and still have delicious brownies? Well…..YES!!
I made my batch using the store bought brownie mix and 1 1/4 cups water, just like the directions on the box said. However, instead of a cup of vegetable oil, I substituted a cup of unsweetened applesauce. I then mixed two tablespoons of ground flax seed with six tablespoons of water until it had a gel-like consistency. (The rule is 1 tbsp ground flax seed and 3 tbsp of water for one egg.)
My favorite part of baking is eating the raw batter (come on- who doesn’t lick the spoon?) and this little treat becomes a little safer without the raw eggs. As much as I want to devour the entire bowl of chocolate deliciousness I had to resist- the batter is for baking this time!
I have to say, they turned out well. Normal. As delicious as brownies can get. There is no difference in taste whatsoever. Only these brownies were healthier because they contain flaxseed. Good flaxseed.
I wonder if you can scramble flaxseed and water like eggs for breakfast? Hmmmmm…….probably not.
Chews to be happy!
Jenna Parsons
Sunday 19th of July 2015
This is perfect! I don't have any vegetable oil, but I do have flaxseed!