Beetroot brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, bringing a vibrant color and subtle earthy sweetness to the table. Perfect for those looking to sneak a bit of veggie goodness into their dessert, these brownies are a must-try for curious bakers and chocolate lovers alike.
All-purpose flour forms the base of these brownies, providing structure. Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, essential for any good brownie. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. Baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly, while salt enhances all the flavors. The star ingredient, beet puree, not only adds moisture but also imparts a subtle earthiness and vibrant hue. Unsalted butter, when melted, incorporates smoothly, adding richness. Eggs bind everything together, creating a tender crumb, and vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth. Finally, dark chocolate chips provide pockets of melted chocolate goodness throughout the brownies.
These beetroot brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle them with a bit of melted dark chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your brownies bake evenly. Grab a 9x9 inch baking pan and grease it well; you can use butter or a non-stick spray. This will help you avoid any sticking issues later on.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they're well combined, as this step sets the foundation for your batter.
Next, in a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine the beet puree, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and uniform in texture.
Now, it's time to bring it all together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing gently. Stop once everything is just combined — overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Fold in the dark chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they're evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process will allow them to set and makes cutting them into squares much easier.