Name: Breakfast brownies: Easy indulgence with turkey bacon and nuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups quick-cooking oats; 0.75 cups brown sugar; 0.75 cups flax seed meal; 0.5 cups gluten-free all purpose baking flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 banana, mashed; 0.25 cups rice milk; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Introduction to Breakfast Brownies

Are you a young professional looking for a delicious yet nutritious morning option? Say hello to breakfast brownies! These delightful treats combine the indulgence of a brownie with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for busy mornings. They bring together quick-cooking oats, flax seed meal, and the natural sweetness of bananas to create a breakfast option that’s both satisfying and energizing.

What makes breakfast brownies a great choice for young professionals?

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these brownies and pop them in the oven, saving valuable time on hectic mornings.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutrients and free from gluten and dairy, these brownies cater to various dietary preferences. The inclusion of oats and flax seeds ensures you get a good dose of fiber, perfect for keeping you full until lunch.
Versatile and Delicious: Whether you enjoy them on their own, paired with some turkey bacon, or topped with a dollop of yogurt, breakfast brownies are incredibly versatile.

With these brownies in your breakfast rotation, you can start your day on a sweet note without sacrificing nutrition. Plus, they're a hit with kids too—so you can enjoy them as a family! Check out delicious variations of breakfast brownies on Healthline for even more inspiration.

Ingredients for Breakfast Brownies

Essential ingredients for a hearty breakfast

If you’re looking for a delicious way to kick-start your day, these breakfast brownies are an excellent choice! They're not only quick to make but packed with nutritional goodness. Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

Quick-cooking oats lend a hearty texture and keep you full longer.
Brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while flax seed meal provides healthy fats and fiber.
For a gluten-free option, we use gluten-free all-purpose baking flour.
Baking powder helps them rise, and a dash of ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.
A ripe banana keeps these brownies moist, complemented by rice milk for a dairy-free twist.
Don’t forget the egg for binding and the touch of vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.

Dietary considerations: gluten-free and dairy-free options

These breakfast brownies are wonderfully adaptable! They cater to those following gluten-free and dairy-free diets without sacrificing taste. By using gluten-free flour and rice milk, anyone can enjoy this delightful treat. Plus, there are other substitutions you can explore, such as using flax eggs or nut milk alternatives if you want even more variety in your breakfast. For more tips on accommodating dietary restrictions, check out Nutrition.gov for helpful resources.

With the right ingredients, you’ll find that breakfast can be indulgent yet nutritious!

Preparing Breakfast Brownies

Embarking on the journey to create your breakfast brownies is not just about baking; it's about embracing a deliciously nutritious start to your day. Let’s walk through the process together, step by step!

Gather your ingredients

Before diving into the baking, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. For these breakfast brownies, you'll need:

1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup flax seed meal
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 banana, mashed
¼ cup rice milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Having everything within arm’s reach will make the preparation seamless and enjoyable. This quick organization set-up is a time-saver and minimizes distractions while you bake.

Prepare the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry components. Start by mixing the quick oats, brown sugar, flax seed meal, gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. It's important to blend them well so the flavors unify and every bite of your breakfast brownies is deliciously consistent.

Combine the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, it’s time to focus on your wet ingredients. Mash one ripe banana until smooth (the riper, the better!). Then add the rice milk, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings in moisture and flavor to your brownies. Make sure to stir until everything is well combined and there's no trace of banana lumps left – unless you love banana chunks, of course!

Mix the dry and wet ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and who wants that? You want a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth!

Pour into the baking pan

Take your light greased 8x10-inch baking pan and pour the batter into it. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, ensuring that it will bake uniformly. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a few extra oats on top for added texture. This step is all about bringing visual appeal to your breakfast brownies.

Bake the breakfast brownies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and pop your pan inside. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, cover the pan with a towel for about five minutes to trap moisture—making for an even tastier brownie!

Once those delightful breakfast brownies are ready and cooled slightly, cut them into squares and serve warm. They’re perfect for on-the-go mornings or as a sweet treat for brunch with friends. Enjoy!

Variations on Breakfast Brownies

Nutty Breakfast Brownies with Almonds

For a delightful twist, try adding chopped almonds to your breakfast brownies. They add a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats, perfect for keeping you full until lunch. Simply stir in ½ cup of chopped almonds into the batter before baking. If you're looking for more nut-based options, consider walnuts or pecans as alternatives. Their rich flavors pair wonderfully with the chocolatey notes of the brownies, elevating your morning routine.

For more ideas, check out this Healthline article on the nutritional benefits of nuts.

Chocolate Chip Breakfast Brownies

If you’re a chocolate lover, adding chocolate chips to your breakfast brownies is a must. Fold in ½ cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent yet healthy treat that will make getting out of bed a little easier. This variation satisfies your sweet tooth while still being a wholesome breakfast option. For more on how to incorporate chocolate in your diet, explore Nerd Fitness.

These variations keep your breakfast brownies fresh and exciting, perfect for busy mornings when you need a little pick-me-up!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Breakfast Brownies

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To ensure your breakfast brownies have a delightful texture, be mindful of ingredient ratios. Use precise measurements—especially for flour and oats—to avoid dryness. A mashed banana not only flavors but also helps bind the batter, enhancing moisture. If your mixture seems too thick, adding a splash more of rice milk can work wonders.

How to Keep Brownies Moist

Keeping your breakfast brownies moist is easier than you think! Cover the baking pan with a towel once they're out of the oven; this traps moisture and prevents drying out. After baking, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. For added richness, consider a light drizzle of maple syrup or nut butter on top—it's delicious!

For more baking tips, check out resources from culinary experts such as Sally's Baking Addiction for fantastic insights on ingredient substitutions and moisture retention techniques.

Serving suggestions for Breakfast Brownies

Pairing with fruit for a balanced meal

To turn your breakfast brownies into a well-rounded meal, consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit. Sliced bananas or berries not only add a burst of flavor but also essential vitamins and antioxidants. Did you know that berries are packed with fiber and antioxidants? They can elevate your breakfast experience while keeping it healthy.

Serving with a dollop of yogurt or nut butter

Another delightful option is to top your breakfast brownies with a generous dollop of yogurt or your favorite nut butter. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a protein boost, while nut butters like almond or peanut butter give a rich, nutty flavor. This combination enhances your breakfast while providing a satisfying texture. So go ahead, indulge, and enjoy every bite! For more topping ideas, check out this article on healthy breakfast additions.

Time Breakdown for Breakfast Brownies

Preparation time

The preparation time for these delightful breakfast brownies is about 15 minutes. This gives you enough time to gather your ingredients, mix them up, and prepare the baking pan.

Cooking time

Once your mixture is ready, pop them in the oven! The cooking time will take approximately 20 minutes to achieve that perfect, fudgy texture.

Total time

In just 40 minutes total, you can have a batch of luscious breakfast brownies ready to enjoy. Talk about a quick and satisfying breakfast option!

For more tips on time management in the kitchen, check out resources from Food Network or Serious Eats.

Nutritional Facts for Breakfast Brownies

Calories per Serving

Each breakfast brownie contains approximately 129 calories. This makes them a guilt-free option to kickstart your day without overindulging.

Key Nutrients: Protein, Fiber, and More

These delightful brownies offer a nutritious boost:

Protein: 3g – Great for muscle health and keeping you satiated.
Dietary Fiber: 3g – Supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Total Sugars: 10g – Provides quick energy without a sugar crash.
Calcium & Iron: Essential for bone health and oxygen transport in the blood.
Potassium: 149mg – Aids in nerve function and muscle control.

With a well-rounded profile, these breakfast brownies are not just a delicious treat; they're also packed with benefits that align with a healthy lifestyle. For more insights on healthy breakfast options, check out the American Heart Association for additional guidance on nutritious eating.

FAQs about Breakfast Brownies

Can breakfast brownies be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whip up a batch of breakfast brownies ahead of time, making your morning routine smooth and hassle-free. Simply bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!

What’s the best way to store them?

To maintain their freshness, store your breakfast brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, go ahead and refrigerate them. For optimal taste and texture, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

Are there alternatives for sweeteners?

If you want to explore different sweeteners for your breakfast brownies, options like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can work wonders. You can also try using stevia or monk fruit for a zero-calorie alternative. Just remember that you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly when using liquid sweeteners. Be sure to check out this article on sweetener conversions for more insights!

Conclusion on Breakfast Brownies

These breakfast brownies are not just a wholesome start to your day; they also bring smiles and energy to the table. Quick to prepare, gluten-free, and delicious, they’re a fantastic choice for busy mornings. Try them out, and let us know how your family enjoys this tasty treat!

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this healthy smoothie recipe or explore oat-based breakfast options that fit seamlessly into your morning routine.