Luscious Valentine's Brownie Heart

Luscious Valentine’s Brownie Heart

Valentine’s Day Brownie Hearts

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s all about finding a chocolate treat that will woo your sweet heart. Sure, you can buy a box of chocolates, or take that special friend out to eat. But nothing says I love you like a home baked dessert. These luscious Valentine’s Brownie Hearts will give you both the chocolate thrill you crave, with a little hidden healthfulness from our favorite fruit, the avocado.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Is it possible to have too much chocolate flavor in a brownie? In these, the brownie and the frosting are both flavored with pure cocoa and melted semisweet chocolate, for a deep, dark chocolate kick. Instead of butter, there’s a combination of avocado puree and coconut oil in the brownie, for that richness that makes a brownie a brownie. Because they have no eggs, you can underbake them just enough to leave the middles nice and moist.

Vegan Valentine's Hearts

Take a bite!

Red Berries are Required

Every Valentine’s I look at the pale, white shouldered strawberries, flown in from somewhere South, and sigh. But it is part of the annual festivities to buy some out of season berries, and perhaps dream wistfully of the summer berries to come. The raspberries are usually better than the strawberries, if you don’t mind laying out the cash. Berries always feel a little luxe in the wintertime, and that is what we are going for on Valentine’s Day.

Vegan Avocado Brownie Hearts

Bite into a Luscious Brownie Treat

Heart Shaped Brownies, or not…

I have heart shaped ramekins, but if you don’t you just need ramekins that hold at least 3/4 cup, or you could even use a muffin pan. The baking times might vary slightly if you use a different pan, so just test them and don’t overbake. You want that slightly gooey middle. It’s sexier.

For some other Valentine’s Treats, you could always try my Boozy Truffles or Chocolate Mousse Filo Nests, or Valentines Treats with Aphrodisiac Magic.

Avocado Brownie Hearts for Valentine's Day

Your luscious Brownie Hearts Hide a Healthy Secret

Avocadoes are Aphrodisiacs…

When you make these treats, you are using one of the foods that is on all the lists of aphrodisiac foods. Whether it makes you feel extra frisky, it’s hard to say. There are plenty of people eating avocado toast these days, maybe they know something we don’t. I can promise that the avocado helps nourish all your sexual systems, with good fats and fiber to keep your heart healthy.

Have a healthy, happy Valentine’s Day, whether you spend it with a lover, a friend, or by yourself. You deserve a treat, and chocolate always works.

 

Valentine's Brownie Hearts

These plant-based treats are chocolatey and delicious, and hide the fact that they are made richer with creamy avocado.
Course Dessert
Servings 6
Author Robin Asbell

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1/4 cup ground flax
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 ounce dark chocolate chopped
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large avocados mashed

Frosting

  • 2 large avocadoes
  • 2 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • strawberries and raspberries for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Oil 6 heart shaped ramekins that hold at least 3/4 cup (6 ounces), place on a sheet pan and reserve. 
  • In a cup, mix the flax and water and let stand to thicken.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda.
  • In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil and chocolate and microwave until melted. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until completely smooth, then stir in the chocolate mixture. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Scrape into the dry ingredients and stir only until mixed.
  • Use 1/2 cup portions to fill the prepared ramekins, and smooth the tops.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, leaving the middles underbaked. Cool on racks.
  • For frosting, place the avocado in the food processor and process until very smooth. Add the coconut cream, cocoa, vanilla and salt and blend. Add the melted chocolate and blend, scraping down and repeating until very smooth.
  • Run a knife around the sides of each brownie and tap out onto a plate. Spread the frosting on the hearts. Garnish with berries.