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Even during Healthy January, everyone needs some Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies.

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

It’s true.

Don’t worry though, I made these healthy…ish. They are totally Healthy January approved, at least in my book anyway!

Plus, it’s FRIDAY, and we all need a brownie to celebrate making it through these first few days back after the holidays. Plus, it’s the very first Friday of the new year!

You guys? I cannot tell you how happy I am that it’s Friday. It’s been a long (short) week back after the holidays. It was a week filled with mostly good things…hello to walking through the studio barn with Christina, one of our amazing designers from Park and Oak, plus spending a good amount of time working on a new project for 2018. Along with maybe just a little stress (but then that’s nothing new).

One of my goals for the new year is to try to be as positive as possible, which for me is pretty hard. I tend to focus more on the negative, but 2018 is going to be the year I work at changing that! What goals/resolutions are you guys making this year? I’ll be sharing a few of mine in Sunday’s Nine Favorite Things post, which will finally be returning, after a month of all things holiday here on HBH.

Very excited!

But wait, I’m getting way ahead of myself here. First, I need to tell you about these brownies…their story…and their deliciousness!

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

As mentioned above, this week was filled with plenty of fun and exiting things, but it was also filled with just a smidge of stress, which is always to be expected when it comes to me and my brain (meaning I am a crazy person and I know it). When stress comes about, I always turn to baking (or call my mom). Something about doing exact measurements and baking something sweet for my family, friends, and I to enjoy always brings a sense of joy and happiness to me.

This week, I really wanted to do something rich and chocolatey, but since we’re in the beginning of healthy January, I wanted to make a chocolate treat that we could all feel good about eating.

Enter these gluten free, butter free, processed sugar-free, extra fudgy brownies…with double the dark chocolate on top, because I mean, dark chocolate contains all the antioxidants, and it’s pretty much health food. Duh.

PS. don’t question my thinking because I can argue longer.

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Ever since I made this Ricotta Banana Bread about a year ago, I have been obsessed with baking ricotta into my desserts. I love the moist texture, creaminess, and killer flavor it gives sweets. I also love that it’s protein rich and a good sub for things like butter and sour cream.

Normally, I don’t think I would have ever thought to stir fresh ricotta cheese into my brownie batter, but again, after that banana bread I realized what a major addition it can make to baked goods. When I had a container sitting in the fridge this past week, it was practically screaming at me every time I opened the fridge to make something with it.

Then the baking/chocolate craving came, and well, you can probably guess what happened from there.

Extra Fudgy BROWNIES.

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Just like any other brownie recipe, these are pretty simple, but unlike any other brownie recipe, these are filled with better for you ingredients, like dark chocolate, real maple syrup (in place of processed sugar), and almond flour.

Now, I’m not saying these are actual health food, but I am saying they are a healthier option when it comes to sweets. These brownies are perfect if you’re looking for ways to cut back, but still enjoy the sweeter pleasures in life.

The batter is mixed up all in one bowl, then just bake, cool, make the chocolate fudge frosting, spread the frosting over the brownies, cut, and eat. Quick, simple, easy, and delicious.

Fair warning, these brownies are probably not for those of you who like extra, extra sweet chocolatey things. The brownies, while super fudgy and yummy, are not extra sweet. I wanted to be sure to keep the sugar content as low as possible, so I used extra dark chocolate and a touch of maple to sweeten things up a bit. I found them to be perfect for my taste, but if you prefer a sweeter brownie, these might not be your thing.

If you love dark chocolate however, these are very much your thing. Also, if you love cheesecake, these are also probably for you. The ricotta gives the brownies that cheesecake like texture. So good!

After work today I’m taking Asher to redeem her Christmas present and get her nails done at the “spa” (what she calls the nail solon). I think these will be the perfect brownie for the two of us to bake together once we return…she’s SO excited, I love it!

You guys should do the same…the brownies, not the spa visit (although if you love the spa, you should do that too!).

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories Per Serving: 312 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Frosting

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
    2. Heat 2 ounces dark chocolate in the microwave until melted and smooth. Stir in the ricotta, eggs, maple syrup, instant coffee, and vanilla until completely smooth and no clumps remain. Add the cocoa powder, almond meal, and salt. Stir until just combined. Stir in the remaining 2 ounces of chopped dark chocolate.
    3. Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the brownies are just set. DO NOT over bake or these will become cakey. Allow to cool before frosting.
    4. To make the frosting, melt together the maple syrup, coconut oil, and dark chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa power. Pour the frosting over the brownies and spread in an even layer. Place the brownies in the fridge and allow the frosting to set 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. Enjoy!
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Extra Fudgy Ricotta Brownies | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Because everyone needs a little chocolate here and there.

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Comments

  1. Great recipe! They are super chocolatey and moist. They taste awesome! The best part is they are healthy! I substituted 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar for the maple syrup. Thanks Tieghan! Congratulations on your success.

  2. 4 stars
    I was skeptical about these, I don’t eat a lot of desserts so when I do, I don’t want “healthy” ones. But I had all of the ingredients so I I tried them and they were delicious! Gooey, chocolate yum! Gone within half an hour, my family loved them. Will definitely make again!

    1. Hey Stephanie,
      Happy Sunday!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xT

  3. Hi Tieghan,

    I would like to make these brownies for my sister in law who just had a baby. Unfortunatley she can’t have gluten or dairy and I wondered if I could substitute the ricotta for something dairy free or just leave it out?

    Thank you,
    Rebecca

    1. Hi Rebecca,
      You need the ricotta in this recipe, your local grocery store should have a dairy free ricotta option that will work well here. I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan

    1. Hi Danielle,
      Sure, that will work! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan