superfitbabe

Since my birth, I was destined to love brownies. Heck, my birthday falls on National Brownie Day. That’s a sign, guys. That’s a sign. Little did I know that around twenty-and-a-half years later, Lakanto would reach my calling and release a brownie mix that is not only plant-based, but is gluten free, keto-friendly, sugar free, sweetened with monkfruit, non-GMO, and high in fiber. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to use! Of course, my inner brownie lover and Lakanto fanatic were overjoyed to try this new product.

VOILA.

Taking a look at the ingredients and nutritional information, this brownie mix is definitely starch and fiber-based. The majority of the dry mix is tapioca and rice-based. If you don’t do so well with grains and starch, then this product probably isn’t for you. Fortunately, it is gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and egg free. If anything, it is void of any of the common allergens! That being said, it still contains grains and many kinds of fibers that some people will have to look into before digging in.

Nutrition facts are mystifying. Ten minuscule calories for a sixteenth of the mix, give or take with the ingredients that you use to bake the brownies. Speaking of which…

• Nutrition facts for prepared mix (with coconut oil and eggs, based on 1/16th of the mix): 80 calories, 7.4 grams of fat (5.9 saturated), 15.2 grams of carbohydrates (11.1 fiber), 1.8 grams of protein
• Nutrition facts for prepared mix (with coconut oil and two flax eggs made with Bob’s Red Mill ground flaxseed meal, based on 1/16th of the mix): 76 calories, 7.1 grams of fat (5.7 saturated), 15.4 grams of carbohydrates (11.3 fiber), 1.2 grams of protein
• Nutrition facts for prepared mix (according to recipe using unsweetened applesauce and Bob’s Red Mill ground flaxseed meal, based on 1/16th of the mix): 18 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates (11.3 fiber), 1.2 grams of protein

Then again, who only stops at a mini brownie?

Anyhow, for part of my breakfast, I personally love enjoying around half of the batch prepared with unsweetened applesauce rather than coconut oil. The brownies with the coconut oil are a bit more satisfying, so I generally stop at two for a sweet treat. With coconut oil, the result is a much more cake-like, solid brownie that holds a very strong form. Oil free, the consistency does not assert itself as well and possesses a structure’s that much gooier and gummier. Both are delicious! Sometimes I’m in the mood to dig into a brownie pudding and other days I prefer a brownie cake. However, if you are seeking a more traditional brownie, I highly recommend using coconut oil.

PROS

Wholesome, versatile, and delightful, Lakanto has nailed it once again with this brownie mix. I love how the mix itself is ketogenic friendly, diabetic friendly, gluten friendly, vegan friendly, candida friendly, and caters towards countless dietary preferences and restrictions. I have never seen a brownie mix more diet-friendly than this one!

Plus, anybody can customize the brownies with any other ingredients and additions! You can use oil, butter, eggs, starches, seeds, egg replacers, water, milk, non-dairy milk, and so much more. Heck, if you want to go bananas, stir in some peanut butter, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut flakes, or gobs of pumpkin. For an indulgent twist, Oreos, crushed pretzels, chopped candy, rainbow sprinkles, or a cheesecake filling. Not to mention…slutty brownies. Slutty brownies.

CONS

While my tastebuds were jumping for joy, my wallet was bursting in tears. This brownie packet is $11.99 online, not including shipping and handling. In general, if you’re going to finish the brownie batch within a short amount of time, analyze whether the investment will be worth it. In addition, some people may find the fibers and the monkfruit bitter or overly acquired to become used to. Secondly, strict ketogenics are much more wary of net carbs and may not be able to have this product despite its keto-friendly label.

OVERALL

I cannot be more flabbergasted that such a product exists. Really have to tip my hat to Lakanto for successfully manufacturing this wonderful brownie mix–heck, their kickstarter doubled in donations before the last eleven hours allotted! I adored baking the brownies, digging into the batter prior to shoving the pan into the oven, and demolishing them once they were ready to serve.

RECIPE (serves 8 two-by-two-inch brownies or 16 one-by-one-inch brownies)

• 1 bag of the Lakanto brownie mix
• 2 flax eggs (2 TBSP flaxseed meal + 5-6 TBSP water)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil or canned pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or any other pureed starch of choice for an oil-free option (butternut squash also works superbly!)
• 1 tsp water

PROCEDURE

1. Preheat the oven to 325F.
2. Grease a suitably sized baking pan–the package recommends 8X8, but I used an 8.5X4.5X2.75 loaf tin, which worked perfectly fine.
3. Mix all dry ingredients, slowly integrating the wet. Refrain from overmixing.
4. Pour the batter into the baking pan, spreading the surface out evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the interior is completely cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven when cooked and let cool completely.
7. For the firmest brownies, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
8. Cut into squares before serving (or just gobble straight out of the baking pan. Up to you 😉 ).
9. Store leftovers in the freezer and reheat when ready to eat.