Can’t decide between your love for brownies and hot fudge sundaes? Now you don’t have to! That’s why we never compromise and give you both in this recipe for our Hot Fudge Brownies made with natural ingredients and no refined sugar. Lifeway Vanilla Low-Fat Kefir makes a perfect option for this recipe and provides natural protein.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Ingredients
Swirl Layer
- 1 cup Vanilla Lowfat Kefir
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
Brownie Layer
- ⅓ cup canned coconut cream
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or gluten-free* all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
- 6 tbsp. of aquafaba (the watery brine leftover from the can of chickpeas, drained) or a powdered vegan egg replacer
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ cup maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Coat an 8"x8" square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- For the swirl layer, beat the Lifeway kefir and coconut cream in a small bowl until smooth. Mix in maple syrup.
- To prepare the brownies, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, aquafaba, and vanilla.
- Stir in the kefir mixture, mixing until no large lumps remain.
- Stir in the maple syrup. Mix in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Put spoonfuls of extra coconut cream on top and spread it out into a thin layer.
- Bake at 300°F for 17-21 minutes (17 minutes= fudgey brownies; 21 minutes = cakelike brownies).
- Cool completely to room temperature in the pan before serving.
