pecan and macadamia nut brownies with a hazelnut ganache

As you may have noticed we’re big brownie fans. But then again, who isn’t?! Chocolatey, gooey and sweet, brownies are a serious comfort food. We’ve tried a few healthy recipes from other food bloggers including chocolate brownies by eat drink paleo and grain free tahini brownies by ambitious kitchen. The secret ingredient for the eat drink paleo brownies is none other than sweet potato! The sweet potato gives the brownies it’s gooey texture and I’m not kidding when I say they are as good as the Master Chef Extreme Brownies. The tahini brownies by ambitious kitchen are a great mix of chocolate and the tang of tahini.

This time around we wanted to give the brownies a bit of crunch hence the addition of the pecan and macadamia nuts. The usual suspects of natural sweeteners in dates and maple syrup make an appearance and the chocolate taste comes from cacao powder. The ganache is simple and we are really happy with how it turned out. It has a nice thick consistency and taste. We used our home made almond milk which is quick and easy to make in the Thermomix and very cost effective.

All told these brownies are quick and easy to make in the Thermomix or high powered blender and we think you’ll be impressed.

ingredients

for the brownie base

• 150g pecans
• 150g macadamia nuts
• 8 Medjool dates
• 1 cup cocao or cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp hazelnut butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

for the hazelnut ganache

• 1/3 cup cocao or cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp hazelnut butter
• 2 tbsp almond milk
• 1/3 cup coconut oil

directions

for the brownie base

1. Add the nuts and dates to the TM bowl and mix for 10 seconds, speed 8.
2. Add the remaining brownie ingredients and mix for 10 seconds, speed 5. Your looking for a slightly sticky dough. If it is too dry add a tbsp of water and re-mix.
3. Line a 20cm x 20cm (8in) baking tin with baking paper, pour in the mixture and spread out evenly.
4. Place in the fridge while you make the ganache.

for the hazelnut ganache

1. Add all the ingredients to the TM bowl and mix for 10 seconds, speed 5.
2. Spread the ganache over the brownie base and allow to set in the fridge for at least half an hour before slicing.

Enjoy your pecan macadamia brownies!

For other brownie ideas click here.