Even the best of us could use an extra boost every now and then, so gather up all of those wellness ingredients you have purchased in the past and put them to good use by whipping up a batch of better for you brownies. Infused with a wellness-inspired twist like ashwagandha, Manuka honey, matcha, reishi, and turmeric, here are five easy and delicious brownie recipes that will give you all of the energy you need this fall.
*For all of these recipes, simply following the baking instructions on the back of the box and add your wellness-inspired ingredient of choice.
#1 Ashwagandha Brownies
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens have been shown to balance and support various parts of the body, or body systems, especially when you have a lot going on. Although you may be hesitant to purchase ashwagandha for just a batch of brownies, it can actually be used in multiple recipes. From beverages to baked goods, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can be used in almost anything, including:
Ashwagandha Chocolate Mousse
Ashwagandha Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Moon Milk
Baking Tip: When baking up a batch of brownies, use (2) tablespoons of ashwagandha.
#2 Manuka Honey Brownies
Manuka honey is made by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush in New Zealand. Although all honeys contain antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey is the only honey that contains non-peroxide activity, which has greater antibacterial power and results in a nutritional profile greater than its generic honey counterparts. Enjoy a spoonful of Manuka honey in your favorite cup of tea or in one of these recipes:
Banana Berry Crunch Parfaits
Fig, Balsamic and Blue Cheese Tart
Honey Mustard Dip
Baking Tip: The best way to enjoy Manuka honey in your homemade brownies is to drizzle a spoonful or two on top of your freshly baked brownies and top with a small sprinkling of sea salt.
#3 Mint Matcha Brownies
Matcha is a more concentrated version of green tea and contains three times ECGC antioxidants making it a brightly colored addition to any recipe including Mint Matcha Brownies. You can also use matcha in a variety of other recipes including:
Matcha Vanilla Latte
Naturally Dyed Frosting
Paleo Chocolate Mint Cream Pie
#4 Reishi Mushroom Brownies
Reishi mushrooms are incredibly versatile and have been used for many years in Eastern medicine due to their supposed healing properties. Reishi mushrooms can be enjoyed raw in salads, cooked in your morning breakfast scrambler, atop your favorite pizza, in a homemade stuffing or in a powdered form where it can easily be combined in your favorite recipes like:
5 Minute Mushroom Latte
Chocolate Fudgesicle
Reishi Mushroom and Green Olive Tapenade
Baking Tip: When baking up a batch of brownies, use (2) teaspoons of reishi mushroom powder.
#5 Turmeric Brownies
Turmeric is what gives curry its vibrant yellow-orange color which you often detect in Indian food. The turmeric plant contains an active ingredient called Curcumin, which contains antioxidant properties that can be beneficial to the body. Turmeric can be used in a variety of dishes including hummus, soups, and stews. Here are a few other turmeric recipes:
5 Minute Vegan Golden Milk
Turmeric Chicken and Rice
Turmeric Vegan Sunshine Hummus
Baking Tip: A little bit of turmeric goes a long way, so you don’t need more than (1-2) teaspoons when baking brownies.
The next time you decide to bake a batch of homemade brownies, give them a wellness twist with one of these five wellness-inspired ingredients.