Wheat Germ Brownies
Wheat germ brownies offer a nutty, wholesome treat with a hint of molasses and optional chocolate chips or raisins, perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, wheat germ, dark molasses, walnuts or pecans, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Sift in milk and baking soda into the mixture.
- Stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a heavily greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Turn out of the pan while hot and cut into squares.
- Optionally, add one cup of raisins or chocolate chips before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil. If you want to reduce sugar, you can replace some granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure to mix the batter until just combined to avoid tough brownies. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile, too. For a unique twist, try incorporating chocolate chips like in Chocolate Scotch Bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for presentation. For a more filling treat, enjoy them alongside a slice of Blueberry Banana Tea Loaf, creating a diverse dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wheat Germ Brownies contains roughly 733 calories, with 5g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1735mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the batter, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free brownies by substituting wheat germ with ground oats or a gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the texture while catering to gluten-sensitive diets, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add cocoa powder to the batter or fold in chocolate chips before baking. This addition will create a richer and more indulgent brownie, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).