Chewy Chocolate Brownies

From EatingWell: January/February 1998, The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (2005) — Subscribe Now!

These brownies are a high-energy treat you can pack in your lunch bag or tuck into your fanny pack when you are out walking. Wrap cooled brownies individually for fast picnic assembly or lunchbox fill-ups.

24 brownies

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Diabetes appropriate | Low carbohydrate | View Complete Nutrition Guidelines»

Ingredients

16 whole chocolate graham crackers, (8 ounces) (see Ingredient notes)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, or 3 tablespoons
1/3 cup granulated sugar, or 3 tablespoons
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Preheat oven to 300°F. Coat an 8-by-11 1/2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Pulse graham crackers into crumbs in a food processor or place in a large plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. You should have about 2 cups crumbs. Transfer to a small bowl; add cocoa and salt and mix well.
Combine eggs, egg white, brown sugar (or Splenda) and granulated sugar (or Splenda) in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until thickened, about 2 minutes. Blend in coffee granules and vanilla. Gently fold in dates, chocolate chips and the reserved crumb mixture. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Bake the brownies until the top springs back when lightly touched, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Ingredient Notes: To avoid trans-fatty acids, look for brands of graham crackers that do not contain partially hydrogenated canola oil, such as Mi-Del chocolate snaps or Barbara's Chocolate Go-Go Grahams.
Substituting with Splenda: In the EatingWell Test Kitchen, sucralose is the only alternative sweetener we test with when we feel the option is appropriate. For nonbaking recipes, we use Splenda Granular (boxed, not in a packet). For baking, we use Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, a mix of sugar and sucralose. It can be substituted in recipes (1/2 cup of the blend for each 1 cup of sugar) to reduce sugar calories by half while maintaining some of the baking properties of sugar. If you make a similar blend with half sugar and half Splenda Granular, substitute this homemade mixture cup for cup.
When choosing any low- or no-calorie sweetener, be sure to check the label to make sure it is suitable for your intended use.

Nutrition

Per brownie: 93 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 72 mg sodium; 60 mg potassium.

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 other carbohydrate