Hot Cocoa Almond Brownies

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Hot cocoa in the form of a chewy, chocolaty, delicious brownie with a slight almond crunch… yes, please! Serve these Hot Cocoa Almond Brownies with a mug full of hot cocoa and marshmallows for extra yumminess!

I’ve been wanting to experiment with creating a hot cocoa sweet treat for some time. A hot cocoa dessert is so perfect for winter… it just sounds cozy. While shopping in Walmart, I came across the Planter’s seasonal display with all of their holiday products and I was immediately drawn to the cocoa almonds. I love a crunchy nut brownie and so there it was staring me right in the face- Hot Cocoa Almond Brownies!

The brownies turned out absolutely fantastic. The marshmallow and cocoa combination work wonders to make these brownies taste exactly like a cup of hot cocoa and the addition of the cocoa almonds are a lovely touch, that give these brownies just the right crunch. And on their own, the cocoa almonds are a bit addicting… consider yourself warned! #GoNutsForNuts

They would make fabulous gifts, too! I always give a small gift to the girl that does my nails, the one that does my hair and some of my coworkers. I don’t think there will be any complaints about receiving cocoa almonds or some of the other seasonal Planter’s varieties; like Holiday Nut Crunch, Brittle Nut Medley, Winter Spiced Mix or the Holiday Collection Tin.

Planter’s is also featured on the free Blippar App. You can interact with Mr. Peanut, himself! Of course, the Blippar App has many other great features. Just by scanning the Planter’s product, you can explore Holiday Gift Tips, Holiday Products and pictures with Mr. Peanut. You can also use the Blippar App on other products, get recipe ideas and more.

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Hot Cocoa Almond Brownies

Yield: 12 brownies

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes mins

Total Time: 55 minutes mins

Hot cocoa in the form of a chewy, chocolaty, delicious brownie with a slight almond crunch... yes, please! Serve these Hot Cocoa Almond Brownies with a mug full of hot cocoa and marshmallows for extra yumminess!

Author: Kim

Ingredients

• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup butternut squash puree, pumpkin puree or sweet potato puree (mashed banana would probably work, but may give brownies a slight banana flavor)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Planter's Cocoa Almonds, chopped
• 1/2-1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions 

• Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Spray a 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• Melt the chocolate in a double broiler or over very low heat.
• In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate, puree, applesauce, sugar, cocoa powder, oil and vanilla. Whisk until mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Whisk in egg whites. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
• Pour 1/2 the brownie batter into the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 the chopped almonds and desired amount of mini marshmallows over the top of the batter. Pour and spread the other 1/2 of the brownie batter over the top of the almonds and marshmallows. Top the brownie batter with the other 1/2 of the almonds.
• Bake brownies for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cool completely in pan before cutting into 12 bars.
• If desired, you can top brownies with marshmallows a couple of minutes before they are done cooking for extra marshmallow goodness.
• I stored my brownies in the fridge. They were great cold, but if you prefer pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds before eating.

Notes

I used cocoa coated almonds, but you can always use plain if that's all you can find.

Author: Kim

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 186kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 133mg, Potassium: 216mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 2249IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 48mg, Iron: 1mg

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Something to think about….

Have you enjoyed hot cocoa, yet, this season?

Have had a chance to try any of Planter’s seasonal items? Tell which ones.

Have you tried the Blippar App, yet? What did you think about it?