Deliciously Fudgy Lactation Brownies: A Nourishing Treat for New Moms
These incredibly chewy, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey lactation brownies are more than just a delightful dessert. They are a thoughtfully crafted treat, packed with nourishing ingredients specifically chosen to potentially support your body’s breastmilk production. While we can’t make any medical guarantees, one thing is certain: these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and bring a smile to your face! Made with a decadent combination of chocolate chips and rich cocoa powder, these brownies also secretly incorporate powerful galactagogue ingredients like brewer’s yeast, wholesome rolled oats, and nutrient-dense ground flaxseed, making them a true postpartum powerhouse disguised as a delicious indulgence.
🍫 What Makes This Lactation Brownie Recipe So Good?
Navigating the journey of motherhood brings countless joys and challenges, and ensuring adequate nourishment is paramount, especially when breastfeeding. This lactation brownie recipe stands out for several reasons, offering both comfort and potential support during this special time.
- Indulgent Taste with Added Benefits: Unlike some “healthy” treats, these lactation brownies taste just like the regular, fudgy brownies you adore. They are rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey, hitting all the right notes for a satisfying dessert. The magical difference? They are consciously crafted with specific ingredients known as “galactagogues,” which have been anecdotally linked to helping boost milk production naturally. Imagine satisfying your chocolate cravings while simultaneously giving your nursing body a little extra support and essential nutrients. It’s a win-win scenario! While individual results vary, trying this delicious experiment is a treat in itself.
- A Treat for the Whole Family: While formulated with nursing mothers in mind, these wholesome brownies are a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy! The carefully selected ingredients – including oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast – are generally recognized as safe for consumption by non-nursing family members, provided there are no specific dietary restrictions or allergies. So, don’t hesitate to share the joy (or, if you prefer, keep these special brownies all to yourself and bake a batch of classic fudgy brownies for the rest of the crew!). They offer a nutritious and satisfying snack for everyone.
- Perfect for Postpartum Prep & Freezing: As your due date approaches, or if you’re already in the thick of newborn days, planning ahead is key. These lactation brownies are an excellent addition to your freezer stash. They freeze beautifully and maintain their delicious flavor and texture for approximately 2-3 months. This makes them ideal for those often-challenging early postpartum days when time and energy are precious commodities. Having a readily available, nourishing snack means one less thing to worry about. We’ve included detailed freezing instructions in the recipe card below, ensuring you can easily prepare and store them for when you need them most. Simply defrost them at room temperature the day before you plan to enjoy them.
Disclaimer: Important Considerations for Your Health
At Easy Healthy Recipes, our team is comprised of culinary enthusiasts, not medical professionals. We want to be unequivocally clear that we cannot and do not make any medical claims, diagnose conditions, or provide health recommendations. Your health and well-being are paramount, and we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified medical professional, such as your doctor, lactation consultant, or registered dietitian, before making any sudden or drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Proper nourishment is vital for everyone, whether you are nursing or not. While breastfeeding does create specific nutritional demands that require a balanced diet rich in certain vitamins and nutrients, we cannot and do not guarantee that consuming lactation brownies will definitively resolve any struggles you may be experiencing with milk supply or breastfeeding in general.
It’s important to understand that, to date, the evidence supporting the efficacy of specific lactation-boosting foods, including lactation brownies and cookies, is primarily anecdotal. While many individuals report positive experiences, there is currently limited to no robust scientific study or clinical research to definitively support the direct correlation between the consumption of these treats and a significant increase in milk supply. That being said, many people have found that ingredients commonly included in these recipes – such as oatmeal, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast – have been helpful in their personal breastfeeding journey.
If you are experiencing genuine concerns about your milk supply, have difficulties with latching, or are struggling with any aspect of nursing, we wholeheartedly recommend seeking personalized guidance and support from a certified lactation consultant in your local area. They can provide tailored advice and evidence-based strategies to address your specific needs.
Remember, you are doing an amazing job. Be kind to yourself and prioritize your well-being. ❤️
👩🏼🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Lactation Brownies
Achieving the perfect fudgy texture and ensuring your brownies are packed with the right ingredients requires a few key culinary insights. Here are some chef-approved tips to help you bake the best lactation brownies every time:
- Choose the Right Oats: Rolled Oats are Key! For this recipe, it’s crucial to use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats. Rolled oats are whole oat groats that have been steamed and then flattened, retaining more of their nutritional integrity and providing a soft, chewy texture. Instant oats, on the other hand, are typically cut into smaller pieces, pre-cooked, and often contain added sugars and artificial flavors, which can alter the taste and texture of your brownies. Rolled oats will contribute to the brownies’ desired density and are a valuable source of fiber and nutrients, believed to be beneficial for milk supply.
- Coconut Oil Consideration: Refined vs. Unrefined. When selecting your coconut oil, you have a choice between refined and unrefined. Refined coconut oil has been processed to remove its distinct coconut flavor and aroma, making it a neutral fat that won’t impact the overall taste of your brownies. Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil retains its natural coconut flavor and scent, which can be a pleasant addition if you enjoy it. Both types will work perfectly in terms of baking properties. However, if you or your family members have an aversion to the taste or smell of coconut, opting for refined coconut oil is the best choice to ensure a purely chocolatey experience.
- Master the Art of Folding for Fudgy Brownies. Over-mixing brownie batter is a common mistake that can lead to tough, cakey brownies rather than the desired fudgy consistency. To prevent this, employ the “folding” technique. This gentle mixing method is typically done by hand using a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon. It involves carefully scooping ingredients from the bottom of the bowl and bringing them up over the top, then repeating the motion while rotating the bowl. Folding ensures that all ingredients are just combined without over-developing the gluten in the flour, which is responsible for chewiness and density. By folding rather than vigorously stirring, you’ll achieve that irresistible, moist, and wonderfully fudgy brownie texture.
More Healthy & Delicious Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy delicious treats that are mindful of your health and dietary needs, explore some of our other favorite healthy dessert recipes. From unique twists on classics to innovative sweet solutions, there’s something for everyone:
- Matcha Brownies – A vibrant and unique twist on traditional brownies, infused with the earthy goodness of matcha.
- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies – A classic, wholesome cookie packed with chewy oats and tart cranberries.
- Keto Bread Pudding – A comforting, low-carb dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
- Coconut Cookies – Sweet, chewy, and tropical, these cookies are a delightful escape.
- 3-Ingredient Banana Pudding – An incredibly simple yet satisfying dessert, perfect for quick cravings.
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Lactation Brownies
Sam Guarnieri
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Ingredients
- ½ cup refined coconut oil
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips dark, semi-sweet, or milk; divided
- 1 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar, see Notes
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup oat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup brewer’s yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment
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Oven
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8×8 metal baking pan
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Parchment paper
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medium microwave-safe bowl
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Silicone spatula
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Large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Knife
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Adjust oven racks as needed so your baking pan will sit perfectly in the center of the oven, ensuring even heat distribution. Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving generous excess parchment paper hanging over each side. This will create handy “handles” that make removing the cooled brownies much easier later on. Set the prepared pan aside.
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Place the specified amount of coconut oil in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Carefully place the bowl in the microwave and heat the oil for 30 seconds. Be sure to pause and stir the coconut oil every 10 seconds to help it melt evenly and prevent overheating. Continue this process until the coconut oil is fully melted and clear.
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Once the coconut oil is completely melted, add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the same bowl. Gently stir the chocolate chips into the warm, melted coconut oil. Continue stirring constantly and patiently until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the ingredients are smoothly and completely combined into a luscious, glossy chocolate mixture. Set this bowl aside to cool slightly while you prepare the wet ingredients.
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In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), add the coconut sugar and the 2 large eggs. Using a hand mixer (or your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment) on medium-high or high speed, beat these ingredients together for 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should become noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. It’s important to be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as excessive aeration can lead to a more cake-like brownie.
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Once the egg and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, set your mixer aside. Carefully pour the previously melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture into the egg and sugar base. Gently stir these ingredients together using your spatula until the chocolate is fully incorporated and no streaks of egg mixture remain. Ensure everything is combined but avoid overworking the batter.
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Now, it’s time to add the dry and galactagogue ingredients. To the bowl, add the pure vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, oat flour (or all-purpose flour), old-fashioned rolled oats, brewer’s yeast, ground flaxseed, and salt. Mix all these ingredients together by hand using your spatula or wooden spoon. Stir just until they are combined and no dry streaks of flour are visible. Again, the key is to avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender and fudgy brownie texture.
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When the batter is just combined, add the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips to the bowl. Gently fold the chocolate chips into the brownie batter. Use the folding technique described in the “Chef’s Tips” section to ensure the chips are evenly distributed without over-mixing the batter. This step adds an extra burst of chocolatey goodness throughout each brownie.
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Transfer the rich brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper. Use your spatula to carefully spread the batter evenly into all four corners of the pan, ensuring the mixture is distributed consistently. This will help your brownies bake uniformly and result in even slices.
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Place the baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake the brownies for 25 minutes initially. After 25 minutes, check for doneness: the center of the brownies should appear mostly set, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, perhaps with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the brownies are not quite ready, return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, then check again. Remember, when baking brownies, it’s generally better to slightly underbake them for a truly fudgy texture than to overbake them, which can result in dry, crumbly brownies.
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Once your brownies are baked to perfection, carefully remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the brownies to cool undisturbed in the pan for a minimum of 20 minutes. During this crucial cooling period, the brownies will continue to set and firm up slightly, developing their ideal fudgy texture. Resisting the urge to cut them too early will yield the best results.
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Once the brownies have reached room temperature, carefully use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the brownies into your desired number of squares – at least 9 is standard, but you can cut them into 16 smaller pieces as we did. For perfectly clean edges, wipe your knife clean between each cut. Now, your delicious lactation brownies are ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- Coconut Oil Options: We recommend using refined coconut oil if you prefer a neutral flavor that allows the chocolate to shine through. Refined coconut oil undergoes a process that removes its characteristic coconut scent and taste. However, if you enjoy a subtle tropical hint in your baked goods, unrefined (virgin) coconut oil works equally well in terms of texture and baking properties.
- Chocolate Chip Varieties: Feel free to customize your brownies with your favorite type of chocolate chips! Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips will all create a deliciously rich brownie. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily substitute traditional chocolate chips with dairy-free or sugar-free alternatives without compromising the integrity of the recipe.
- Sugar Alternatives: This recipe is versatile when it comes to sweeteners. Granulated white sugar, coconut sugar (which offers a slightly caramel-like flavor), and organic cane sugar will all work beautifully, yielding comparable results in terms of sweetness and texture. For those looking for a sugar substitute, we suggest using 1 ⅓ cups of allulose or ½ cup of monkfruit sweetener in place of 1 cup of traditional sugar. These substitutes tend to behave well in baking.
- Eggs at Room Temperature: It is crucial that your eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature eggs emulsify more effectively with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to a more consistent texture in your finished brownies and helps prevent a dense, heavy crumb. If your eggs are cold, you can quickly bring them to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for about 5-10 minutes.
- Storage Guidelines: To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fudgy and moist at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving for the best experience.
- Freezer Option for Postpartum Convenience: These lactation brownies are fantastic for meal prepping and freezing! After you’ve sliced them into individual squares, wrap each brownie tightly in foil. Then, arrange the wrapped brownies on a clean baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to flash freeze. Once hardened, transfer the foil-wrapped brownies to a larger airtight container or a food-safe freezer bag. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a quick, nourishing treat, simply remove a brownie from the freezer and allow it to defrost at room temperature for approximately 2-4 hours, or overnight, before consuming.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.