Get ready to fall head over heels for these wholesome brownies with a twist. Fudgy brownies made with clean ingredients!

I’m going to be real with you here, I am a big sweets person. I love trying new desserts and baking up a storm in the kitchen. Most nights, I whip up something sweet after dinner, and it’s usually the best part of my day. But, as a mom trying to live a healthy lifestyle while prioritizing wellness, finding clean dessert recipes can be tricky. 

The last thing I want is to consume processed desserts full of refined sugar, dyes and artificial ingredients. I want to protect myself and my family from the dangers of processed foods as best as I can. That’s why I’m always setting out on a new adventure to make average dessert recipes healthier, so they nourish your body rather than tear it down. 

These warm, melty, fudgy elderberry brownies have become a new favorite around here. One night, I was craving something sweet (a very common occurrence) and didn’t have much to work with in the pantry or fridge, except a box of Simple Mills Brownie Mix. I’m a sucker for brownies, but sometimes they can get kind of boring, so I spiced things up. 

Swirling melted chocolate and elderberry into these brownies took them from delicious to downright mouthwatering and irresistible. Honestly, I owe this new dessert creation to that Simple Mills Brownie Mix, the only brownie mix I’ll ever buy. So far, I haven’t found a box mix as clean and wholesome as this one. 

What I love most about this recipe is how it proves that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing and healthy. Sometimes all it takes is a Simple Mills boxed mix and a few thoughtful additions to turn something ordinary into something delicious and special. 

The melted chocolate elderberry swirl adds an extra level of richness. The result is a dessert that feels comforting, indulgent and addictive, all while keeping the ingredients simple and nourishing.

Now, let me share a little more about what makes this brownie recipe unique and why I love the Simple Mills Brownie Mix so much. 

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Brownies are a classic, but that also means they can sometimes feel a bit “basic.” That’s what motivated me to take the average brownie recipe up a notch and put my own spin on it. But first, I want to highlight Simple Mills. 

These fudgy elderberry brownies are made possible because of the Simple Mills Brownie Mix. Clean, simple and full of real ingredients, that’s what you deserve for your health and your family's too. No harmful fillers, additives, preservatives or dyes. This is exactly what this brownie mix offers. 

Here are the eight ingredients in this brownie mix (that are also pronounceable): 

• Almond flour

• Organic coconut sugar

• Dutch cocoa powder

• Chocolate chips (cane sugar, cocoa liquor, cocoa butter)

• Sea salt

• Baking soda

• Tapioca starch

• Arrowroot

Super simple ingredients, and easy to make too, that’s what I call a win-win. 

To add a sweet spin to this brownie mix, I swirl in melted chocolate and elderberry syrup before baking, adding a gooey, fudgy texture. 

Another reason I love this recipe so much is that it takes something that seems basic and common and makes it feel homemade and unique. Anyone can bake brownies from a boxed mix, but adding small touches like elderberry makes them feel more wholesome.

The elderberry syrup adds a gentle, fruity, tangy note that balances the rich chocolate flavor beautifully, and makes them visually appealing, too. Trust me, these brownies will look just as good as they taste.

Now, it’s your turn to try them out. Keep reading to see which ingredients you’ll need and how to make them. 

Gather Your Ingredients

Since we are using the Simple Mills Brownie Mix in this recipe, there is no need for a long list of ingredients. You only need a handful of simple ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. 

For the Brownies:

• Simple Mills Brownie Mix

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup of coconut or avocado oil 

• 3 tbsp of water

For the Elderberry Fudgy Swirl:

• ½ cup of chocolate chips

• 2 tbsp of Organic Elderberry Syrup

That’s all you’ll need! It’s not super complicated, but it is healthy and absolutely heavenly. The instructions aren’t long or complicated either; it’s a doable recipe that doesn't take up too much time. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Time to whip up this perfect healthy dessert that the whole family will love. The instructions are super easy to follow and won’t have you standing in the kitchen for too long. Before you know it, you’ll be savoring these delightful fudgy elderberry brownies. 

One of the things I really appreciate most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Some desserts require long ingredient lists, complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen, but these brownies keep things simple. Within about 30 minutes, you can have a pan of warm fudgy brownies ready to enjoy.

Instructions: 

• Preheat your oven to 400℉ for a light pan and 375℉ for a glass or dark-colored pan. 

• Whisk together the eggs, oil and water. Then whisk in the brownie batter until combined. 

• Lightly grease your pan, and spread the brownie batter evenly in it. 

• Now, take a small saucepan and set the heat to medium-low, melting the chocolate chips and elderberry syrup until smooth.

• Gently drizzle your chocolate mixture over the brownie batter, and take a butter knife to lightly swirl the chocolate elderberry mixture into the brownies. 

• Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked at the center, then set out to cool. 

There you have it, a simple dessert with nourishing ingredients, all while delivering a perfect sweet treat for you and your loved ones. 

If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight glass container. At room temperature, they will stay good for 3-5 days, and up to 7 days in the fridge. If placed in the freezer, they will keep for up to 3 months.

Wholesome Desserts for the Win

Sometimes eating healthy can be hard, especially when it comes to cutting certain foods from your diet. That’s why we want to make it easier on you by giving you clean, wholesome recipes that taste just as good without harming your health. 

Luckily, since I have a big sweet tooth, we at Elderberry Queen come up with some delectable healthy dessert recipes. 

Here are some more desserts to try out: 

• Elderberry Pecan Shortbread Bars

• Mixed Berry Crisp

• Baked Peaches with Honey-Whipped Ricotta

• Honey-sweetened Shortbread Cookies

• Vanilla and Elderberry Cake Roll

Healthy desserts can taste amazing, and can up your wellness game, one step at a time.