{Somewhat} Guilt-Free Brownies to Celebrate National Brownie Day

December is packed with holidays, but have you ever celebrated National Brownie Day? Mark your calendars for December 8 because this is a holiday you won’t want to miss! 

Celebrate by whipping up Pompeian’s Black Forest Brownies, or Quick Fudge Nut Brownies. Can’t decide which recipe sounds best? Why not try them all! 

Don’t worry about feeling guilty because these recipes have swapped butter for Pompeian Olive Oil. Pompeian is the first brand of olive oil to carry the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) seal and the first brand of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to carry the USDA Quality Monitored seal.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules
• 1/3 cup Pompeian Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350o F and coat a 9-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with a handheld mixer, until light and fluffy. Add the brown sugar, coffee granules, and vanilla extract; beat for another 2 minutes. Add the Pompeian Classic Mediterranean Olive Oil in a slow stream with the mixer running, beating for 2 more minutes.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into sugar-egg mixture. Add the dried cherries and 1/4 cup chocolate chips and stir to evenly distribute.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the mini chocolate chips.
6. Bake for 20-24 minutes or until the center of the brownies is slightly firm. Be careful not to over bake.
7. Cool in the pan on a wire rack, then cut.