Recycled Brownie Smoothies and Puddings: The best way to use old baked goods!
Old brownies ready for the blender. When they become too dry to enjoy, freeze them in cubes and use in smoothies and puddings!
My housemate Mary just recently turned me on to using past-prime brownies in smoothies and puddings. I know that sounds weird, but seriously, it is the best way to eat up those slightly dry baked goods! Combined with a little non-dairy milk and a slew of other ingredients, those old dry brownies transform into a rich, chocolatey, creamy smoothie or pudding. I hate throwing away food, so discovering a way to reuse baked goods in a new way is totally up my alley.
How do you do it? Simple. Just put chunks of dry, leftover brownie in your blender, with a bunch of other ingredients (hints below, keep reading). If you have a lot of leftover brownie pieces, cut them into small cubes and put them in the freezer to use later on. These frozen chunks are like ice cubes, but better because they are full of chocolate goodness!
As for what you combine with your brownies, the world is your chocolate-covered oyster. How about banana and nut butter? Or maybe frozen cherries and hemp seed? Or coconut milk, maca, and cacao? Or maybe chocolate with carob powder, protein powder, and a handful of spinach (seriously)? Anything goes, the options are endless. If you want a thick, creamy pudding, I"d recommend adding only enough liquid to blend, as well as a tablespoon or two of chia seeds.
Here are some of my favorite ingredients to mix-n-match with leftover brownies:
- your favorite "milk" or coconut milk
- stevia or another natural sweetener
- cacao nibs
- carob or cacao powder
- maca
- cinnamon or other spices
- nut/seed butter or nuts/seeds
- maca
- hemp or flax seeds
- protein powder
- plain or frozen banana
- spinach or kale leaves (if you're wacky like me)
- frozen cherries or raspberries
- anything else your heart desires
Brilliant. Totally brilliant!
DIY, How-To, Kitchen Experiments, Tips & Tricks 
Reader Comments (7)
I had never thought about doing this. It bugs me to throw food away so lately, I have been trying to utilize every single scrap of food I can. I find so much can go directly into smoothies! You, btw, have inspired me sooo much on smoothies. I finally have a little groove going w/ having a veggie smoothie/pulpy drink every morning. I don't have a juicer or vitamix but I take no issue with my more fibrous pulpy drinks blitz in my Oster blender - it's pretty tough! It tastes fine, sometimes I need a spoon. I figure I'm getting darn good fiber w/ all the pulpy goodness.
Anyhoo - I love this idea and will absolutely withoutahshadowofadoubt be trying this out immeditaely, if not sooner! Very cool!
A few favorites of mine in the blender? Carob, maca, tahini, almond butter, hemp protein powder, lucuma, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, cardamom (for chai like frosties!), spinach, kale, napa cabbage shreds.
Kim & Mary you gals are super cool!
I really enjoyed this post , very good information, I can not afford to waste anything so this is a very good idea . Thanks for another great post , Happy Spring :)
What an amazing way to alter a left over brownie. I love it!!!! Can't wait to use myself and share with others. LOVE the blog, by the way. Thank you for offering creative options for my limited diet. You are a lifesaver!!!
I hate throwing away food. I don't think I've ever had stale brownies though, my husband and kids make sure of that. Heh. Bookmarking so I can try this...at some point.
What a GREAT idea! I always put my leftover baked goods in the freezer since it's only me that eats them, but they tend to hang out there for quite a while. This is a super way to use them! Plus, I make so many smoothies, this will be a great way to mix it up.
Thanks for the super idea!
Very smart idea!
This is brilliant! I am single and always looking for creative ways to use up everything in my kitchen - this is a perfect addition to my arsenal :D