Here’s how to turn the nostalgic Lunch Lady Brownies — rich, fudgy, and chocolatey — into a Mediterranean Diet–friendly version 🍫💛
This version keeps the indulgent taste but swaps processed ingredients for wholesome, heart-healthy ones.
🍫 Lunch Lady Brownies (Mediterranean Diet Style)
Ingredients
🍰 For the brownies:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (instead of butter — adds richness and healthy fats)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or raw honey (natural sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, 2%)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour (or ½ cup oat flour + ¼ cup almond flour)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
🍯 Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
For the glaze (classic creamy topping):
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly brush with olive oil. - Make the brownie batter:
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
- Bake:
- Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little fudgy is perfect).
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, cocoa, maple syrup, yogurt, and vanilla until glossy and smooth.
- Spread over cooled brownies.
- Chill (optional):
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes for a firmer, fudge-like texture.
🌿 Mediterranean Diet Benefits
- Olive oil replaces butter → healthy monounsaturated fats
- Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess
- Whole-grain or nut-based flour adds fiber and nutrients
- Honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar
- No processed frosting — only simple, natural ingredients
Serving Idea
Enjoy these brownies with:
- A cup of unsweetened herbal tea, Greek coffee, or fresh berries on the side 🍓
Would you like me to make this gluten-free or keep it whole-grain Mediterranean style for your recipe collection?
