Fudgy Avocado Brownies

Brownies adapted from Martha Stewart; featured on the How Sweet It Is blog, and on HuffPost Taste.

• Ready In: 43 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 2  large  ripe avocados (mashed well, about 1 1/8 cups)
• 8  ounces dark chocolate (melted)
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  ounces dark chocolate (chopped)

• For Frosting

• 1  large  ripe avocado
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 -2  tablespoon  grated chocolate (optional garnish)

Directions

1. For Brownies:
2. Preheat oven to 350F (325F for glass or dark pan). Liberally spray a 9-inch square pan with non-stick spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk mashed avocado and melted chocolate.
4. Whisk in sugar until combined, then add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
5. Add in flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, mixing with a large spoon until JUST combined - do not over mix.
6. Stir in oil until it's well distributed and batter is somewhat smooth. Fold in chopped chocolate, then spread batter in pan.
7. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until middle is set. Remove and let cool completely, then frost and top with grated chocolate if desired.
8. For Frosting:
9. Add avocado to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until mashed and creamy. Add lemon juice.
10. With the mixer on low speed, add in vanilla then slowly add in powdered sugar, scraping down the sides if needed, until a smooth frosting forms. Frost brownies once cooled.
11. Note: Placed brownies in the fridge (covered throughly with plastic wrap) to store. Let them come to room temp to serve, or place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.