Fresh-milled flour brownies are the perfect solution for making a delicious brownie treat more nutritious. Warm slightly fudgy brownies are one of the most irresistible desserts loved by most chocolate lovers!
These fresh-milled flour brownies are truly a game-changer for today’s home bakers looking for a healthier option.
The taste of fresh-milled flour brownies is just as indulgent as brownies made with the familiarity of all-purpose flour. A taste you will never forget!
It all began when I decided to try using fresh flour just out of curiosity. Since I’ve been using fresh flour for breads I decided to venture into sweets with fresh flour as well.
The flavor and texture proved to me that not only loaves of bread but sweet desserts are just as good using whole grains. Honestly, even better!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about fresh-milled flour brownies, including their benefits, the right grains to use, and how to create your perfect variation recipe.
What Are Fresh-Milled Flour Brownies?
Fresh-milled flour brownies are made with freshly milled grains made into flour at home. This process is done with a grain mill, which allows the wheat berries to turn into flour in seconds!
Unlike store-bought flour, fresh-milled flour retains the bran and germ, offering a heartier texture and added nutrients often lost in commercial processing.
Free from additives and preservatives, fresh-milled flour ensures a healthier, more natural treat you can feel good about.
Benefits of Using Fresh-Milled Flour in Brownies
- Enhanced Texture: Fresh-milled flour brownies produce a soft, fudgy texture that’s hard to replicate with regular flour.
- Nutritional Advantages: Retained bran and germ mean higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to store-bought flour.
- Chemical-Free Baking: Unlike processed flour, fresh-milled flour contains no chemicals or bleaching agents.
Choosing the Right Grain for Fresh-Milled Brownies
Selecting the right grain is important for achieving the perfect brownie chewiness. Here are a few pointers that will help you achieve exactly what to look for in brownies:
- For soft, fudgy brownies, consider soft white wheat. Its low protein content and mild flavor ensure a tender crumb while letting the chocolate shine.
- If you want a more robust taste, Spelt or Einkorn flour can add nutty undertones.
- Whichever grain you choose, make sure they are stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality and freshness.
How to Mill Flour at Home
Milling flour at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose a Grain Mill: Invest in a quality home grain mill. I have used the Mockmill grainmill and it works wonderfully! Electric mills are quick and efficient, while manual mills offer a more hands-on experience.
- Pick Your Grains: Select high-quality grains like soft white wheat, Spelt, or Einkorn for brownies.
- Grind and Store: Mill only the amount of flour you need for immediate use, as fresh-milled flour has a shorter shelf life. If you must store it, use an airtight container and keep it refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Adjusting Recipes for Fresh-Milled Flour
Fresh-milled flour behaves differently from store-bought flour due to its higher moisture content and coarser texture. Here are a few recipe adaptations for fresh flour:
- Hydration is Key: Sometimes you may have to add a bit more liquid to the batter to compensate for the absorbency of fresh flour.
- Rest the Dough / Batter: Allow the dough/batter to rest for 15–20 minutes before baking. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a better texture after baking.
- Experiment and Adjust: If you’re not totally ready to bake with 100 percent fresh-milled whole grains, Slowly start replacing portions of all-purpose flour in small amounts and increase the replacement of the whole grains as you become more comfortable.
Why You’ll Love Brownies Made with Fresh-Milled Flour
- Unmatched Freshness and Flavor – Freshly milled flour retains the natural oils, nutrients, and flavors of the whole grain, giving the brownies a richer, more complex taste that’s hard to match with store-bought flour.
- Nutrient-Packed Treat – Freshly milled flour is unprocessed and includes the bran, germ, and endosperm of the grain, which means it’s packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These brownies feel like an indulgence with added health benefits!
- Superior Texture – Brownies made with freshly milled flour often have a unique, moist, and slightly chewy texture.
- Healthier Sweet Treat – Because freshly milled flour is free from additives and preservatives, these brownies are a cleaner option for those who want to enjoy their dessert without unnecessary chemicals or heavily processed ingredients.
- Farm-to-Table Appeal – Using fresh milled flour connects you to the source of your food. It adds a rustic, homemade quality to the brownies, making them feel more personal and special.
Fresh-Milled Flour Brownie Recipe
Here’s a tried-and-tested recipe to get you started with homemade brownies with fresh flour.
Fresh-Milled Flour Brownie Ingredients
- Coconut sugar
- Homemade brown sugar (you can substitute with store-brought brown sugar)
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Fresh-milled flour (from soft wheat berries)
- Pink salt
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
- Walnuts or other toppings if desired
*The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card.
Tools:
- Small pot for browning butter
- 9×13 or 8×8 baking dish
- Grainmill – To mill wheatberries to make fresh-milled flour
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Stand mixer or you can mix by hand
- Butter or parchment paper for preparing the baking dish
How To Bake The Best Fresh Milled Flour Brownies
Step 1: Brown the butter in a small pot stirring frequently to prevent burning. The butter should have brown specks in it and have a nutty aroma. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mill the wheatberries to make the fresh flour
Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the coconut sugar, and homemade brown sugar. Add the freshly milled flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 4: To the pot with the warmed butter, add the chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are as smooth as possible.
Step 5: Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold the dry ingredients into the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. If you are using a stand mixer combine the wet and dry ingredients in the bowl of the stand mixer and mix on low until the ingredients are just combined.
Step 6: Prepare the baking dish with butter or parchment paper. Add in the brownie batter.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add any optional toppings such as walnuts if you’d like.
Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a fork comes out clean after test poking the center of the brownies. For a more cakey brownie, bake closer to 30 minutes.
Step 9: Allow the brownies to cook a bit before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Storing The Brownies:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- For longer storage, freeze brownies individually and thaw as needed. Reheat in the oven and enjoy!
Tips For Baking Brownies With Fresh Milled Flour
- Go Easy on the Flour – Freshly milled flour can absorb liquids differently than store-bought flour, so start with slightly less than your recipe calls for and adjust as needed. Brownies are all about that fudgy texture, so you don’t want to overdo it!
- Sift or Whisk Before Using – Fresh flour can be a little denser or clumpy, so give it a quick sift or whisk to aerate it. This will help your brownies bake evenly and keep them nice and light (but still rich and gooey, of course).
- Pair with Bold Chocolate – Freshly milled flour has a more pronounced flavor, so use high-quality chocolate or cocoa powder to balance it out. The bold chocolate flavor will shine alongside the nuttiness of the fresh flour.
- Let the Batter Rest – Freshly milled flour benefits from a little resting time before baking (even just 10-15 minutes). This helps the flour hydrate and gives your brownies a smoother texture and more cohesive flavor.
- Pair these brownies with a hot cup of coffee, vanilla ice cream, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat!
Brownie Variations:
Classic Walnut Brownies
Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts to add crunch and balance the fudgy texture.
Chocolate Chip Swirl
Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking or fold them into the batter for melty chocolate pockets throughout your brownies.
Peanut Butter Marble Brownies
Drop dollops of peanut butter onto the brownie batter and swirl it with a knife before baking. The sweet and salty combo is irresistible with the richness of fresh milled flour.
Raspberry Bliss Brownies
Add a swirl of raspberry jam or toss in a handful of fresh raspberries to cut through the richness with a tart, fruity pop.
Caramel Drizzle
Bake your brownies as usual, then drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish. Bonus: sprinkle a little flaky sea salt for that gourmet touch!
FAQ
- Can I use any grain for brownies? Soft white wheat is ideal for brownies, but Spelt and Einkorn can add unique earthy flavors.
- Why do fresh-milled flour brownies taste better? The freshness and natural oils in freshly milled flour enhance flavor and moisture, making these brownies truly exceptional.
- How do I store leftover flour for baking? Keep fresh-milled flour in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain its quality.
Find More Delicious Easy Home-Cooking Desserts From Scratch
Chocolate Frosting Recipe From Scratch
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fresh Milled Flour Brownies
Equipment
- grain mill
- stand mixer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup homemade brown sugar
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-milled flour from soft wheat berries
- 1/2 tsp pink salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the butter in a small pot stirring frequently to prevent burning. The butter should have brown specks in it and have a nutty aroma. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Mill the wheatberries to make the fresh flour
- Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, come the cane sugar, coconut sugar, and homemade brown sugar. Add the freshly milled flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Step 4: To the pot with the warmed butter, add the chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are as smooth as possible.
- Step 5: Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold the dry ingredients into the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. If you are using stand mixer combine the wet and dry ingredients in the bowl of the stand mixer and mix on low until the ingredients are just combined.
- Step 6: Prepare the baking dish with butter or parchment paper. Add in the brownie batter.
- Step 7: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add any optional toppings such as walnuts if you’d like.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a fork comes out clean after test poking the center of the brownies. For a more cakey brownie, bake closer to 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Allow the brownies to cook a bit before cutting to prevent crumbling.
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