Name: Lactation Brownies: Boost Milk Supply with This Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup rolled oats (not instant); ¼ cup flaxseed meal; 3 tablespoons brewer's yeast; 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, your choice!)

Lactation Brownies: the decadent treat that supports new mothers! Let's be honest, the early days of motherhood are a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless feedings. As a new mom myself, I understand the constant need for energy and the desire for something truly delicious. That's where these incredible brownies come in. Forget bland lactation cookies – these are fudgy, chocolatey squares of pure bliss, packed with ingredients traditionally believed to boost milk supply.

While the exact origins of lactation-boosting treats are hard to pinpoint, the concept of using food to support breastfeeding has been around for centuries. Different cultures have long relied on specific ingredients to nourish mothers and their babies. These Lactation Brownies are a modern take on that tradition, combining the comforting familiarity of a classic brownie with the added benefits of galactagogues like oats, flaxseed, and brewer's yeast.

What makes these brownies so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor, a moist and chewy texture, and the peace of mind knowing you're indulging in something that's both delicious and beneficial. They're easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Whether you're a new mom looking for a sweet treat or know someone who is, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to bake your way to a happier, healthier breastfeeding journey!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
¼ cup flaxseed meal
3 tablespoons brewer's yeast
1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, your choice!)

Preparing the Batter:

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. You don't want any lumps of butter hiding at the bottom!
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined at this stage.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for the brownies to rise properly and have a consistent flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Stir in Oats, Flaxseed Meal, and Brewer's Yeast: Gently fold in the rolled oats, flaxseed meal, and brewer's yeast. Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. These are the key ingredients that make these brownies lactation brownies! Don't skip them!
Add Chocolate Chips: Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. I like to use a mix of milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.

Baking the Brownies:

Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan after they've cooled.
Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will become dry. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important because the brownies will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they're still warm, they will be gooey and messy. I know it's hard to resist, but trust me, it's worth the wait!

Cutting and Serving:

Cut into Squares: Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them into squares. I usually cut them into 24 squares, but you can cut them into smaller or larger squares depending on your preference.
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the lactation brownies and enjoy! These brownies are delicious on their own, but they're also great with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk.

Tips and Variations:

Nut Allergy Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the flaxseed meal with sunflower seed meal.
Extra Chocolatey: For an extra chocolatey treat, add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This will enhance the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
Nutty Brownies: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty twist.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For a cream cheese swirl, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 egg yolk. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 2 months.
Brewer's Yeast Taste: Some people find the taste of brewer's yeast to be a little bitter. If you're concerned about the taste, you can start with a smaller amount (2 tablespoons) and increase it to 3 tablespoons as you get used to it. You can also try using a flavored brewer's yeast, such as chocolate or vanilla.
Flaxseed Meal Benefits: Flaxseed meal is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and development. It also adds a nice nutty flavor to the brownies.
Oatmeal Choice: Make sure to use rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) for this recipe. Instant oats will not work as well, as they will become too mushy.
Butter Temperature: It's important to use softened butter for this recipe. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the sugar. If the butter is too melted, the brownies will be greasy. The butter should be soft enough to press your finger into easily, but not melted.
Don't Overbake: The key to making fudgy brownies is to not overbake them. The brownies should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

Why These Brownies are Great for Lactation:

These brownies are specifically designed to support lactation due to the inclusion of three key ingredients:

Oats: Oats are a well-known galactagogue, meaning they can help increase milk supply. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Flaxseed Meal: Flaxseed meal is another galactagogue, and it's also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for both mom and baby.
Brewer's Yeast: Brewer's yeast is a nutritional supplement that is rich in B vitamins and protein. It is also a popular galactagogue and has been used for centuries to help increase milk supply.

These ingredients work together to help boost milk production and provide essential nutrients for both you and your baby. While these brownies are designed to support lactation, they are also delicious and can be enjoyed by anyone!

Important Note:

While these brownies contain ingredients that are known to support lactation, it's important to remember that every woman's body is different. What works for one woman may not work for another. If you are concerned about your milk supply, it's always best to consult with a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These aren't just any brownies; they're Lactation Brownies, a delicious and genuinely helpful treat for nursing mothers. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty way to support their milk supply. The rich, chocolatey goodness combined with the power of galactagogues makes these brownies a win-win. Forget those bland lactation cookies – these are a decadent indulgence you can feel good about! But why are these brownies so special? It's the perfect blend of comfort food and functional ingredients. The oats provide fiber and sustained energy, while the flaxseed meal is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and is known to support milk production. Brewer's yeast, the star ingredient, is a nutritional powerhouse brimming with B vitamins and essential amino acids, all crucial for both mom and baby. And let's be honest, who can resist a warm, fudgy brownie? Beyond the benefits, these brownies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Swirl in some peanut butter for a delightful flavor combination. Or, for an extra touch of indulgence, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while they're still warm. You could even drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless! Serving suggestions? These brownies are perfect on their own as a satisfying snack. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea for a truly comforting experience. They also make a thoughtful and appreciated gift for new moms. Imagine the joy of receiving a batch of homemade, lactation-boosting brownies! It's a gift that says, "I'm thinking of you and your little one." I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. But the real test is in the baking! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these Lactation Brownies a try. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor and benefits. Don't be intimidated by the "lactation" aspect – these brownies are delicious for anyone, nursing or not! They're a great source of nutrients and a satisfying treat for the whole family. Once you've baked your batch, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did they help boost your milk supply? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other moms discover the magic of these brownies. Let's create a community of support and deliciousness, one brownie at a time. Happy baking, and happy nursing! I hope these brownies bring you and your little one much joy and nourishment. Remember, you're doing an amazing job!