Let’s be real: you came here for the brownies, not the salad. But hey, the cucumber and orange salad does try its best to balance out the decadence. The salad is a zesty, refreshing attempt to make you feel good about the impending mocha cheesecake brownies. Speaking of the brownies—moist, rich, and caffeinated—who knew cheesecake and chocolate could get along this well? It’s like a guilty pleasure masquerading as sophistication. So go ahead, eat your greens… right before you dive into the decadent, mocha-infused dessert that will have you questioning why you ever worried about calories.
Cucumber and Orange Salad with Mocha Cheesecake Brownies
A crisp cucumber and citrus salad paired with dense mocha cheesecake brownies that are guaranteed to bring joy.
Ingredients
For the Cucumber and Orange Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers sliced
- 2 oranges peeled and segmented
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
For the Mocha Cheesecake Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
For the Cucumber and Orange Salad:
- Slice the cucumbers and segment the oranges.
- Toss them together in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and honey, stirring gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
For the Mocha Cheesecake Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, cream cheese, and espresso. Mix well.
- Fold in melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour into a greased baking pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, then cool before cutting.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 490Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 30%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
- Potassium: 7%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Feel free to add a dash of cinnamon to the salad for a little spice kick.
- If you’re feeling extra, top the brownies with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for even more indulgence.
- Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing contrast to the warm brownies.
