Crockpot Challenge - Brownie Cake Squares

These are great!! Rich and chewy, just like a brownie...cake!

If you are serving it later, it tastes best warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds. There was a little difficulty getting it out of the crockpot, despite coating first with non-stick spray. I think next time I'll try a piece of parchment paper for the bottom. This recipe is from the new $4.99 Prevention Guide Slow Cooker Recipe Book (page 49) currently on the newsstands. I found it at Barnes and Noble over the weekend.

BROWNIE CAKE SQUARES

2/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk

1/3 cup trans-fat free margarine*

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (or regular)

Coat 4-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine milk, margarine, egg and vanilla in another bowl. Mix in flour mixture until smooth, then stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in bottom of slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low 2-3 (2 1/2 in my 4 quart size) hours or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool, uncovered, 15 minutes. Remove insert from cooker and invert contents over rack (plate). Cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.

*The recipe did not specify softened or melted. I actually used softened unsalted butter and was able to mix it in without any problem. I also think a handful of walnuts would make it taste good, too. L thought it was missing something - probably that.