📖 Instructions

1. First, let’s tackle the pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion (trust me, don’t skip this—it adds a much-needed savory note), 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (add more if you like it spicy!), 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix everything together gently. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is cruicial. Trust me.
2. Now, for the brownies! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This helps prevent sticking, and nobody wants a brownie casualty. Or, for easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates a sling, allowing you to lift the entire batch of brownies out easily after baking.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend, if you prefer), 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure there's no lumps.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted vegan butter or coconut oil, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of warm water (let this sit for 5 minutes to thicken and become your 'flax eggs'), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 ounces of melted vegan dark chocolate. Whisk until smooth and combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want them fudgy and delicious.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should look set, but the center should still be slightly gooey.
7. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know, but trust me, it's worth it. The brownies will firm up as they cool, making them easier to slice.
8. Once the brownies are cooled and sliced, top each square with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed! If you're feeling extra fancy, you can add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce.