Lactation Brownies
Need to boost your breast milk production fast? Try these Lactation Brownies, an easy dessert that helps increase milk production with added ingredients like coconut milk, Brewer’s yeast, and oatmeal!
Lactation Brownies That Work!
I’m going to start off by saying that Lactation Brownies aren’t something I ever dreamed I’d be putting on my blog. But here we are and I’m not sorry.
Thanks to a handful of extra ingredients, these fudgy Lactation Brownies are not only delicious but can result in an increased milk supply.
Let me say that I am not a medical professional and if you have serious concerns about your milk supply, please seek out a lactation consultant to make sure there isn’t a larger issue.
Also, please note that lactation treats or food of any kind have not been scientifically proven to increase supply.
I found this recipe during my second pregnancy a few years ago and it was so delicious that I’m making it again now that I’m postpartum with our third. I make it with GF Betty Crocker brownie mix and it still tastes delicious. I love the brownies straight out of the freezer, not too hard because I underbake them by a few minutes to keep them softer. I also love to make them for any new mom friends when I bring them a meal!
However, since I started eating one brownie per day, along with my oatmeal in the morning (this is the kind I eat) and a blue Gatorade during the day, my milk production has doubled.
It started going up when I was eating my lactation cookies, but these brownies really pack a punch.
Maybe it’s a placebo effect… but I’m not complaining because in my case it has worked and I get brownies!
What Are Lactation Brownies?
In this case, they’re a box mix that’s been souped up with a few additional galactagogues that have been said to help increase a mother’s milk supply.
When To Eat Them:
If you’re looking to increase your supply, lactation brownies could be a good option to try and do so. But I recommend speaking with a lactation consultant as well to make sure there isn’t a large issue.
In my case, I’m exclusively pumping so I’m able to measure how much milk I’m producing each day, unlike a mother who primarily nurses.
However, I don’t want to be attached to the pump forever, some days it feels like my life revolves around it.
So in my case, my goal was to create an oversupply to make a large freezer stash so I can stop pumping after a few months but still provide my daughter with breastmilk for several months after that.
How To Make Lactation Brownies
These lactation brownies are super easy to make and they are often referred to as emergency lactation brownies because they’re made from a box brownie mix.
You’ll begin with the box mix itself and then whatever amount of vegetable oil is called for and either 1 or 2 eggs depending on whether or not you want a fudgy or cake-like consistency.
You’ll also add a touch of vanilla and some chocolate chips if there aren’t any already in the box mix.
Next, we’re going to add in the magic stuff:
- Coconut Milk – Replace any called for milk or water on the box with a 1/2 cup of coconut milk. You’ll want to use the kind in the carton in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, not the canned kind. Coconut milk is very hydrating and will assist with milk production.
- Old Fashioned Oatmeal – A lot of lactation consultants recommend adding oatmeal to your diet, usually as a breakfast, but it doesn’t hurt to sneak it into your dessert either.
- Brewer’s Yeast – This stuff has tons of health benefits from nutritional value to help fight the baby blues, read about them on Verywell Family!
- Ground Flaxseed – Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production.
- Collagen Peptides – Okay, so this product isn’t a milk supply booster, it’s more just another beneficial product for new moms. Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin which is identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints. I recommend taking this to help with postpartum hair loss.
How Fast Do They Work?
In my case, I started noticing an increase in supply the next day, some say they work soon and others it takes a little longer.
Can You Freeze Lactation Brownies?
You sure can! Feel free to whip up a batch and put half in the freezer. Enjoy the first half for the next few days and when you run out, pull the others out and let them thaw on the counter before enjoying.
If you’re making these in advance, say before the baby even arrives, just so it’s one last thing you need to worry about, bake the brownies and let them cool.
Then, slice and wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap then put them in a large freezer bag for up to 3 months.
So there you have it, an easy recipe for lactation brownies that will hopefully help boost your milk supply and be a welcome treat during the trying (but beautiful) baby stage.
Also, you burn 20 calories for every ounce of milk you express, so you can feel a little less guilty about indulging!
Variations & Substitutions
- Oat Milk – If you’re having trouble finding coconut milk, oat milk is a great substitute!
- Coconut Water – This is another great substitute for coconut milk.
- Cake-like Texture – You can use 2 eggs instead of 1 if you prefer more cake-like brownies.
- Process The Oats – If you don’t want the hearty texture the oats add, some readers have run the oats through a food processor before adding them to the mixture for a smoother final texture! I tried this too when making them for friends and I think if you’re up for the extra step – it’s totally worth it!
More Recipes from Sugar and Soul
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you’ve tried this recipe, please let leave a review in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos, or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there.
Lactation Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box Fudge Brownie Mix*
- ½ cup vegetable oil or according to box directions
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
- ¼ cup brewer’s yeast
- ¼ cup collagen peptides
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips*
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to package directions.
- If you don't want the hearty texture of the whole oats, run the oats through a food processor before adding them to the mixture for a smoother final texture! This is an optional step, but I think it's totally worth it!1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients (including the oats – whole or processed) until fully combined. Pour brownie batter into a 9×9-inch baking dish and bake according to package directions.1 box Fudge Brownie Mix*, ½ cup vegetable oil or, ½ cup coconut milk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup brewer’s yeast, ¼ cup collagen peptides, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup chocolate chips*
Notes
- Choose whatever boxed brownie mix you’d like. I’ve made this recipe with 5 different varieties, all with similar results.
- Do not add water.
- Coconut milk is the kind in the carton in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, not the canned kind.
- You can use 2 eggs instead of 1 if you prefer more cake-like brownies.
- Collagen peptides are optional.
- Chocolate chips can be omitted in box mixes that already have them in it.
- Coconut Milk – Replace any called for milk or water on the box with a 1/2 cup of coconut milk (in the carton, not the can). Coconut milk is very hydrating and will assist with milk production.
- Old Fashioned Oatmeal – A lot of lactation consultants recommend adding oatmeal to your diet, usually as a breakfast, but it doesn’t hurt to sneak it into your dessert either.
- Brewer’s Yeast – This stuff has tons of health benefits from nutritional value to helping fight the baby blues.
- Ground Flaxseed – Flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production.
- Collagen Peptides – Okay, so this product isn’t a milk supply booster, it’s more just another beneficial product for new moms. Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin which is identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints. I recommend taking this to help with postpartum hair loss.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
You can but it doesn’t have the same benefits.
OK. Thank you.
Made these yesterday and they are delicious! I made three batches and plan to make a couple more since I have all the ingredients. On the third batch I tried grinding up the oats in my blender and it made the texture so much better and they were alot easier to cut and wrap. Thanks!
Before I got the brewer’s yeast I used nutritional yeast and I can tell you right now that this batch I just made today is alot better than the first batch. I am hoping that I can really build up my supply for my 5 week old baby boy. I am just feeling right now that I have failed my son and everything. He has thrush and am hoping that it is almost cleared up.
You have not failed, give yourself some grace, those first few weeks are a lot!
I was really excited about making this although I didn’t read instructions thoroughly before shopping. I purchased can coconut milk not carton. Oops. Is it possible to still make this?
Hi Amanda, although I have never made it with canned, it should work, just scoop off the creamy top. It also might create a stronger coconut flavor in the brownies.
I️ followed instructions as shown.. my brownies wasn’t good at all. Very dry and nasty. I was opening to have something to increase my milk.. 🙁
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe.
I haven’t tried to, but plan to make a batch or two before baby comes. Just a side note, though, you can’t really prevent the hair loss (telogen effluvium) because its just all the hair that you weren’t losing for a while.
Great recipe. I subbed coconut milk for brewed lactation tea and added toasted coconut flakes on top….at this point they’re just dang good brownies that happen to boost lactation! #winner
This was super easy to throw together and I love them! Gooey and chocolatey~yum!!
I have been making these since birth and they are delicious!
I’ve made these since birth and they are delicious! I have subbed in oatmilk when I dont have coconut milk.
Absolutely love this recipe . I’ve tried a few lactation brownie recipes and all of them turned out so dry but this was was super delish . I just made them today so I don’t know how it will help boost my supply yet , but I’m hoping they work . I just had 2 pieces and I cut the 8×8 pan into 16 pieces . I also used canned coconut milk and it still came out great . I also used my food processor to make my rolled outs into more of a flour so it wouldn’t be chunky . I normally pump I between 2 to 3 ounces total in between feedings for my 4 month old . I’ll post back to update on if there was an increase .
I hope you find them helpful!!
Hi , Can I use olive oil if I don’t have coconut oil ?
I’ve never tried it. The coconut oil is what helps with lactation so I would recommend using that if possible.
I accidentally bought organic golden flaxseed! Is this okay? It didn’t match the amazon picture lol!
Hi Jazmine, as long as it’s flaxseed meal and not whole flax seeds it should be fine!
Hi Rebecca, do you think I can use steel cut oatmeal instead of rolled oats? Looking forward to making these.
Hi Ann, My concern with steel cut oats is that they wouldn’t get very soft and might result in a less than desirable texture.
I don’t have any coconut water or coconut milk 🙁 the stores are not open now either. Do I just use water if instructed ?
Hi Sarah, you can use water or milk 🙂
I’m making these today! Currently I pump about 2 oz total – every two hours (combined from both breasts, NOT 2 oz per breast), my daughter will be 5 weeks old on Tues (6/2/2020) And she is eating like CRAZY! I used to have a backstock of milk then I stopped pumping cause I felt I had a cushion with all the extra milk. Unfortunately this caused my output of milk to decrease and now I kid you not she is drinking soooooo much! She has been drinking about 4 oz every 2 to 3 hours. So she’s basically drinking as I pump. I’d like to increase my breast milk output again so I don’t have to be feeding her as I pump, I’ll update my post to let you guys know if I see an increase in my breast milk production 😊 Also I tasted the batter before I put the brownie pan in the oven and it was tasty! Not too bitter which I was a tiny bit worried about (cause of the brewer’s yeast)
I hope you enjoy them!
Any luck Rachel ?
Trying this recipe tonight am super excited. I hope it really helps with my milk supply. Am exclusively breastfeeding and I mostly feed on demand. I hardly pump but will like to start pumping soon to start saving for when I go back to work .when I do pump I barely get 3 ounce though my baby is only 6 weeks old. Thank you for the recipe.
I just made these today, hope they work for me. Have 5 week old twins and my supply has really dwindled down since they’re mostly formula fed due to the birth weight loss they endured from my supply not coming in until days later. I left out the collagen and chocolate chips. They are so super yummy, it’s really hard not to eat them all in one sitting.
Hi Jen, I’m so glad you like them and I hope they help too! Also, power pumping and water will go a long way too!
If I don’t have coconut milk can I use coconut water?
Hi Meloney, Yes, coconut water should work great as a substitute!
What if I used canned coconut milk will it still help?
I believe so, but I’ve never made the recipe with it so I can’t say how it will impact the texture.
Hi! I haven’t made these yet but I’ve made others from scratch and something I like to do is grind up the oats first. It hides them a bit more which I like.
Thanks for the recipe!
A great idea!