Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
These Paleo Almond Flour Brownies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are not only delicious but also cater to various dietary needs. They are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them the ideal dessert for those following paleo or vegan diets. With their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture, you’re bound to love every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Healthier Alternative: Made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, these brownies offer a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Options: You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Fudgy Texture: Enjoy a rich, moist brownie that melts in your mouth without any refined sugars or dairy.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share them with friends at gatherings or parties!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 baking pan: Perfect size for even baking of brownies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by mixing thoroughly.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Paleo Almond Flour Brownies, you will need the following ingredients:
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup runny almond butter (or other nut butter)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (can sub for brown sugar)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (I used almond)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or butter (melted)
- 2 eggs or flax eggs (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- 1/4-1 teaspoon baking powder (see notes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Add all wet ingredients together.
2. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add in all remaining dry ingredients to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick—make sure to spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly across all sides using a rubber spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-28 minutes:
1. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few crumbs if you prefer fudgy brownies.
2. For more well-done brownies, bake closer to 28 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let cool completely before slicing into squares:
1. Wait at least 30 minutes before cutting to avoid crumbling.
2. Enjoy them as is or warm them up in the microwave later!
How to Serve Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
These paleo almond flour brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you want to elevate your dessert or pair it with something refreshing, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your brownie experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Slice them up and serve alongside for a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Raspberries: Their tartness complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
- Blueberries: Add a burst of flavor and a pop of color on the plate.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Coconut Ice Cream: Keep it dairy-free with creamy coconut ice cream.
- Almond Milk Ice Cream: A nutty addition that pairs well with chocolatey brownies.
Drizzled with Nut Butter
- Almond Butter: Drizzle warm almond butter over the brownies for added richness.
- Peanut Butter: Classic peanut butter brings a familiar flavor combination to the table.
Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream
- Light and airy, whipped coconut cream adds a decadent touch without dairy.
Dusted with Cocoa Powder
- For a simple yet elegant finish, dust some cocoa powder on top before serving.
How to Perfect Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
To achieve the best texture and flavor for your paleo almond flour brownies, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you in creating the ultimate fudgy treat.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for organic almond butter and pure maple syrup for better taste.
- Measure accurately: Spoon and level your almond flour to prevent dense brownies; avoid scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t overbake: Check for doneness around 22 minutes; you want a few crumbs on the toothpick for fudginess.
- Cool completely before slicing: Patience is key! Allowing them to cool helps maintain their shape when cut.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts or different flavored chocolate chips for variety.
- Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
While these brownies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to rich brownies.
- Coconut Yogurt: This dairy-free alternative adds creaminess and pairs well with chocolate flavors.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light, healthy pudding that can balance out the sweetness of the brownies.
- Homemade Granola: Crunchy granola can add texture when sprinkled on top or served on the side.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A blend of nuts and dried fruits offers crunch and natural sweetness alongside.
- Herbed Tea: Pairing with herbal tea can cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing flavors even more.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm beverage like coffee elevates dessert time by complementing chocolate notes.
- Dark Chocolate Sauce: For those true chocolate lovers, drizzling dark chocolate sauce adds indulgence!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when trying new recipes like Paleo Almond Flour Brownies. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial when baking. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise results.
- Using almond meal instead of almond flour: Almond meal is coarser and will change the texture of your brownies. Stick to blanched almond flour for the best outcomes.
- Not letting the brownies cool: Cutting into hot brownies can lead to a crumbly mess. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner slices.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your brownies tough. Stir just until combined to keep them soft and fudgy.
- Skipping parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment helps in easy removal and cleanup. Don’t skip this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Timeframe: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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- Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
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- Timeframe: These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months.
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- Container: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions regarding Paleo Almond Flour Brownies.
Can I make these Paleo Almond Flour Brownies vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs as indicated in the recipe notes.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted should come out with a few crumbs for fudgy brownies. Adjust baking time based on your preference.
What can I substitute for coconut sugar?
Brown sugar works well as a substitute if you don’t have coconut sugar on hand.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! These Paleo Almond Flour Brownies are gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
These Paleo Almond Flour Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert or a sweet treat after dinner, these brownies deliver on taste and health. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Paleo Almond Flour Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of Paleo Almond Flour Brownies that are not only delicious but also cater to various dietary preferences. These brownies are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them an excellent choice for anyone following a paleo or vegan lifestyle. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep chocolate flavor, they provide guilt-free satisfaction for dessert lovers. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, these brownies can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs)
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the brownie batter. Spread it evenly.
- Bake for 22-28 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
