These Healthy Brownies are fudgy, chocolatey and easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus they are completely grain, dairy and gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brownies are one of my favorite desserts. Here on iFoodReal, I have over 11 healthy brownies recipes for all fridge and pantry situations, with zucchini brownies being #1 reader favorite!
Today I am sharing my latest healthy brownie recipe that’s gluten-free, grain, dairy and refined-sugar free, and yet it’s a delicious, fudgy brownie with strong dark chocolate flavor.
It’s based on my almond flour brownies but without any sugar or butter!
Ingredients for Healthy Brownies
- Almond flour: I like to use fine blanched almond flour because it yields a moist and fudgy brownie. Almond meal will be OK too but brownies will come out more dense. White flour will not work!
- Cacao powder: Cacao powder is less processed but unsweetened cocoa powder is great too. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will have the most rich chocolate flavor and color.
- Almond butter: For more complex flavor and and slightly chewy, grainy texture. Peanut butter or any other nut butter will work as well but will have more prominent taste.
- Eggs: For binding and extra fat for richness and fudginess.
- Maple syrup: I love using pure maple syrup in baking because it’s just tasty. It also adds natural sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar or coconut sugar can’t be used.
- Vanilla extract: For flavor which goes well with chocolate.
- Baking powder: For lift. Use fresh one and preferably aluminum-free baking powder. For more gooey brownies, skip it.
- Salt: A little bit is necessary to bring out flavors in flour and chocolate.
- Chocolate chips: We used mini dark chocolate chips for less added sugar and more chocolatey brownies, but you can use any you like.
How to Make Healthy Brownies
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line square 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, cacao powder, baking powder and salt. Stir well.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In another large bowl, add almond butter, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk well.
- Combine both: Transfer dry ingredients to a bowl with wet ingredients and mix with rubber spatula just until brownie batter forms. Fold in almost all of chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
- Bake and cool brownies: Transfer batter into previously prepared baking pan, level with spatula and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Best Results
My top tips for the best healthy brownies on the web!
- Don’t over bake: Healthy brownies dry out faster than regular brownies. Take them out as soon as toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but the center is still slightly soft.
- Let brownies cool: For clean slices, brownies need to cool completely.
- Follow the recipe: For best results, I do not recommend to make any substitutions except the ones listed under Ingredients section. Baking is a science!
Serving Ideas
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy brownies.
- I really like to sprinkle top of the brownies with some flaky sea salt. It really brings out the chocolate flavor!
- Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for extra flavor but not calories.
- I love pistachio butter a lot, just a tiny drizzle on top!
- For extra protein, serve with creamy plain Greek yogurt.
- A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm brownie is always a good idea.
How to Store
Store: Store healthy brownies in an airtight container for 2 days in a cool dark place. Then place in refrigerator for up to 3 more days.
Freeze: I like to freeze brownies individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.
Whenever you feel like one, thaw it on a counter for 1-2 hours or in a microwave and you are good to go.
More Brownies Recipes to Try
- Greek yogurt brownies
- Black bean brownies
- Sweet potato brownies
- Cottage cheese brownies
- Protein brownies
Healthy Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line 8×8-inch baking dish with unbleached parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
- In another large bowl, add eggs, maple syrup, almond butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in dry ingredients. Then fold in 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
- Transfer batter into prepared baking dish, level with spatula and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Lift by the parchment paper flaps, transfer to a cutting board and cut into 9 squares.
Notes
- Store: In a cool dry place for a few days.
- Freeze: I like to freeze the brownies on a baking tray (not touching) until solid and then transfer them to a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
