These Fudgy Paleo Brownies are everything you’ve been dreaming of – rich, decadent, and impossibly chocolatey while still being grain-free and refined sugar-free. Made with almond flour and wholesome ingredients, these brownies deliver that perfect chewy, fudgy texture that will satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. Whether you follow a paleo lifestyle or just want a healthier brownie option, this simple recipe comes together in minutes with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for any day of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Genuinely Fudgy Texture: These aren’t just called fudgy brownies – they truly deliver that dense, rich, chocolate experience that makes you close your eyes when you take a bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your paleo pantry – no complicated items or lengthy shopping lists required.
- Versatile for Dietary Needs: Whether you’re strictly paleo, avoiding gluten, or just want a healthier brownie, this recipe works beautifully with dairy-free modifications too.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have these brownies ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for when that chocolate craving hits without warning!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Grass-fed butter or coconut oil: The fat base that gives these brownies their incredible richness. Choose coconut oil for a completely dairy-free option.
- Chocolate chips: Provides that intense chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture. Look for paleo-friendly versions without added sugar.
- Almond butter: Adds depth of flavor and helps create that perfect chewy texture while boosting protein content.
- Coconut sugar: The perfect paleo-friendly sweetener that provides a caramel-like depth without refined sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the overall taste profile.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and provides structure to these grain-free brownies.
- Espresso powder: Optional but highly recommended – it doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee, but rather intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Almond flour: The grain-free flour base that keeps these brownies paleo while providing a tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor without added sugars.
- Baking soda: Just a touch for the perfect rise while maintaining the fudgy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Variations
Want to customize your brownies? Here are some delicious options:
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Berry Bliss: Add 1/4 cup of fresh raspberries gently pressed into the top before baking for a fruity contrast.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just after baking for that sweet-salty combination that elevates chocolate desserts.
- Double Chocolate: Fold in an additional 1/4 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for chocolate chunk brownies.
How to Make Fudgy Paleo Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add the butter (or coconut oil), chocolate chips, and almond butter. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the egg from cooking.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the espresso powder (if using), almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together until fully combined. The batter will be thick – this is exactly what you want for fudgy brownies!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the thick batter to your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spatula to press the batter evenly into the pan. Bake on the middle rack for 17-19 minutes, until the top appears dry to the touch but the center still feels slightly soft when gently pressed.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment paper sling to lift them out and cutting into squares. Patience here results in cleaner cuts and better texture!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Trust the Thickness: The batter is supposed to be very thick – this is what gives you that perfect fudgy texture. Don’t be tempted to add liquid!
- Watch the Baking Time: The secret to fudgy brownies is slight underbaking. When in doubt, pull them out a minute early rather than a minute late.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better with the other ingredients.
- Quality Matters: Since there are relatively few ingredients, using high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder makes a significant difference in flavor.
How to Serve
These brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:
Simple Elegance:
Enjoy them just as they are with a glass of almond milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
Dessert Upgrade:
Top with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream for a decadent dessert that still fits your paleo lifestyle.
Coffee Companion:
Serve alongside your morning or afternoon coffee for a special treat that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the chocolate notes deepen!
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Cut them into individual squares and wrap each one in parchment paper before placing in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy a frozen brownie, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour with another grain-free flour?
Almond flour is essential for the texture of these brownies. Coconut flour absorbs much more moisture and would completely change the outcome. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seed flour as the closest substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Why are my brownies too cakey instead of fudgy?
The most common reason is overbaking. Remember that brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool. Also, check that you’re using the right amount of almond flour (weight measurement is most accurate) and that you haven’t added extra eggs or leavening agents.
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
These brownies rely on eggs for both binding and texture. While there are egg substitutes like flax eggs, they will significantly change the fudgy texture that makes these brownies special. If you try a substitute, expect a different result.
Why is my brownie batter so thick?
This is normal and intentional! The thick batter leads to that perfect fudgy texture we’re aiming for. Don’t be tempted to add liquid to thin it out – simply press the thick batter into your prepared pan and trust the process.
Final Thoughts
These Fudgy Paleo Brownies truly deliver on both flavor and texture while maintaining clean, whole-food ingredients. With their rich chocolate flavor and satisfying chewiness, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat when you want something special without derailing your healthy eating habits. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – a handful of quality ingredients transformed into something truly spectacular. Give them a try and discover that eating paleo doesn’t mean giving up life’s chocolate pleasures!
PrintFudgy Paleo Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you are looking for fudgy, chewy, and ridiculously chocolate-y Paleo Brownies, then this is the recipe for you! These healthy gluten-free brownies are made with almond flour, they’re grain-free, optionally dairy-free, and simple to make. Perfect as an indulgent yet healthier dessert option.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
-
-
- 1/3 cup grass-fed butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Dry Ingredients
-
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (144 grams) almond flour
- 1/4 cup (24 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9″ baking dish and line it with a parchment paper sling for easy removal later.
- Melt wet ingredients: In a double boiler, melt together the butter (or coconut oil), chocolate chips, and almond butter. Let the mixture cool slightly before using.
- Whisk the sugar mixture: In a large bowl, combine the coconut sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth. Slowly add the slightly cooled butter mixture and continue to whisk until well incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the espresso powder (optional), almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix everything together until completely combined. The batter will be thick.
- Prepare the batter and bake: Place the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or spatula to press the batter down evenly across the pan. Bake on the middle rack for 17-19 minutes, or until the top is dry to the touch but the middle is slightly soft when gently pressed.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy your decadent paleo brownies!
Notes
- The batter for these paleo brownies is very thick! You might question whether you made a mistake, but keep going. You may need to gently press the batter down into the pan—it will puff up in the oven as it bakes.
- You can cut this recipe into 9 large servings or up to 12 smaller servings.
- If you are following a strict paleo diet and avoiding dairy, opt for coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- This recipe was originally published in 2013 and updated in 2019 for an improved version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *