Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie that's not only completely vegan and gluten-free but also looks like a work of art swirled with creamy peanut butter. These brownies are the ultimate proof that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you're following a specific diet or just looking for a guilt-free treat that tastes absolutely sinful, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, mix maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly using a spatula until a consistent brownie batter forms. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
- Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the natural peanut butter for 15-20 seconds to make it more fluid.
- Drop spoonfuls of the warmed peanut butter across the top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirl patterns by gently dragging the peanut butter through the chocolate batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps the brownies set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent batter texture.
- For the best swirl effect, make sure your peanut butter is slightly warm but not hot when creating the marble pattern.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to dense, tough brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to help them set and achieve the perfect fudgy consistency.
- For extra richness, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly or use a sugar-free alternative.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
- For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
