If you’re someone who follows a Paleo diet, you already know that finding desserts that fit into your dietary needs can be a challenge. Baked goods, in particular, often fall outside the Paleo guidelines because they typically contain grains, refined sugars, and dairy. But fear not, sweet-toothed Paleo eaters! You haven’t been forsaken. Enter: coconut flour brownies. These brownies are not only Paleo-friendly but are also fluffy, rich, and will satisfy any chocolate cravings without the guilt. Today, I’ll show you how to make these delicious treats in simple steps.
Why Coconut Flour?
Coconut flour is a wonderful alternative for those following a Paleo diet for a few reasons. First, it’s naturally grain-free and gluten-free, making it a perfect option for Paleo baking. Second, coconut flour is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which means it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Lastly, it has a subtly sweet taste that complements desserts beautifully without overpowering them.
Ingredients
To start, you’ll need to round up the following ingredients:
– 1/2 cup of coconut flour (sifted)
– 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil or ghee (for dairy-free, stick with coconut oil)
– 1/2 cup of honey or pure maple syrup (for sweetening)
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 4 eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– Optional: nuts or dark chocolate chips (make sure they’re Paleo-friendly)
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial for ensuring your brownies don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted coconut flour and cocoa powder. Ensuring your coconut flour is sifted is key to avoiding lumps in your batter.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil (or ghee), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Once these are well combined, crack the eggs into this mixture and whisk until you have a smooth, homogenous liquid.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Add the salt and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage.
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Bake the Brownies: Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The key here is not to overbake; you want the center to be slightly moist when tested with a toothpick for that perfect brownie texture.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares and serve.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Skimp on Eggs: Coconut flour is highly absorbent, which can lead to dry baked goods. The eggs help add moisture and act as a binder for the brownies. That’s why we use a bit more than you might expect.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste your batter (before adding the eggs) to see if it meets your desired sweetness. Paleo diets can shift your sweetness tolerance, so feel free to adjust the honey or maple syrup to suit your preference.
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Storage: These brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but they can also be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
Conclusion
Making Paleo-friendly coconut flour brownies is straightforward and rewarding. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy a decadent, chocolatey dessert that aligns with your dietary preferences. Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, feel free to get creative by adding in your favorite nuts, fruits, or even adapting it to make different flavors. The world of Paleo desserts is wide open with possibilities, and these coconut flour brownies are just the beginning. Happy baking!
