Welcome to a truly transformative baking experience! These incredibly moist, dense, and irresistibly fudgy Coconut Flour Brownies are designed to captivate even the most devoted traditional brownie connoisseur. Whether you follow a grain-free lifestyle or simply seek a delicious, wholesome dessert, this recipe promises to impress. Plus, we’ve included a convenient dairy-free option to suit various dietary needs.
For those who can’t get enough of rich, chocolatey treats, be sure to explore our extensive collection of brownie recipes for more delightful inspiration!
Discovering the World of Grain-Free Baking: A Delicious Revelation
In our household, we’re fortunate enough not to contend with any significant food allergies or intolerances. This makes us somewhat of an anomaly in today’s culinary landscape, where so many families skillfully adapt their diets and cooking methods to accommodate various conditions. Because we don’t face these dietary restrictions daily, I haven’t always been accustomed to baking for those who do.
However, opportunities often arise, whether I’m volunteering to bring a meal to another family or simply exploring new culinary horizons. These moments frequently introduce me to the fascinating world of alternative diets, including the challenges and triumphs of baking without grains or dairy. It’s in these instances that I’m eager to expand my baking repertoire and experiment with different ingredients and techniques.
So, while grain-free baking isn’t a regular staple in my kitchen, I enthusiastically embrace every chance to practice and refine these skills. My latest adventure led me to the cookbook, Everyday Grain-Free Baking by Kelly Smith, a resource that genuinely transformed my perspective on alternative baking.
Unveiling the Simplicity of Grain-Free Ingredients
To be entirely transparent, I approached this cookbook with a degree of preconceived notions, given my limited experience with grain-free recipes. I anticipated a journey through obscure ingredients, complex techniques, and a general sense of intimidation. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised. The recipes, while indeed utilizing flours beyond traditional all-purpose, such as almond flour and, of course, coconut flour, largely relied on components that were readily available and familiar.
For these particular Coconut Flour Brownies, for example, the only ingredient I didn’t already have stocked in my pantry was the coconut flour itself. This accessibility instantly dispelled my initial skepticism and opened my eyes to how approachable grain-free baking can truly be. It’s a testament to the evolving market and the ingenuity of authors like Kelly Smith who make these healthier options more mainstream.
A Comprehensive Resource for Every Dietary Need
Everyday Grain-Free Baking is far more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a versatile guide for anyone navigating specific dietary paths. The book boasts an impressive array of dishes, ranging from wholesome bread and breakfast items to delightful pies, cakes, cookies, and, naturally, these incredible brownies. What truly sets this cookbook apart is its thoughtful categorization of recipes.
Beyond being grain-free, many recipes are also dairy-free, offer dairy-free options, are egg-free, nut-free, or suitable for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Each applicable recipe is clearly marked, making it incredibly easy for readers to identify dishes that align with their particular needs. This comprehensive approach underscores the book’s commitment to inclusivity and makes it an invaluable tool for diverse households.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this cookbook a standout:
- Number of Photos: Abundant and Inspiring
Flipping through the pages, you’ll find that approximately half of the recipes are accompanied by a beautifully styled photograph. These high-quality images are not only visually appealing but also incredibly helpful, offering a clear glimpse of the final culinary creation and inspiring confidence in the baker. - Difficulty Level of Recipes: Approachable Medium
While baking inherently requires a certain level of precision, most recipes in this book skillfully balance ease with delicious outcomes, often falling into the “easy to medium” range. For those new to grain-free baking, there might be a slight learning curve as you adjust to the unique properties of alternative flours. However, the clear instructions and well-tested recipes make this transition smooth and rewarding. - Availability of Ingredients: Surprisingly Easy
This aspect was perhaps the most pleasant surprise. Gone are the days when specialty flours were relegated to obscure health food stores. Today, common ingredients like almond flour and coconut flour are widely available in most major grocery stores. Coupled with other typical pantry staples, sourcing ingredients for these recipes is generally straightforward and hassle-free.
More Delicious Grain-Free Recipes to Explore
The cookbook offers such a tantalizing selection that my “must-try” list quickly grew. Beyond these fantastic Coconut Flour Brownies, I’m eager to experiment with:
- Coconut Flour Drop Biscuits
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones
- Chocolate Covered Banana Muffins
- Peach Pie in a Jar
- Lemonade Sunshine Cake
- Peach Cobbler Breakfast Bars
My Journey to the Perfect Coconut Flour Brownie
When it came time to select a recipe from Everyday Grain-Free Baking, I aimed for something versatile and crowd-pleasing, something I could easily share with neighbors if the occasion arose. While many recipes featuring fresh seasonal fruits caught my eye – promising delightful summer bakes – I ultimately decided that you simply cannot go wrong with chocolate. Thus, the Coconut Flour Brownies became my chosen adventure.
Having never baked with coconut flour before, I approached the recipe with an open mind, unsure what to expect in terms of texture or flavor. The preparation itself was refreshingly straightforward, following a familiar brownie-making process. However, as the brownies emerged from the oven, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind. They didn’t quite possess the typical cracked, crinkly top often associated with classic brownies; instead, they had a more cake-like appearance.
Undaunted, I let them cool as instructed. The true revelation came when I gently removed them from the pan and began to slice into squares. The texture was undeniably dense and rich, far from the cake-like impression I initially had. And then came the first bite – I was absolutely captivated! The taste and texture defied my expectations in the most delightful way imaginable. These brownies were not just good; they were extraordinary.
A Fudgy, Flavorful Delight
While the texture wasn’t overtly gooey like some traditional brownies, they possessed an incredibly satisfying density and richness that unequivocally qualified them as fudgy. A subtle, yet discernible hint of coconut permeated each bite – an expected and welcome note, considering the recipe calls for coconut flour, coconut oil, and coconut milk. However, it was the deep, luscious chocolate flavor that truly shone through, proving that these brownies are a serious treat for any chocolate lover.
The cookbook even includes a recipe for whipped coconut cream, which would have been the perfect accompaniment. Unfortunately, preparing it requires refrigerating coconut milk overnight, and I, regrettably, hadn’t planned ahead. But fear not! For those who enjoy dairy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream served as an equally delicious topping, adding a light, airy contrast to the rich brownies.
These Coconut Flour Brownies were so exceptionally delicious that I would enthusiastically make them again, even without the necessity of grain-free baking. They are a testament to how flavorful and satisfying alternative baking can be. An added bonus? They store beautifully, retaining their perfect moisture and delightful taste for at least two days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. This recipe has undeniably earned a permanent spot in my collection, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an incredible chocolate experience, regardless of dietary preferences.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
Subscribe to our free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Find us sharing more culinary inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Coconut Flour Brownies
Pin
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter*
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips**
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, or line with foil or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the coconut flour, baking soda and salt.
- Heat the coconut oil and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder and honey. Stir the mixture until the chocolate chips start to melt, then remove the pan from the heat and stir until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is very smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk together the coconut milk, egg and vanilla in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture.
- Sift the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture and whisk vigorously until no lumps remain. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes so that the coconut flour can absorb some of the liquid.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean. Remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Recipe Notes:
*For dairy free, substitute palm shortening for the butter
**For dairy free, use dairy free chocolate chips
source: Everyday Grain-Free Baking