Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are decadent, rich, fudgy, dark and oh so chocolatey. Vegan + Gluten Free + Grain Free. Disclosure: I’m sharing this recipe from Alexandra’s of OccassionallyEggs.com new ebook Plant Based Comfort Food. All opinions are my own.
If I’m going to have dessert, just gimme chocolate.
Possibly the reason for my having at least some chocolate component in so many of the sweet recipes on Vanilla And Bean.
So when I got my hot little hands on Alexandra’s Plant Based Comfort Food ebook and saw the cover, I immediately went straight for the brownies.
Rich. Decadent. Fudgy. Dark.
Pass me another, please.
Even Rob agreed. Although he just had to throw in that these brownies aren’t regular (his word), as if I were unaware (rolls eyes). He surprised himself, though, because he actually likes these healthy brownies. I took it as a compliment and passed it on to Alexandra.
I didn’t hear him complaining upon multiple reach-ins to the brownie jar.
Dutch cocoa powder and 72% dark chocolate chunks make these brownies over-the-top chocolately. Chocolate chips will work well here too, if preferred.
If dairy free or vegan, be sure to read the labels on chocolate and always go for a high quality chocolate. This resource lists many available varieties. I tend to buy baking chocolate in bulk because there’s less packaging waste and it’s more economical.
The sugar Alexandra uses in this recipe is coconut sugar. Have you baked with it? It’s subtly sweet.
When paired with chocolate it allows the chocolate notes to shine making these brownies extra rich. Perfect for a dark-chocolate lover.
I first connected with Alexandra on Instagram and have been following her blog ever since. Her recipes are mostly plant based and comforting which appeals to my always-in search-of veggie packed comfort food, so I knew I’d love her ebook just as much as her blog.
In Plant Based Comfort Food Alexandra shares 10 exclusive recipes, from dinner to snacks and sweets. With each recipe, she shares an inspiring photograph and a bit of story behind the evolution of the recipe. Her methods are easy to follow and are clearly written. Her Quick Seed Bread is next on my list, then I’ll whip up some Banana Coconut Breakfast Bars for snackin’.
These brownies come together fast, with very little clean up while they bake, filling your home with the most divine scent of chocolate.
Alexandra suggests paring these fudgy brownies with berries and coconut cream. Since berries are out of season here, I went for the ice cream with a slightly warm brownie. Mmmmm.
Head over to check out Alexandra’s new ebook, Plant Based Comfort Food, and her blog, Occassionally Eggs for inspiration, adventure and delicious recipes, then make these easy brownies.
Now excuse me while I take another bite. :D
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 C (100g) Hazelnut Meal
- 3/4 C (72g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder dutch process
- 1 tsp tapioca flour or arrowroot
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp fine Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 3/4 C (105g) Coconut Sugar
- 3/4 C (175g) Coconut Milk
- 3 Tbs Coconut Oil melted
- 1/2 C (95g) Dark Chocolate chopped (70% - 72%)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and line an 8" x 8" (20cm x 20cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl sift in the hazelnut meal, cocoa powder, tapioca, extract, salt, and baking powder. If there is any hazelnut meal left in the sifter, add that to the bowl. Whisk in the coconut sugar. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, and oil. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Fold in the chopped chocolate.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish. Using an offset spatula, smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out almost clean (be sure to test several spots and the chopped chocolate will stick to the toothpick making it look like they're not done!).
- Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Cut into 16 equal pieces. Serve with fresh berries and coconut cream or ice cream. To rewarm brownies, place in a warmed 350F oven for about 5 minutes. Store in a covered container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
Gabby says
October 6, 2018 at 12:40 pmI just made these and they are pretty, pretty good! No coconut flavor just decadent chocolate that is not too sweet at all. I used vegan semi sweet chocolate chunks and took them out after 24 min. Thanks for the great recipe!
Traci says
October 6, 2018 at 1:42 pmHi Gabby! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a note! So happy to hear you enjoyed the brownies. I’ll pass it on to Alexandra!
Jessica says
May 30, 2017 at 8:17 pmCan I use pyure instead of coconut sugar? I’m not crazy about the taste of coconut.
Traci says
May 31, 2017 at 8:13 amHey Jessica! I’ve never baked with Pyure, so I’m not sure how it would do in this recipe. Since it’s an all purpose sweetener though, you may want to give it a go and see how you like it. If you do, please let us know how it turned out! My interest is piqued. I hope this helps!
Sue Heath says
May 30, 2017 at 7:21 amI made these with a slight modification. I thought I could ground hazelnuts but the batter was very liquid so I added a cup of almond flour (all I had on hand). They were amazing. Your recipes are very inspiring….thank you!
Traci says
May 31, 2017 at 8:15 amThank you for your note and kind words, Sue! Almond flour sounds like a fabulous addition! :D
Morgan says
May 17, 2017 at 10:28 pmJust wondering if you have the nutritional value? These look amazing and chocolate is my weakness!
Aysegul Sanford says
April 6, 2017 at 11:51 amWhoa!! Looking at the photos it is hard to believe that these are healthy. Though I am not much of a chocolate person, I do love a good brownie. Especially if it looks this yummy.
BTW, Rob cracks me up cuz my husband is the same way.. :)) He would soooo roll his eyes if I were to make this and serve it to him all the while half of it would be gone in less than an hour.
ahhh men..
Lisa says
April 3, 2017 at 9:21 pmThese brownies look AMAZING, Traci!!!!
Sarah says
March 30, 2017 at 1:25 pmOMG how are these even real?? I can’t believe they are grain-free and vegan yet they look so perfectly fudgy and dense. I would have gone straight for this recipe too, haha. There’s always room for more chocolate! ;)
[email protected] says
March 30, 2017 at 6:20 amI am with you on the chocolate – just hand it over! I love how dense and decadent these are! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a good brownie – now you’ve got me craving, big time!!
Alida | Simply Delicious says
March 30, 2017 at 5:15 amThese brownies look spectacular Traci!
rebeccca | DisplacedHousewife says
March 27, 2017 at 10:28 amThese look so rich and delicious Traci!! xoxo
Alexandra | Occasionally Eggs says
March 26, 2017 at 11:47 pmSo in love with these beautiful pictures, Traci! Thank you so much for sharing and I’m happy that you enjoyed them <3 it's definitely a compliment that Rob liked them – and yes to buying chocolate with less packaging!
Traci says
March 27, 2017 at 6:01 amOh yeah, Rob was haaaapy! Thank YOU for sharing! :D
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
March 26, 2017 at 6:33 amSo basically these are nutella brownies, only healthier! So fudgey, decadent and drool-worthy!
Traci says
March 27, 2017 at 6:00 amWell… I’ve never had Nutella (although I’ve looked at the ingredients), but I like this ingredient list much better!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
March 25, 2017 at 10:52 pmI’m all about a fudgy brownie – that stack is utter perfection! All the heart eyes over here :)
Traci says
March 27, 2017 at 5:59 amThank you my dear! :D
Jess @Nourished by Nutrition says
March 24, 2017 at 3:28 pmThese look incredible! I love the list of ingredients and the fact they are dense and fungey BUT still have some volume. I need to make these ASAP and get my hand on Alexandra’s e-book.
Traci says
March 27, 2017 at 5:58 amThank you Jess! They are incredibly rich and have a tender texture. I hope you enjoy the recipe and Alexandra’s ebook!
Amisha says
March 24, 2017 at 2:39 pmOh gawd, they look utterly luscious and that shine is just sooo pretty! I don’t think I could stop at one haha! Love that they are healthy brownies! I must give them a try :)
Traci says
March 27, 2017 at 5:58 amThank you Amisha… and I didn’t! :D
Tessa | Salted Plains says
March 24, 2017 at 12:53 pmOhh, they look perfectly fudgy and all these ingredients are right up my alley!! Haha, “regular” is a term I hear over here too from a certain someone. ;) I’ll need to check out Alexandra’s ebook!
Traci says
March 24, 2017 at 12:58 pmLOL – Tessa! I am LMAO!! That is TOO funny! I love trying new things.. stepping outside of my box. Rob, not so much, in the food department! LOL!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
March 24, 2017 at 11:47 amWow, these are SO incredibly fudgy and absolutely swoon-worthy. I love using coconut sugar in my brownies (and everything else…) and I’m loving the use of hazelnut flour in these. Definitely a must-make!
Traci says
March 29, 2017 at 3:35 pmThank you Rachel! I’m warming up to coconut sugar. I think it’s just a change in taste, and of course, from what I’ve read, it’s ‘healthier’ anyway, so why not. Not sure if I’m ready to give up the cane sugar yet… :p
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
March 24, 2017 at 11:46 amMy goodness, these are a real treat, Traci – decadent and dark. I’m all for vegan desserts since I hardly ever have eggs in the house – but haven’t found a good brownie recipe – so this looks like the winner. Goregeous photos – also decandent and dark! Have a great weekend!
Traci says
March 29, 2017 at 3:36 pmI think you’ll like this one Geraldine! It definitely soothed the chocolate and sweet tooth for me… for a healthier dessert, egg free, I’m in!!
Sarah | Well and Full says
March 24, 2017 at 7:22 amI’m not a huge dessert person, but sometimes I just get HIT with a craving for chocolate. And I started to feel that craving again as soon as I saw those shots of the brownies :D
Traci says
March 24, 2017 at 8:31 amSheesh… chocolate makes me weak in the knees, Sarah! Alexandra’s brownies certainly sooth the craving! Thank you my dear!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
March 24, 2017 at 5:27 amOMGee Traci! These look totally decadent. They look thick and rich and over the top chocolaty…just how I like my brownies and if Rob gives them the thumbs up they’ve got to be good! I love the idea of serving with coconut cream and berries!
Traci says
March 24, 2017 at 8:30 amRight? So if Rob approves, perhaps Tom would too?! hehe :D
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
March 24, 2017 at 5:13 amGosh they look SO decadent and chocolaty! And if Rob approves, then I know they must be good! Enjoy your weekend, Traci. XOXO.
Traci says
March 24, 2017 at 8:30 amhehe… right? Warmed with ice cream is my favorite way.. and that leftover caramel sauce of yours on top… perfection! xo
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
March 23, 2017 at 6:27 pmYour prep shots look wonderful! I am loving how dense and dark chocolatey these brownies are- pinning :)
Traci says
March 24, 2017 at 8:28 amThank you Medha! I can’t tell you how many times I stuck my finger in that chocolatey bowl. SO good! :D