Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are decadent, rich, fudgy, dark and oh so chocolatey. This recipe is vegan, gluten free and grain free.
Just Gimme Chocolate
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 (no longer available) 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.
Rich and Oh So Chocolatey
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.
About the Author
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 this recipe just as much as her blog.
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 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.
Would corn starch work in place of the tapioca flour/arrowroot?
Thank you!
Hi Danielle! Although I’ve not tried it, 1/2 tsp cornstarch should work just fine.
I 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!
Hi 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!
Can I use pyure instead of coconut sugar? I’m not crazy about the taste of coconut.
Hey 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!
I 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!
Thank you for your note and kind words, Sue! Almond flour sounds like a fabulous addition! :D
Just wondering if you have the nutritional value? These look amazing and chocolate is my weakness!
Whoa!! 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..
These brownies look AMAZING, Traci!!!!
OMG 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! ;)
I 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!!
These brownies look spectacular Traci!
These look so rich and delicious Traci!! xoxo
So 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!
Oh yeah, Rob was haaaapy! Thank YOU for sharing! :D
So basically these are nutella brownies, only healthier! So fudgey, decadent and drool-worthy!
Well… I’ve never had Nutella (although I’ve looked at the ingredients), but I like this ingredient list much better!
I’m all about a fudgy brownie – that stack is utter perfection! All the heart eyes over here :)
Thank you my dear! :D
These 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.
Thank you Jess! They are incredibly rich and have a tender texture. I hope you enjoy the recipe and Alexandra’s ebook!
Oh 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 :)
Thank you Amisha… and I didn’t! :D
Ohh, 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!
LOL – 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!
Wow, 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!
Thank 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
My 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!
I 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!!
I’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
Sheesh… chocolate makes me weak in the knees, Sarah! Alexandra’s brownies certainly sooth the craving! Thank you my dear!
OMGee 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!
Right? So if Rob approves, perhaps Tom would too?! hehe :D
Gosh they look SO decadent and chocolaty! And if Rob approves, then I know they must be good! Enjoy your weekend, Traci. XOXO.
hehe… right? Warmed with ice cream is my favorite way.. and that leftover caramel sauce of yours on top… perfection! xo
Your prep shots look wonderful! I am loving how dense and dark chocolatey these brownies are- pinning :)
Thank you Medha! I can’t tell you how many times I stuck my finger in that chocolatey bowl. SO good! :D