These dessert bars offer a rich, fudgy texture without compromising flavor. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or looking to explore new, gluten-free dessert options, these easy almond brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

Are you in the mood for a scrumptious dessert but want to keep it vegan and gluten-free? These easy almond flour brownies will do the trick! These dessert bars offer a rich, fudgy texture without compromising flavor. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or looking to explore new, gluten-free dessert options, these easy almond brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

Why Almond Flour?

Almond flour is an excellent choice for this vegan brownie recipe. It’s gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, almond flour adds a delightful nutty flavor and a moist, tender texture to the brownies, resulting in a delicious plant-based dessert.

What is the difference between almond flour and almond meal?

Almond flour and almond meal are made with pulverized almonds, but they differ in their texture, consistency, and how they are processed. Here are the key differences between almond flour and almond meal:

Almond Flour: This flour is made with blanched almonds, meaning the skins were removed. It is then finely ground into a flour-like consistency, resulting in a smooth and fine texture. Almond flour is often used in recipes where a light and fluffy texture is desired, such as in baking cakes, muffins, or macarons.
Almond Meal: This is made from ground almonds with their skins intact. As a result, almond meal has a coarser texture than almond flour. It is grainier and may contain small almond skin particles. Almond meal is commonly used in recipes where a slightly denser texture or a nuttier flavor is acceptable, such as in certain bread, pancakes, and cookies.

Shopping list

Almond flour
Dutch cocoa powder
Coconut sugar (or your favorite vegan or keto sweetener)
Vegan chocolate chips (dairy-free)
Coconut oil (melted)
Unsweetened applesauce
Vanilla extract (vegan-friendly)
Baking soda
Salt

How to make almond flour brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
Combine the almond flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients until well combined.
Mix the melted coconut oil, vanilla, and unsweetened applesauce in a separate bowl until combined.
Add one-third of the dry mixture (at a time) to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake brownies in a preheated oven for approximately 22-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick, and it comes out almost clean (moist but not a wet batter). Do not overbake, as almond flour can dry out quickly.
Once baked, remove the pan of brownies from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Lift parchment paper with the brownies out of the baking pan and place it on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Once completely cooled, cut your almond flour brownies into equal-sized squares, serve, and enjoy.

Almond flour substitutes:

If you’re looking for a substitute for almond flour in brownies, there are several alternatives you can consider, depending on your dietary preferences, potential allergies or sensitivities. Here are some excellent options:

Cashew Flour: Cashew flour is made from ground cashew nuts and has a similar texture and nutty flavor to almond flour. Use a 1:1 ratio in place of almond flour.
Hazelnut Flour: Hazelnut flour, made from ground hazelnuts, is another nut-based flour that can work well in brownies. It has a slightly different flavor profile than almond flour but can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute.
Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is a vegan, gluten-free flour made from dried coconut flesh. It absorbs much liquid, so you’ll need to use it in smaller amounts, 1/4-1/3 cup for every 1 cup of almond flour. Coconut flour has a distinct coconut flavor, which can change the flavor of brownies and other baked goods.
Oat Flour: This flour, made from pulverized oats, is a good option for those who want a gluten-free, vegan alternative. To replace almond flour, use oat flour in a 1:1 ratio. Oat flour can give your brownies a slightly different texture and flavor, but it’s still delicious.
Rice Flour: Rice flour is another gluten-free option. While it may not provide the same nutty flavor as almond flour, it can work as a 1:1 substitute. Remember that rice flour tends to be lighter, so it might result in a slightly different texture.
All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you have a pre-made gluten-free flour blend, you can often use it as a substitute for almond flour in brownie recipes. These blends typically contain a mix of various flours and starches designed to mimic the properties of regular wheat flour. Follow the package instructions for the substitution ratio.

How to serve them

These vegan almond flour brownies are delicious on their own, but you can get creative with how you serve them. Here are some fun ideas (see guide above) to choose from:

Plain and Simple: You can serve almond flour brownies independently, just as you would with traditional brownies. Cut them into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a platter. This allows the natural flavor and texture of the brownies to shine.
Dust with Cocoa Powder: For an elegant touch, dust the tops of your almond flour brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving. It adds a hint of extra chocolate flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Fresh Berries: Serve your brownies with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The fruity sweetness and tartness of the berries complement the brownies’ richness.
Vegan Ice Cream: Pairing almond flour brownies with a scoop of vegan ice cream is pure heaven. Choose your favorite vegan ice cream flavor and add a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce or caramel for an indulgent treat.
Nuts or Nut Butter: Enhance the nuttiness of the almond flour by serving the brownies with a dollop of almond or peanut butter. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Make your own coconut whipped cream and serve it alongside your brownies. It’s a light and creamy topping that complements the richness of the brownies.
Warm and Gooey: Warm your almond flour brownies slightly in the microwave or oven and top with a generous helping of dairy-free ice cream. The contrast of warm brownies with ice cream is a delightful experience.
Coffee or Tea: Brownies are the perfect when paired with a hot tea or coffee. Serve them at a coffee meeting and watch everyone rave.
Decorative Plating: Elevate your presentation by placing each brownie on a decorative plate and garnishing it with edible flowers, mint leaves, or a light sprinkle of vegan-friendly powdered sugar.

How to store them

Almond flour desserts can last for different times, depending on how they are stored. Here are some general guidelines for the shelf life of almond flour brownies:

Room Temperature: If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, almond flour brownies can last up to 2-3 days. However, their texture may decline after the first day.
Refrigeration: Storing almond flour brownies in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life. When refrigerated in an airtight container, they can remain fresh for about 5-7 days. Be sure to allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving if you prefer them not chilled.
Freezing: Freeze for longer storage needs. Wrap individual brownies or stack them with layers of parchment paper in between. They can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator for a few hours or let them sit at room temperature.

To maximize the shelf life and the quality of your almond flour brownies:

Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the container.
Use airtight containers to prevent moisture build-up.
Label with the date.
If you plan to freeze them, consider cutting them into individual portions before freezing. Doing this will make taking out and thawing easier.

While almond flour brownies can still be safe to eat beyond these timeframes, their taste and texture may change. Always use your best judgment. If they show signs of discoloration, including mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw them out.