The Best Low-Carb Brownie Recipe You've Ever Tasted

When you're seriously craving chocolate, but you're trying to eat healthier, what is there to do? Well, we have a pretty sweet answer for you. Give this scrumptious low-carb brownie recipe a go. You will fall in love with the rich chocolate brownie base along with the add-ins, such as semi-sweet chocolate chips or even chopped nuts. Other extras that could work well with this low-carb brownie recipe include shredded coconut or cacao nibs.

Brownies are typically high in carbs, but this recipe helps cut back on your carb consumption with every single delicious bite. The use of almond flour plays a role with the carb level and the cocoa powder makes this homemade recipe by Melissa Olivieri of The Olive Blogger absolutely decadent. These treats are so good, you'll have to hold yourself back from gobbling up the entire pan!

"I love a quick and easy dessert for when we have unexpected guests, and these brownies are perfect! Even if you get them to the baking point and then pop 'em in when they arrive, then you will have deliciously warm brownies to serve up," says Olivieri.

Gather up the ingredients for low-carb brownies

Head to the grocery store and pick up a bag of almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, kosher salt, unsalted butter, oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and the optional semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you're a major chocolate lover, we highly suggest grabbing that bag of chocolate chips. It gives this recipe an even bigger chocolatey burst of flavor.

The recipe will yield 20 brownies that, when served warm, taste incredible with a dollop of low-carb vanilla or chocolate ice cream. With just five minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, you'll have the most amazing dessert ready to enjoy.

Mix up your dry ingredients for low-carb brownies

Saunter into the kitchen with nothing but chocolatey, gooey, low-carb brownies on the brain, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan and use a bit of stick butter or margarine to grease it thoroughly. Don't leave any space un-greased, or your brownies will stick. 

Take out a medium-sized bowl, and whisk together 1 cup of almond flour, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure the combination is well combined, then set off to the side.

Combine the wet ingredients for low-carb brownies

Grab a larger bowl and, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat together 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, add in ⅓ cup of melted unsalted butter, and mix all of the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. 

Next, add the bowl of dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, and mix both until they're completely blended. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl often while mixing the ingredients together to help ensure that every bit of this fantastic batter is well combined.

Add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips

Use the spatula or take out a wooden spoon to blend in ⅓ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, which are totally optional, but highly recommended if you love chocolate. "The chocolate chips really help to make them a more decadent treat. Plus, I love the texture it adds. I would also love to do these brownies with some chopped walnuts — just for some additional crunch," says Olivieri. Other potential add-ins could include swirling in melted cream cheese or sprinkling in chopped peanuts.

Bake the low-carb brownies

Pour the scrumptious batter into the prepared baking pan, and spread it out evenly. "Gently bang the pan on the counter three or four times to ensure an even spread," says Olivieri.

Bake the batter for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Be sure to allow the pan of brownies to cool before cutting them. Polish off the brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or simply enjoy them as-is — they're that good! You also could smear a thin layer of peanut butter across the top and sprinkle even more chocolate chips across the top. Yum!

How to make these low-carb brownies the best they can be

Olivieri explains that almond flour is the perfect lower carb option for these brownies. "Almond flour is really no different than regular all-purpose flour. It is a little coarser and 'wet' feeling, but other than that, it is an easy-to-use substitution for those [who are] looking for a low-carb dessert option," she says.

When choosing olive oil for a recipe like these low-carb brownies, make sure it's high quality. "I always use a really good quality olive oil when I am baking. It is just my personal preference. You can easily use a vegetable or canola oil as well if that's what [you have] on hand," she says.

The best low-carb brownie recipe you've ever tasted
5 (28 ratings)
When you're seriously craving chocolate, but you're trying to eat healthier, this low-carb brownie recipe is most definitely your answer.
Prep Time
5
minutes
Cook Time
20
minutes
Servings
20
brownies
brownie bar held between fingers
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoon butter or margarine for greasing pan
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of almond flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2/3 cup of sugar until well combined. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat together 2 large eggs with 2 teaspoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add in 1/3 cup of melted butter and mix until well combined.
  4. Add dry mixture to the wet ingredients from step 2 and mix until incorporated.
  5. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, add in 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir to combine (if using).
  6. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Gently bang the pan on the counter three to four times to ensure an even spread.
  7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting. Serve as-is or top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and scoop of your favorite ice cream!

Nutrition

Calories per Serving 119
Total Fat 9.1 g
Saturated Fat 3.2 g
Trans Fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 29.8 mg
Total Carbohydrates 8.7 g
Dietary Fiber 1.1 g
Total Sugars 6.9 g
Sodium 59.9 mg
Protein 2.2 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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