Paleo Brownies!?!?! To some that name is sac religious and in my honest opinion, people are going to eat desserts so my job is to provide them with the healthiest option that exists. Since these paleo brownies are gluten, grain, dairy and soy free I feel like they hit the mark. Much better than taking a box off a shelf and adding an egg. Before I forget, I made an amazing candied bacon brownie recipe which is exclusive to The Paleo Kitchen.
Paleo Brownies
Before I was paleo, I wasn’t much of a brownies fan. Actually all I ate was black raspberry ice cream and pizza. Such a healthy way to live right? I had my fair share of struggles, including my 12 year battle with bulimia so being able to eat paleo brownies with a smile on my face is AMAZING.
When I was working on these, I noticed I had a problem. There were already 10 other brownie recipes on my website. Oops, but in the spirit of fair and equal chocolate eating, I will share them all with you.
Homemade Brownies
Here are all my favorite paleo brownie recipes:
- Blueberry Espresso Brownies
- Almond Butter Blueberry Brownies
- Sweet Potato Ginger Brownies
- Pumpkin Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Frosting
- Chocolate Bacon Brownies
- Blueberry Banana Brownies
- Raw Pumpkin Brownies
- Sweet Potato Ginger Brownies
Which one are you going to try second. On top of these double chocolate paleo brownies, hands down my favorite recipe is the Blueberry Espresso Brownies.
Oh I almost forgot, my favorite thing to do with all of my brownie recipes is to slater them with my delicious Coffee Chocolate Frosting. Trust me, just try it.
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Double Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 cups of almond butter can use sun-butter, cashew, macadamia nut butter or a mixture to total 2 cups
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup raw organic honey melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips melted (or dark chocolate)
- 1 very ripe banana
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 Degrees F
- In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, blend your almond butter and eggs to make a smooth batter
- Add in the honey and the vanilla and mix well
- Add the salt, baking soda, and then SLOWLY add in the Cacao powder (or else you will take a chocolate powder bath like I did the first time)
- Now fold in the melted chocolate and banana, and mix well
- Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with coconut oil or whatever oil you see fit and bake for 35-40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.
- Enjoy
Bacon Recipe Round-up
Excellent recipe! Couldn’t believe it doesn’t use flour at all. One question, I like my desserts a little bit on the dry side and that’s how these brownies turned out for me but my bf likes it more moist. Would you have a trick for making this recipe a bit moister? Maybe less time in the oven or add a bit of almond milk? Thanks!
Yes I would add some liquid just like you said or bake them a little less.
Omgosh! Seriously! I risked it one last time to try a Paleo brownie that my 15 year old would eat and enjoy and WOW! These are incredible. I shouldn’t have been surprised cause as I was making them I kept think about your name and wondering why it seemed familiar. Doh only because I own your “The Paleo Kitchen” cookbook and it’s my most favourite cookbook ever!! The asparagus is a family favourite! Thanks for yet another perfect recipe
Haha this was the best comment ever. Thank you so much
Oh my goodness! no need grass fed butter. no need anything. There is an almond butter! This recipe is so perfect, no kidding. Thank you soooo much!
I take it you liked them lol. You are very welcome
These are delicious! Question, does everyone have the same problem of them rising very high, and then falling while they are cooling?
there are many reasons this may happen: 1. old baking powder (fresh for about 6 months)
2. too much baking powder or baking soda can cause excess air in the brownies
3. over-beating the batter
4. oven temp may be off check with external thermometer
5. Timing, this is the time in between mixing the batter and baking in the oven, too much time in between can change the batter, especially if using coconut flour which will absorb the liquid quickly
Actually I’ve made this recipe about 100 times. Mostly in muffin tins and I call them “Bruffins”. I have made them using George’s choice sweetener, honey, however I sub pure maple syrup instead. I also use unsweetened applesauce instead of banana usually. AND i don’t melt the chips, I usually use Ghiradhelli mini chips(not paleo) and I just dump them in and mix before putting in the muffin tins or pan.
When I have made this recipe using honey, they have “fallen” and even sunk in when they were done. Also need to make sure they are cooked completely as well, use a toothpick to check for doneness before removing from the oven. ;)
I want to try this recipe today. It sounds great. But I don’t have almond butter. Have you tried using peanut butter instead?
No, we don’t eat peanut butter on a paleo lifestyle
Just made the yummy brownies. Changed it up. I did not have enough almond butter. I added a 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 1/2 cups of Almond butter. I used mini chocolate chips. I did not melt them them . To enhance the chocolate flavor I added a TB. Of instant coffee. They turned out great. Nice and moist too.
first of all…love, love, love this recipe. I did everything minus the chocolate chips because I didn’t have them, even the banana that I was nervous would add too much of a banana flavor. But seriously, so good! Thank you! I was wondering if you added up the nutritional content and if so, is it posted somewhere? Was just curious what this added up to over all. Oh and I didn’t rate this recipe because my iPad would only let me select 4 stars and this did NOT deserve four…five stars all the way!
We don’t calculate any nutritional values, I am sorry. And thank you for not giving it four
Hi George,
Could you use coconut oil as a substitute for the almond butter?
No, totally different
Good afternoon,
I can’t wait to get out of work and make these. They look fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing all of your yummy recipes. I have a quick question. Can I substitute Truvia for the Maple Syrup and if so how much Truvia should I use?
Thank you so very much
Trisha
You could but since I have never used Truvia I have no idea
I just made this awesome recipe for a get together with friends and they were a huge success. People had seconds and thirds and just generally scarfed them down. I used cashew butter and left out the banana, and the recipe still came out fine. There were a few left overs that I brought to work and were gone in 60 seconds. And when I told people they were grain and dairy free, I received a lot of shocked stares as if I just told them they were made from fairy dust. Very happy I found the recipe!
That makes me so happy, thank you so much :)
I have to say that these are good BUT no matter how many times I make em – they come out more “cake” like – wondering if anyone has come up with a version that can make these more fudgey?
Hi George,
I’ve just made these today and they taste heavenly! Thank you so very much for the recipe! I am typically very bad at baking and always fail at it, but today I haven’t. :-) I’ve used chocolate powder only and 1-to-1 mix of roasted almond and sunflower seed butters. Just wow!
So awesome, my baking recipes are easy so try them all. Start with the banana bread next
hi – with all the talk about almond flour being dangerous to use in baking because of the PUFA’s, is almond butter a better and safer alternative?
Hi George, first I’ll say thank you! Two days ago I embarked on a new journey, one that includes yoga, quit smoking and eating better. I already cook most of my meals but my love of bread and dairy, I fear, were killing me :( After reading about the paleo eating plan, I don’t use the word diet, I decided I could do that. Meat and veggies? Yes please! Bacon? Ha I’m all over that one… After the second day I have found that my sweet tooth has taken over and I can only eat so much fruit, chocolate is what my body wanted. Boy am I glad I found you! This is amazing, so thank you again. A fan in San Diego!
You are so welcome, you should join our secret facebook group and tell our members what you are experiencing. They will help a ton, and glad to have a new SoCal fan. I am adding you to the group, accept if you want in :)
OMG I just had to thank you for this recipe! I never post on anything but I have tried a lot of Paleo baking recipes since I started this way of life and being an avid baker prior to the switch I was continuously disappointed. Looking at the ingredients I was skeptical and I halved the recipe because I didn’t have 2 cups of almond butter. I checked on it at 20 mins and to my surprise it rose like real baking! The texture and flavour is so awesome I would never know they didn’t have a lick of flour or butter/oil. I would honestly serve these to my non Paleo friends and I’m taking them to work to show them off! Thank you thank you thank you for a new staple in my recipe box! :)
So awesome :) So glad you loved it
Too good! I can’t stay away from them! I had a luncheon with the girls, big hit my husband loves them oh, and he’s a tough. Thank you for sharing this Unforgettable recipe!
I this is the best brownie recipe ever! :-) My husband loved it, and he is a tough customer. They were the hit of my luncheon. Thank you so much for sharing this!
THANK YOU George this recipe is my GO TO recipe from now on. I made these brownies using Sun Butter and Maple Syrup baked in 13×9 pan and they were AMAZING! Big, Beautiful and Total Delight for the taste buds and I might add Gone in 60 seconds :-).
Oh I love sunbutter, that sounds amazing
Baked this up last night. I accidentally added too much baking powder and my egg ratio was higher and i ended up with a chocolate cake. Still it was very good! Thanks for sharing!
Chocolate cake is great :)
I’m in the process of baking these for the first time and if the batter is any indication (not that I licked the spatula or anything), they are going to be pretty darn awesome!
Yes yes they are. I love the batter for these. Enjoy!!!
I made these today exactly as written and they are amazing! They have a great texture and flavor. You can taste the banana but it’s not overwhelming. This recipe also makes a big pan of brownies!
Ah that makes me so happy Suzie. So glad you loved it :)
Great recipe however mine came out more “cake” like – how do I make this more dense fudge style like brownies?
Maybe adding more chocolate, cooking less, or any combination of the two.
thanks George – also I used maple syrup – it came out good but little dry – any other tips?
You can add an egg if you want, that is what I would do.
These brownies are fantastic. This will be my go to recipe from now on… but the reason for 4 not 5 stars is I will substitute the banana for applesauce in the future. I don’t like the slight banana taste. but the texture and chocolateyness of these is AMAZING. All with no flour is a winner! THank you.
Oh my sad face, I wish I knew you loved applesauce more so I could have gotten that 5th star :)
I just started the Paleo diet a week ago and made this recipe tonight. The brownies turned out awesome!! They are super moist. My kids love them. I’m not eating fruit right now so the next time I will try to make it without the banana. I was worried they would not turn out right without it.
So glad you enjoyed :)
Hi there. I’m off bananas too. Replaced with a whole avocado delish!
Oh good to know, thank you :)
I used a bit of hazelnutbutter, and i used date syrup instead of honey. Had to add 1/2 cup of water because of the syrup. Had no banana at hole, but that was no loss. Lovely recipe, will do it again.
This really makes 18 servings, perhaps a bit more.
Glad you liked them. Nice to see the modifications that you made to it worked out so well.
Do you know how many calories one brownie is?
Sorry I don’t personally track calories or macro breakdowns.
Omg, they were awesome. I very tried 5 other recipes. This one is hands down. I’m not allowed organic raw honey so I replaced with splenda. I didn’t use the banana as I’m not allowed them. I used 100% cocoa chocolate chips. Had to make a few improvisions. Came out moist and fudgy. I saved your recipe. Thankyou.
Could you use maple syrup in place of the honey? If so do you need to change the amount used? Thanks!
You could try it. Generally use the same amount.
First of all mister, I’d like to know how this is 18 servings, I’m pretty sure this only makes 2-4 servings ;)
Secondly, this is great as is and is also a great base to use other mashed up starches, sweet potato being a great one! Has anyone tried to swap the honey for soaked, blended dates?
Thanks GB! Another winner.
Calories? These are high in protein and only have good fat. Don’t worry about the calories. I figured about 55 calories per 3″ x 3″ piece of which 10 calories is from GOOD fat. But I had to modify my recipe. Because of the Paleo, SCD, and Vegan diet I’m on for the rest of my life. Thankyou George. You’re my sweet savior
Note; it made a FULL 13 x 9 pan. I cut into 12 pieces at 3″ × 3″
You are most welcome Suzanne
Do you by chance have any other paleo/scd desert recipes? I like to make myself something once a week or every other week. Thanks George.
I don’t know what I Have that is SCD, not something I track but I have a ton of desserts for you to look through :) Enjoy your weekly treats
I put this into a recipe calculator and it came up about 286 calories per serving if divided up into 18 servings in a 9×13.
Thank you for that information
Wow, I made a FULL 13×9 pan? I’ve tried 5 other recipes, this was the best by far. Making again this weekend. I did use 100% cacao chips as I’m not allowed sugar. The Dr said I could use Organic Raw Honey so I’ll be making with that instead of Splenda. I’m psyched.
That sounds amazing!!! So glad you are excited
Instead of the honey I used 16 medjool dates soaked in 1 cup of water and then blended with a hand blender as sweetener.
Since I didn’t want to use added chocolate, I increased the cocoa powder to 1 cup. Then added 2 tbs coconut oil, melted and 1/2 cup coconut milk for moisture.
Baking it for 30-33 minutes or until there were moist crumbs on a toothpick ensured a more fudgy result.
Thanks for the recipe!
Is it okay to use almond maple butter? Would I need to change anything else?
I think that would be delicious, but I would recommend cutting the sugar down by a little since the maple almond butter (assuming Justin’s) has some sugar in it already, test the batter for sweetness and add more if needed.
I think that would be delicious, but I would recommend cutting the syrup down by a little since the maple almond butter (assuming Justin’s) has some sugar in it already, test the batter for sweetness and add more if needed.
Too bad that I can not make these brownies, I can have no honey or syrups at all. I always use *Swerve* a natural sweetener. I wonder if I were to use cream ( and Swerve )instead of honey if it would work. Well I will try it- I want to eat those brownies lol.
It definitely wouldn’t hurt to try! One other suggestion I may have for a sweetener is coconut nectar. It’s a low glycemic sweetener that might work for you, if you are able to use that. Let me know how it turns out for you!
hi,
do you think a flax egg would work instead of an egg?? sorry i hate asking substitution questions
Yep, I have heard great results from others. GO for it!
I’d like to make these into mini brownie bites using a mini muffin pan, any suggestion on how long to bake them? Should I use the same temperature as original recipe?
That sounds AWESOME. I’m not really sure, I’d recommend baking them for less time and checking on them.
I have a quick question I don’t have dark cocoa powder but I have raw cocao powder does that work?
That will be delicious!
Just made these for a second time – used a combo of homemade tahini and homemade pumpkin butter instead of almond butter (what I had), maple syrup instead of honey and instead of banana I used puréed strawberries…absolutely DELICIOUS! Wonderful recipe and thanks for sharing!
That sounds awesome. Homemade tahini is delicious :)
These brownies are just too good, can’t wait to share them tomorrow, will certainly brighten up my anatomy and physiology learn!! Was wondering if u could give me protein, fat and carb breakdown please! Thanks and look forward to sampling some more of your recipes
Thanks Hayley, I look forward to you trying more as well :)
I make these all the time but everyone loves them even more when I use the cakepop maker then dip in melted enjoy life chocolate chips and then coconut sugar. Thanks for the recipe
I came across your website through FoodGawker, where these brownies caught my attention. I was a bit hesitant after reading the ingredient list, mainly worried about texture and gooey-ness. I didn’t use a banana, but was very pleasantly surprised and happy at how these turned out. Hubby and I agree that they are the BEST brownies we’ve ever had and now my go-to brownie recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!
These are fantastic! Even my sugar addicted anti paleo roommate gobbled these down. Thank you thank you, I’ll be making these again. Oh, on a side note, I used a 8×8 pan and had to bake for almost an hour but they still came out great.
Awesome!
Hi George,
I stumbled upon your website by chance and made the banana bread the other day. It was a hit! My family loved it and couldn’t believe there was no added sugar. Even my pastry chef dad was impressed! I just have a question about this recipe before I make it. I just realised I have no honey or maple syrup… Any other suggestions?
I also couldn’t find any dark choc chips without added sugar so I bought some dried cacao chips, do you think that would work okay?
Thanks!
Honestly, I don’t have other suggestions. You can try coconut nectar? But you don’t want to substitute a dry sweetener because it will mess with the consistency.
Hmmmm, I have NO idea to be honest. Why don’t you try that out and let us know how it comes out? :)
Coconut nectar… Smart idea! I didn’t use that but will try it next time. I found half a cup of macadamia honey so used that and the cacao chips and it turned out really well! The cacao chips are actually quite bitter on their own because there’s nothing else in them but in the brownies, they were perfect. So it was a good choice when I couldn’t get the chocolate chips (I’m in Australia so didn’t have time to order them online). Thanks for taking the time to reply! Really impressed with all of your recipes :)
Is there something else I can use instead of the honey? Can’t wait to try these! :)
You can use Grade B Maple Syrup.
Can i just not use honey or syrup?
The recipe calls for honey, yep.
Can I just not use syrup or honey….
Is there any need to cook these for less time when subbing maple syrup for honey? Will the maple syrup make the recipe brown faster?
No it should be the same
I think you’ve done it again, George! Although, I do have to say I’m a bit leary on using a full cup of honey. But, I put my trust in you as you’ve never failed me before with any of your recipes. ;) My pantry has an unopened jar of almond butter (crunchy even!) that is just screaming to be made into brownies (and the kids screaming for brownies, too). Now that I think of it: this is so gonna be my Mother’s Day treat for myself! ;)
I have tried to make paleo brownies before and it was just sad, but these were so good! I used the apple sauce substitution and I put that chocolate icing recipe of yours on top! My kids and their frieds loved them too, and they’re pretty picky about their brownies :)
I’m glad this time brought you happiness instead of sadness :) brownies should never be sad
These are so amazing!!! I put that chocolate icing on top too! Thank you for sharing :)
You’re welcome, yum!
These were awesome- but my kids are not fans of the banana flavor.
Do you recommend any substitution?
Thanks
Diane
Unsweetened apple sauce works a treat instead of banana. I have used it in other paleo recipes.
Good to hear it is a possible substitution. Thanks!!
I’m hesitant to make paleo anything as I’ve had a few bad experiences. My husband and I were very pleasantly surprised at how DELICIOUS these brownies are!! I didn’t have a banana so I left it out and it turned out just fine. I prefer brownies on the slightly drier side and these were perfect. Not too sweet and great with a cup of coffee for breakfast – sweet treat without all the guilt! Thanks for the recipe.
You’re very welcome!
It has been a Civilized Caveman week at our house. Triple B Chili earlier this week. Caveman Rub on our chicken tonight. And now these brownies. Wow! These are incredible. I think I need to hide these from my family so I can keep them to myself ;)
These brownies are great. I’ve already made them twice. My kids love them. I think they are fantastic.
I subbed a generous 1/2 cup of applesauce for the banana (I hate fruit/chocolate & was worried about tasting banana)
I was in baking mode today. Made these & your banana bread recipe (which is another one of our favorites).
Thanks for the great recipes!
You are so welcome. I am just happy you were able to improvise and enjoy :)
These brownies look FANTASTIC !!
Pinning
Thank you so much!
I just made this recipe today using cashew butter and it turns out great! We’re enjoying it right now with my daughter and mother in law. You’re a genius! Thanks for this great recipe:)
Awesome. Thank YOU :)
Ok, I just finished making these brownies and they are out of this world good! I used raw almond butter and tahini. As for the banana, I used an organic one that was actually just ripe and it all worked out! Love this recipe!
That sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing :)
I tried the recipe and did not realize I did not have an entire cup of honey, so I used about 1/3 cup honey and 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar. They turned out great! Not too sweet but yet decadent. Thank you!
Glad they came out decadent :) you’re welcome
Ok…I have a challenge for you. How to make these egg-less and get them to rise right. You can substitute eggs, pumpkin, applesauce, etc. for eggs in recipes, but when doing so, they rise differently. I have been making nut/seed butter muffins lately using 1 cup nut butter, 1 cup banana or pumpkin, 1/4 cup honey, chocolate chips, and sometimes cocoa to make them double chocolate…but they rise up and sink in the middle. I have tried using 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 of soda, but it isn’t much better. Any ideas? I am paleo because I have MS and this diet works best for me, but eggs seem to also aggravate my symptoms, leaving me with some major baking challenges these days. Any help would be very much appreciated! PS: I L.O.V.E every recipe you come up with which makes this even more difficult…you use eggs in like everything…
These are amazing!!!! I made them tonight and my 13yr old absolutely loved them!!!!
Awesome!!! :)
You’re very welcome… happy to help :)
Am wondering if I can leave out the banana? I can’t stand bananas in anything!
You shouldn’t be able to taste it much. It’s to keep them moist.
Ok, now I know what to make for a diabetic “birthday cake” . I’ll just bake it in a round pan, then frost. Can’t have honey with my diabetes, but coconut sugar is fine. Let you all know how it comes out. Btw, When I first discovered you,George I was a brand new type 1. Now for reasons only known to God. I am off all insulin. Thanks! George for helping me be a better mom, a healthier diabetic and to live a long life because of Paleo. Keep up the great work and look forward to getting your cookbook for Mother’s Day from my kids. Good food never goes out of style.
I’m sooooo happy I could help. Thanks so much for your kind words and great attitude ;)
George,
I’d thought to let you know how the brownies came out. I used 1 1/4 cup coconut sugar and 1/4 cup water to sub out for the honey. The banana taste didn’t fly well. So I will try it without a banana, then with a more carb friendly alternative. Can’t wait for Mother’s Day and your cookbook.
If I was going to sub the honey out for coconut sugar, do I use the same amount? Can’t wait to make these this weekend! Thanks for all the yummy recipes!!
Thanks for the fabulous recipe!! I finally made these last night and they were awesome!!!
I substituted honey with 1c coconut sugar and it was plenty sweet. The only issue I had was that mine flattened when they came out of the oven. Could this be because I was short on almond butter and only used 12 oz? The texture is perfect, just flat. Also, when I make them again for my son who doesn’t line banana flavor, what can I sub for the banana?
These look fabulously drool-worthy. Will be trying soon! I’ll let you know how it goes…….
Please do!
Why don’t you include nutritional info. I am on very low carb but have no idea if I can make these for myself or not. Please include this information on your recipes. They all look so good but like I said I don’t know if I can eat them.
I unfortunately do not have that information. Many of my viewers plug it in on apps like myfitnesspal though. Hope that helps!
Really, really great texture. I just can’t get past the taste of the banana. Love you George, just not the recipe. :(
I’m sorry about that. You can substitute the banana with some unsweetened applesauce.
you dont know me, but i love your writings and recipes and personality that comes through on your site and email. just wanted to say good job. i really appreciate all the work you put into make our lives healthier. thanks again-
You’re more than welcome. It brings me so much joy :)
My family isn’t paleo, I am. They wouldn’t make me a birthday cake because “they don’t know how to bake paleo.” So I had to make my own. I made these brownies! YUMMM! Thank you George, they were work making for myself! They tasted just like what I remember brownies to taste like! (just be careful not to overbake. I may need to make them again soon because I think I left mine in about 2 minutes too long. Good excuse to make more, right?! :-)
Now you can teach them so they can make you a paleo one on your special day next year ;)
The recipe was easy to prepare. The texture is awesome because the brownies are moist and firm with a little crispiness on the edges. Overall, they were the perfect amount of sweetness.
Thank you so much!! Glad you liked them :)
OMG these are amazing. I am already 3 brownies in and planning to eat most of the pan soon! My 6 year old is begging for them. They are better than a lot of non paleo brownies I have eaten and will definitely make them again. My husband even likes them and I can see taking them to an event and nobody knowing the difference. LOVE!
You are amazing :)
These are wonderful! Thank you! Your recipes are THE BEST! :)
OMG made these tonight and they are better than a lot of non paleo brownies. I am in love and I might devour the entire pan! I have eaten three already and am using them to bribe my 6 year old! Definite must try! Delicious!!
Can you use coconut butter instead of almond? By the way I love your group!
Unfortunately, that will not yield even close to the same result. But you can use a different nut butter.
I’ve heard great things about those products… sounds awesome! And you are so welcome.
Thank you Kelli, I love you too :)
Wow, George, these look amazing! I’m leaving shortly on a business trip, but I’m going to set aside a banana to get nice and ripe so I can make these when I get home!
Great idea, let me know how they are :)