Let me tell you about my latest obsession: these utterly mouthwatering Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies. Picture this—it’s the holiday season, and the scent of fresh peppermint mingles luxuriously with rich chocolate. Every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to cozy family gatherings, where laughter flows as freely as hot cocoa. These brownies are not just a treat; they are a delightful burst of joy that brings back the warmth of fond memories. Plus, they’re vegan and grain-free, perfect for my health-conscious friends who still want to indulge. What’s not to love?
What makes these brownies even more special is how easy they are to whip up. I mean, who wouldn’t want to impress their friends and family with a dessert that has them questioning whether they’re actually healthy? It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that fits snugly into any dietary requirement. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
What’s in Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies?
- Almond flour: This is the star of our show, lending a delightful nuttiness while keeping our brownies light and fluffy. I prefer using finely ground almond flour for the best texture!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Rich and intense, this adds a luscious chocolate flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the peppermint.
- Baking soda: The magic leavening agent that helps our brownies rise a bit, making them all the more satisfying to bite into!
- Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness and balancing the flavors.
- Maple syrup or agave syrup: Sweeter than a holiday miracle! This is our natural sweetener that gives the brownies a moist and chewy texture.
- Almond butter or peanut butter: Adding creaminess and depth—choose your favorite nut butter for that extra flavor pop!
- Coconut oil: Melted and fabulous, it adds a richness that takes these brownies to the next level.
- Vanilla and peppermint extracts: A marriage of flavors that make these brownies not just any brownies, but peppermint-infused masterpieces!
- Vegan chocolate chips: Because chocolate is non-negotiable; these melt beautifully, creating pockets of indulgence throughout.
- Crushed peppermint candies: These not only embellish the top but also add a fun crunch and festive flair to each bite!
Are Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies Good for You?
Absolutely! These brownies are a fabulous treat that keeps your health goals in check. The almond flour is rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional flour. Plus, maple syrup and agave syrup provide natural sweetness without the refined sugars. Let’s not forget about the almond butter, which is packed with nutrients. However, they are still desserts, so moderation is key! If you’re sensitive to sugar, be mindful of the sweetener used and the candies on top.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/3 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes) for topping
How to Make Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies?
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until nicely combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the maple syrup, almond butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until everything is blended together—no lumps allowed!
- Gently fold in 1/4 cup of vegan chocolate chips, saving the rest to sprinkle on top.
- Spread the brownie batter equally into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the brownies in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once they’re cool, slice them into squares, and prepare to be amazed!
Minty Magic Tips!
- For that extra oomph, consider drizzling melted vegan chocolate over the cooled brownies before serving—a real showstopper!
- If you want to savor them longer, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for freshness.
- Feel free to switch up the toppings—crushed walnuts or hazelnuts would add a lovely crunch too!
Trust me; you’re going to want to make and share these Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies with everyone you know. They’re a delightful balance of rich chocolate and festive peppermint flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). If you make them, please drop a comment and let me know how you loved them! Happy baking, my friends!
