These Simple Gluten-Free Espresso Brownies are thick, dense, and incredibly. Topped with chocolate chips that melt on top for that extra decadence. 15 minutes to make, 15 minutes to bake that is also vegan, nut-free, totally delicious, and made with a hidden veggie!
Chocolate lovers unite! These Gluten-Free Espresso Brownies are the perfect treat for those who love the taste of dark chocolate, cannot have a lot of chocolate, but also cannot live without it. Using a medley of flavors like chocolate and carob to get that dark decadent taste that is forever remembered.
It's hard to believe but these double chocolate brownies are decadent in taste, and texture because of the star hidden veggie inside this brownie! Full of protein, rich in nutrition, and rich in taste, can you guess what it is?
Believe it or not, black beans are the magical ingredient and you would never know if I didn't tell you because they are just that good! In fact, friends that have tried this brownie tell me that they can actually taste chocolate chips inside. And just a secret? There are no chocolate chips inside this brownie. That's beans!
HOW LONG DO THESE BROWNIES TAKE?
The exciting part of these gluten-free espresso brownies is that they take 15 minutes to make and 15 minutes to bake. All you need is a food processor and an oven! These are real food ingredients that you already have in your pantry, that you can easily buy at the market.
THE POWER OF ESPRESSO
I never knew the power of espresso in carob and chocolate. A while ago I read in a cooking magazine that expresso brings out the flavor of chocolate in baked goods. Naturally, I was intrigued and wanted to try it. By adding this one ingredient I could create an even deeper, and more decadent brownie. Who knew!
I was planning to make brownies for the upcoming holiday. The recipe in mind was my insanely delicious Black Bean Brownies recipe sans espresso but last minute decided that this espresso idea needed to happen immediately.
Therefore, I went to the market and searched out the darkest organic bean I could find thinking that the darker the bean the deeper the flavor of the espresso. I got a small bag of very, very finely ground decaf espresso.
The espresso really amped up this recipe!! It made the espresso the STARLET. They were SO decadent. So dense. So dark, like eating fine dark 100% cacao or smoking a fine cigar. It's a brownie you will always remember.
These Gluten-Free Espresso Brownies are perfectly paired with biscotti, cappuccino, a little dessert liquor, or a full-bodied red wine. These brownies are that decadent.
They were a hit on Father's day for all the serious and TRUE chocolate and coffee lovers. In fact, they were quite surprised. My family has misgivings about healthy food.
I found that they were amazing both cold and at room temperature. The colder they were the more you could taste the espresso and the warmer they were the more you tasted the chocolate. Really, It was a win-win either way.
And guess what? By changing the oil, the flavor changed too!
Made with grapeseed oil, the original oil chosen for this recipe - it was sweet, decadent, chocolaty, and rich with the taste of espresso.
Made with avocado oil, this brownie was more subtle. It had hints of espresso, hints of chocolate BUT it was less sweet and less rich. Where grapeseed brings out the flavor, avocado oil blends flavors and I found that by using avocado oil, I needed more espresso (over sugar). But even as subtle as they were, they were still a lovely and delightful brownie. I loved both so much, that I am giving you both recipes! The difference between the two is a minor tweak that you can find in the TIPS area below. This version is perfect for someone that wants a more subtle brownie flavor.
Overall both versions were delicious, heck if they were in front of me right now - I'd devour them all. I really have no shame when it comes to healthy desserts.
Not a fan of espresso? Check out my other brownie recipes with hidden veggies that are just as delicious:
Ready to make beautiful music together?
Gluten-Free Espresso Brownies
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 can organic black beans
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup grapeseed oil
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ - 2 tbsp quick-cooking gluten-free oats
- 2 tbsp carob powder gluten-free
- 2 tsp raw cacao or cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp finely ground espresso
- ½ cup dark gluten-free chocolate chips
- 1 handfuls dark gluten-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a food processor pulse the gluten-free oats and the ground flax till its a fine blend.
- Then add the sea salt, baking powder, black beans, maple syrup, oil, carob powder, chocolate powder and espresso and blend well until all particles are well blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips.
- Grease an 8×8 brownie pan add mixture into the pan, using a spatula or your hand to spread the mixture. If your hands get sticky simply wet your hands and push the mixture into the entire pan. You can even add a few extra chips on top.
- Place in the oven on the center rack and bake for 15 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes! They need their cooling time.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week. (Since black beans are used it is important to store in the fridge when not eating).
Notes
Love, Espresso & Chocolate,
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Kate Van Horn
Julie, these just look (and sound!) so delicious! can't wait to make this recipe!
Julie
Kate!
Thank you so much!! Yes, these brownies are beyond delicious! I think you will love them!
Thanks for visiting my blog! : )