Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies

These Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies are the perfect festive treat to whip up during the holiday season or any time you’re craving something rich and indulgent. With a luscious chocolate base infused with refreshing peppermint, these brownies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. They are incredibly easy to make and come together in just one bowl, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, they are completely free from grains and animal products, so everyone can enjoy them!

Why Cooks Rave About It

Cooks everywhere are falling in love with these brownies for several reasons. First, the combination of creamy almond butter and rich cacao powder creates a fudgy texture that’s hard to resist. The addition of peppermint extract gives them a delightful twist that is both refreshing and festive. Also, they are not overly sweet, thanks to the use of coconut sugar, allowing the chocolate flavor to shine through. You can easily customize them with optional toppings like chopped candy canes for a holiday flair, making them an ideal treat for parties or cozy nights in.

What We’re Using

• Ground Flax Seed: Acts as an egg replacer, providing structure and moisture.
• Water: Used to activate the flax seed, creating a gel-like consistency.
• Creamy Unsweetened Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making these brownies rich and satisfying.
• Coconut Oil: Gives the brownies a fudgy texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Raw Cacao Powder: The star ingredient, offering deep chocolate flavor without the bitterness.
• Finely Ground Almond Flour: Provides a grain-free base and adds to the moist texture.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that balances the richness of the cacao.
• Peppermint Extract: Infuses the brownies with a refreshing minty flavor.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolatey goodness and a melty texture.
• Chopped Candy Canes (optional): For a festive touch and added crunch.

Gear Checklist

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining all ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix the batter smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch square pan works perfectly for these brownies.
• Parchment Paper: Optional, but it helps with easy removal of the brownies.
• Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the pan.

How to Prepare Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy unsweetened almond butter and melted coconut oil. Mix them together until well combined. Then, add the prepared flax egg, 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until everything is creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, sift in the raw cacao powder and finely ground almond flour. Add the coconut sugar and mix until fully combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy, which is exactly what we want!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or simply grease it with a bit of coconut oil.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the chopped candy canes over the top for a festive touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Substitutions by Diet

• Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use maple syrup or date syrup instead of coconut sugar, adjusting the dry ingredients accordingly.
• Low-FODMAP: Ensure the almond flour is within your personal limits, or use a low-FODMAP flour blend.
• Gluten-Free: All ingredients used are gluten-free, making these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies; they should be soft and fudgy in the center, not dry.
• Not letting the brownies cool completely: Cutting them too soon can result in a crumbly mess instead of perfect squares.
• Using too much peppermint extract: Stick to the amount specified; too much can overpower the chocolate flavor.
• Forgetting to mix the dry ingredients separately: Always ensure your dry ingredients are well combined before mixing with wet ingredients for an even texture.

Shelf Life & Storage

For the best taste and texture, store your Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use different nut butters?

Absolutely! While almond butter is recommended for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as cashew or sunflower seed butter.

What can I use instead of coconut sugar?

If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, you can use brown sugar or maple sugar as substitutes. Just note that this may slightly alter the flavor.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of nut butter on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, these Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies are naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond flour and other gluten-free ingredients.

Try These Next

• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Chocolate Mousse
• Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
• Vegan Chickpea Curry

Ready to Cook?

It’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! These Grain-Free Vegan Peppermint Brownies are sure to impress your friends and family, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or not. With their rich chocolatey goodness and refreshing minty flavor, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!