Among the many alternatives that have gained popularity in recent years, coconut sugar has emerged as a favorite among health-conscious bakers. Everyone should be able to enjoy a sweet classic brownie and these coconut sugar brownies taste absolutely amazing! You'll never know these brownies are better for you!
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Getting Started: Making Your Coconut Sugar Brownies
Using coconut sugar in desserts can be a great alternative in your baking. If you're on the road to using sweeteners like coconut sugar, than definetely try this recipe for coconut sugar brownies! The brownies are delicious and come out tasting gooey and rich just like a brownie should.
If you're new to baking with coconut sugar, or just have a few questions than head over to this post on how to bake with coconut sugar.
What is Coconut Sugar?
Known for its lower glycemic index and rich flavor profile, coconut sugar adds a unique depth to baked goods. In these coconut sugar brownies, this natural sweetener takes center stage.
A healthier alternative
Coconut sugar is often praised for being a healthier option compared to refined sugars. With a lower glycemic index, it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels, making it a preferred choice for those mindful of their sugar intake. It does contain roughly the same amount of calories that sugar has.
Rich caramel like flavor
The distinct flavor of coconut sugar adds a rich, caramel-like undertone to the brownies. This depth of flavor elevates the taste, creating a more complex and satisfying dessert experience.
Ingredients
Typical to regular brownies, you will also find that the ingredient list is pretty familiar to a regular brownie recipe. You'll need:
- Butter or coconut oil
- Coconut sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Nuts or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Whoa! I know, these aren't my typical minimal ingredient recipe! Thanks for catching that! BUT I have plenty of delicious minimal ingredient brownie recipes for you! Why not try some mint brownies? Or try something new with these delicious Italian brownies? This two ingredient brownie recipe is so simple and easy. If you're looking for a brownie recipe for one, this one is perfect!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter and coconut sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Coconut Sugar Brownies
Yes, coconut sugar can be a great replacement for regular sugar in brownie recipes. It imparts a unique flavor and offers a lower glycemic index, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier alternative.
While coconut flour can be used in certain recipes, it might not be a one-to-one substitute for all-purpose flour. Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so adjustments to the recipe may be needed. Experimentation is key to finding the right balance.
No! Coconut sugar is taken from the palm of the coconut, so no coconut taste! Coconut sugar adds a very subtle caramel like taste because coconut sugar is often said to taste like it. In addition, the richness and caramel-like notes from the coconut sugar add depth to the taste without making the brownies distinctly coconut-flavored.
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be vegan by using plant-based substitutes for butter and eggs. Coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative can replace butter, and flax eggs or applesauce can be used instead of traditional eggs.
The recipe provided can be made with gluten-free all-purpose flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure that all ingredients, including the chocolate chips if used, are gluten-free.
Tips for Making the Perfect Coconut Sugar Brownies
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder:The quality of cocoa powder significantly influences the flavor of the brownies. Opt for a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich and intense chocolate taste.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins:Enhance the texture and flavor of your Coconut Sugar Brownies by adding nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of caramel. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences.
- Allow for Proper Cooling:Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This ensures a clean cut and helps the flavors develop fully.
The Best Coconut Sugar Brownies
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter or coconut oil
- 2 cups coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup nuts or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan then set aside.
- Melt the butter or coconut oil in the microwave or on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the microwave or stove top and stir in the sugar and vanilla.
- Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating until mixed. Add in the cocoa, flour, baking powder and salt and mix just until smooth. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour mixture into greased 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares. (Cut into 24 squares if using 9x13, 12 squares for an 8x8 inch pan).
flo
Hi there!
just wondering if I can use another type of flour??
thanks 🙂
burntapple
Absolutely! I just made these with a gluten free flour blend.
Tatiana Mone
I've recently started substituting sugar in recipes. Looking forward to trying this one. Have you done any baking with oat flour?
burntapple
Yes, I've done lot's of baking with oat flour and love it! It works really well when substituted in recipes calling for flour.
J. J. Sandfer
Made these brownies with spelt flour and came out perfectly! I reduced the sugar to just 1 cup and it was just as sweet. 2 cups, I think, is too much. This recipe is a keeper.
burntapple
So glad you liked them! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked them. THey are one of my favorite recipes!
Ann
Oh my goodness! I was craving brownies but my daughter can't have wheat or cane sugar at the moment. These are so easy and so delicious! I may never make "regular" brownies again. The gluten free flour does make cakey brownies but that is just fine with us. The only trouble is not eating the whole pan today.
burntapple
So glad you liked them! I have used the gluten free flour and it does dry it out a little. Unfortunately. But yes, still delicious and so glad that you enjoyed them.
Raelie Swan
Hi can I use almond meal instead of flour, and half applesauce for the butter.
burntapple
You can absolutely try it! Let me know how it turns out!
Shayna
These were great! I used 1 cup coconut sugar and less than a cup of coconut oil. Also, I used tapioca flour with a little bit of almond flour, and added dark chocolate chips- delicious! Thank you!
burntapple
Awesome, so glad that they turned out for you!
FLCracker43
Used Bob's Red Mill stone ground pastry flour, pecans and cacao butter. Went crazy and combined coconut sugar, shredded coconut and chopped pecans then sprinkled that on top. The consistency and internal texture was perfect. The sweetness was perfect. This is the best brownie recipe I've ever made. Melting the oil in its sugar with vanilla is incredible. After mixing it all together and pouring it into the pan, the consistency looked perfect. I knew they were going to come out perfect.
burntapple
I'm so glad that you loved the brownies! They are my favorites to make when a chocolate craving hits! Glad you enjoyed them and thanks for sharing your cooking tips!
FLCracker43
Best brownie recipe I've found! The taste, texture and sweetness is perfect. Already made these several times. This time I split the recipe into two pans. Topped one with coconut, pecans, mixed in cacao butter and cream cheese for like an earthquake brownie thing then used almond flour and swirled almond butter into the other then topped that with coconut and almonds for an almond joy brownie. The base recipe is better, but they're were great for nostalgia. Thanks again.
burntapple
So glad that you enjoyed the recipe! I LOVED some of the toppings that you chose. I'm definetely going to have to try some of them next time I make these! Thanks for sharing!
catherine
I made these exactly according to your recipe. They are fabulous! After I told everyone they were gluten free and no white sugar, everyone went and got seconds.
burntapple
Thank you so much for reaching out! I'm so glad that everyone enjoyed them! They are a favorite!
Nancy Kourik
These are delicious mine came out a little to fudge and moist. Should I use less coconut oil? Thanks
burntapple
Yes you can use less coconut oil if you would like. Thanks! Traci