These brownies are soft on the inside, with a chewy, candy-like surface on top. They are not overly sweet and have a distinct, though not overpowering, bittersweet taste. They are delicious and highly addictive.
There are desserts that appeal to some people but not others. Then there are desserts that no one can resist. These brownies are a good example of those. My wife, who is partial to brownies, ate one. Then another one. And another one. They are irresistible.
Tastes differ and everyone has their own idea about what a perfect brownie should be. However, most seem to agree that a moist, chewy, and not overly sweet brownie is what they would prefer. Traditional, overly sweet, brownies seem to be the thing of the past.
A note on cocoa powder
These are cocoa brownies. There is no chocolate in them. They may be the best cocoa brownies out there, and many I am sure would agree that they are, but if you use poor quality cocoa powder these brownies won't taste good. So, use a high quality cocoa powder.
How to tell if cocoa is of high quality? It should have a fat content of between 22% and 24%, twice the amount of typical cocoa you will find at a grocery store. This translates into 1 gram of fat per 5-6 grams of cocoa.
My favorite one is Valrhona Dutch-process cocoa. I started using it based on David Lebovitz's recommendation in one of his books and never looked back. It's a little more expensive than most other brands but it rewards you with superb flavor complexity and refined taste. It's also darker and richer, which is perfect for brownies.
You can also use natural cocoa which produces brownies with a lighter color and lot's of tart, fruity notes. Dutch-process cocoa is mellower and less bitter. I personally prefer it over natural process cocoa.
Flourless Brownies (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp unsalted butter about 140 g
- 1¼ cups granulated white sugar about 250 g
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons high quality unsweetened cocoa powder about 80 g
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 eggs large, cold
- ½ cup almond flour about 65 g
- ⅔ cup walnut or pecan pieces about 65 g, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F.
- Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some paper hang outside the pan. This will help with removing the fudge once it’s baked.
- Melt the butter in a medium heatproof bowl set in a wide skillet of simmering water. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the temperature of the mixture reaches 120-122F – the temperature at which if you insert your finger you would want to immediately pull it out. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside for about 5 minutes to cool down, until the mixture is no longer hot to touch.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir in the vanilla. Then add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. Continue stirring until the mixture will look thick, shiny, and well blended. Add the almond flour and stir until it is well incorporated.
- Using the same wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously for 50 to 60 strokes. Stir in the nuts, if using.
- Transfer the mixture into the line baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake on the lower rack for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly moist with batter. Remove the brownie from the oven and let completely cool on a cooling rack.
- Remove the brownie from the pan by lifting up the ends of the parchment paper or foil. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 16 pieces. Serve immediately.
Freda says
Are these supposed to be so flat? There is no raising agent and the mixture goes into
9 x 9inch tin...
Victor @ Taste of Artisan says
I wouldn't call them 'so flat' necessarily, but yes, they are not puffy and airy. These are more dense, chewy... decadent. Some people prefer this type of brownie. I like it a lot.
Andrea says
It was sooooooooooo gooooooooooooood!!! Thank youuuuu!!!
Bea says
Oh my goodness!! I think I may have died and gone to heaven. These are the best brownies!!
Diane says
Love this recipe. Been using it for some time now and it’s is the only from scratch brownie recipe I use now. Perfectly rich and chocolatey. I use hershey’s Special dark cocoa powder.
Carol mcilnay says
Just curious what kind of cocoa did you use?
victor says
I use Valrhona cocoa powder. I started using it many years ago based on the recommendation from David Lebovitz and it's what I use for all my baking now. I like it a lot.
Gwen says
Wow this looks amazing!!! I was looking for a quick weeknight desert recipe – this is perfect! Thanks for the recipe.
victor says
You are very welcome. These are definitely worth a try. My favorite brownie recipe to date.
victor says
Definitely.
Ms. S. says
Oh my God, these look fabulous. I've got to try them asap!