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GLUTEN-FREE CLASSIC BROWNIES WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

If I had to pick the words… A Keeper. A Winner. These Brownies. Seriously.
That is this recipe that I share with you today. Who in the heck does not love a brownie by the way? I started developing Gluten-Free Recipes before it was a trend and it started with these spectacular brownies that are quite simple to whip up. This is perfect for those who can’t have gluten, are gluten intolerant, or like me – just like to try new things.
Now, I also share with you a homemade caramel sauce that I mentioned if you are feeling adventurous. How good do brownies go with caramel right? You only need a spoonful so don’t think I am telling you to inhale it. Although it is very hard not to!
The recipe is below for my sauce (I use this all the time during the holidays) but you could easily buy store-bought. Look for all-natural if you do and you only need a little.
Again my philosophy is homemade in and chemicals out and still enjoying the foods you love that are not processed ingredients. All ingredients should be at room temp. This is such a big tip when you bake anything – especially the eggs. Have ingredients sit out for at least an hour. Enjoy!
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Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup of coconut oil (melted) or 1 stick of butter works fine
  • 1/2 lb. 8 ounces chocolate, semi sweet or bittersweet
  • 3 organic free-range eggs at room temp
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of coconut sugar or 1 cup of sugar coconut sugar browns faster
  • 1/2 cup of coconut flour 2 ounces
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • a hit of cayenne pepper – optional Only a dash – a little goes a long way!
  • OPTIONAL Add-Ins: 1-2 tbsp of caramel sauce see recipe below, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, macadamia nuts, walnuts, a nut butter, or dried cherries, etc. (I usually just stick with plain Classic Brownies but just know it is certainly easy to add these in).
  • HOMEMADE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt- secret ingredient!
  • In a SMALL saucepan warm the cream and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan place; sugar water, and lemon juice BUT DO NOT STIR THE SUGAR on medium heat until they reach a golden caramel color. You may want to tilt the pot from time to time, but do not stir. I know it is so hard to not do – but TRUST ME!
  • Once you have reached the golden caramel stage slowly (and carefully) add in the warm cream. Turn the heat back on to medium-low, and now stir in the salt.
  • Cook over this heat stirring, occasionally, for about 3-5 mins. The caramel will thicken quite a bit. Turn off the heat and add the butter. Mix together.
  • DONE! This is how you make caramel. No chemicals needed. This is also great to make for gifts – as it makes quite a bit and you only need a spoonful.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare a 8 x8 square pan with parchment paper. (See “NOTES” to double).
  • In a medium saucepan, melt your coconut oil (or butter). Remove from heat and add in the sugar and chocolate, stirring until smooth.
  • Whisk in the eggs until well incorporated. I do one at a time. Next add in the vanilla extract. If you want to flavor this differently – use a different extract (like peppermint) in replace of vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl; whisk the coconut flour, salt, and cocoa powder. If using the hit of cayenne pepper; add now.
  • Using a wooden spoon (is best) stir the dry ingredients in the chocolate mixture until just combined.
  • Pour your batter into your pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 F for 25 mins.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool to room temp before slicing. I find a serrated knife is best to slice these beauties up.
  • Enjoy! Great with a caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream, or vanilla bean ice cream.

Notes

You can make a 13 x 9 batch by simply doubling (or tripling) the batter.
I keep this GF by using coconut flour. I have been playing with it for years now especially with my Pancakes!) and a little goes a long way. It will last forever – so worth the purchase. Around $8.00 at Whole Foods.
If you do not have coconut oil you can absolutely use 1 stick of butter – at room temp.
Same thing, if you do not have coconut sugar you can absolutely use 1 cup of sugar.
I use pure vanilla extract but you could experiment and try peppermint extract instead if you wanted.
Add in anything you like; white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, walnuts, dried cherries, etc.
Great with a caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream, or vanilla bean ice cream.
Enjoy. I hope this recipe warms your heart and taste buds like it does mine.