Have you ever craved brownies so badly that you couldn’t think of anything else? That’s exactly how it went for me one weekend. I was in my kitchen, ready to bake, and I realized I didn’t have any butter. But then I spotted a jar of coconut oil in my pantry, and I thought, why not try it? What came out of the oven was truly something special. These coconut oil brownies are everything you want in a dessert: rich, fudgy, and oh-so-chocolatey. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same joy I felt biting into these delicious treats.
Why Use Coconut Oil in Brownies?
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
I’ve been trying to make healthier choices lately, but let’s be honest—I still need my chocolate fix! Coconut oil has completely changed the game for me. It’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to provide quick energy and support metabolism. So when I bake with it, I feel like I’m treating myself and my body at the same time.
Adds Moisture and Flavor
You know that disappointment when a brownie turns out dry? That’s never a problem with coconut oil. It keeps the brownies moist and adds this subtle tropical hint that’s delightful. I didn’t even realize how much of a difference it would make until I tried it.
A Great Butter Substitute
Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just out of butter like I was, coconut oil is your best friend. It’s so easy to use and gives you the same richness without the dairy. Having a backup plan is always a good idea, don’t you agree?
Versatility in Recipes
Once I started using coconut oil in my brownies, I couldn’t stop experimenting. Cookies, cakes, muffins—it works in so many recipes. Honestly, it’s become a pantry essential for me.
Ingredients for Coconut Oil Brownies
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Coconut Oil: This is the star of the show, adding moisture and flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: For that rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Dark Chocolate: I’m a huge fan of adding chunks of dark chocolate for that extra gooey texture.
- Sugar: Brown sugar is my go-to for extra moisture, but white sugar works too.
- All-Purpose Flour: A classic choice, though I’ve tried almond and oat flour, and they’re amazing for a gluten-free version.
- Eggs or Vegan Substitutes: Eggs work great, but I’ve also used flax eggs with excellent results.
- Vanilla Extract: This is like the secret ingredient that brings everything together.
- Baking Powder: To give your brownies just a little lift.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance out the sweetness perfectly.
Optional Add-Ins
Here’s where you can get creative:
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
- Chocolate chips because, well, why not?
Vegan and Gluten-Free Alternatives
I’ve experimented with vegan and gluten-free versions, which are just as delicious. Here’s what I do:
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Swap all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour.
- Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Coconut Oil Brownies
Prepping Your Ingredients
Let’s get everything ready before we start:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease my baking pan with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper—makes cleanup so much easier!
- Melt your coconut oil and dark chocolate together. I usually do this in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s smooth. If you’d like, you can use a double boiler instead.
Mixing the Batter
- In a big bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, chocolate, and sugar. By now, the smell is amazing!
- Add eggs or your vegan substitute, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract to add a rich flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Carefully mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Be gentle here; overmixing can make your brownies dense.
Baking the Brownies
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Here’s a tip: use a toothpick to check around 25 minutes. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re all set!
Cooling and Serving Tips
Give your brownies at least 15 minutes to cool down. Trust me, I know it’s hard to wait, but this step is key. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
Tips for the Perfect Coconut Oil Brownies
Choosing the Right Coconut Oil
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Unrefined coconut oil gives you a hint of coconut flavor.
- Refined coconut oil is better if you want a neutral taste.
Achieving the Fudgy Texture
- Don’t overbake! The secret to fudgy brownies is pulling them out of the oven when they’re still slightly underdone.
- Use a higher ratio of wet ingredients to dry ones.
Customizing Your Brownies
I love experimenting with flavors:
- Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to boost the chocolate taste.
- Sprinkle in some cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a perfect finishing touch.
Storage Tips
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- If you’re like me and want to savor them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Oil Brownies
Can I Substitute Butter with Coconut Oil in Any Brownie Recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve tried it several times, and it always works perfectly! Just melt the coconut oil first for easier mixing.
Which type of coconut oil is best for baking?
Both refined and unrefined work well. I switch between them depending on whether I want that coconut flavor to come through.
Are Coconut Oil Brownies Healthier Than Regular Brownies?
I’d say yes! Coconut oil has healthy fats, and the absence of dairy can make it a bit lighter. But hey, they’re still brownies, so enjoy them in moderation.
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan or Gluten-Free?
Definitely! I’ve shared my go-to substitutions earlier, and they’re super easy to follow.
Conclusion For Coconut Oil Brownies
I can’t even begin to explain how much I love these coconut oil brownies!
They’re rich, fudgy, and so satisfying—all while being a little healthier than traditional brownies. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner. Go ahead and give it a try.
Want more Recipes like this ?
Coconut Oil Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar brown or white
- 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs for a vegan version
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with a light layer of grease or line it with parchment paper to make lifting out the baked treat a breeze.
- Melt the coconut oil and cocoa powder together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Keep stirring until the mixture turns smooth, then set it aside to cool down slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the melted coconut oil with the sugar until well mixed.
- Add one egg at a time, making sure to whisk thoroughly after each one. If using flax eggs, add them all at once and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and give it a good whisk to blend everything evenly. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding until everything is blended.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, if using.
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few tiny, moist crumbs sticking to it.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Use refined coconut oil if you prefer no coconut flavor, or unrefined for a hint of coconut.
- These brownies are stored well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months—just let them thaw before serving.