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Meet your new “healthy-ish” chocolate fix. These brownies are rich, ultra-moist, and unapologetically fudgy—thanks to ripe avocado and maple syrup. You won’t taste the avocado, promise…just deep, dark chocolate and a soft fudge frosting on top.
They’re cozy for winter baking, naturally gluten-free, and exactly what a cold afternoon needs.
Avocado brownies? Yes, did you know they’re a thing? Even though it sounds weird, it works…and they are so delicious. This is a recipe I’ve been making for years. It’s become a go-to for me, especially throughout the month of January. We might be cutting back on the sugar, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have our chocolate.
In fact, chocolate is actually needed. I don’t need to go into all the health benefits, but for sanity alone…it’s needed.
All joking aside, we’ve had two full days of snow here in Colorado. All the more reason to stay inside and bake. Plus, it’s Friday, and after a long week, nothing is better than something a little sweet, chocolatey, and extra delicious. Enter these healthy avocado brownies.
They are different. But trust me, they’re different in a good way.
(pureeing the avocado)
(after adding the chocolate to the avocado)
(the chocolate avocado mixture)
Let me tell you some details about these brownies.
I took my basic brownie recipe and I made a few tweaks…ok a lot of tweaks.
The avocado replaces the butter while also adding a slight sweetness. Now, I’m not against using butter, but this is just a different more nutrient-packed way to bake a brownie. I promise you don’t even taste a hint of avocado. Promise.
The maple syrup replaces the sugar used in traditional brownies and makes these sweet, but not overly so. It also lends to the fudgy texture of these brownies, keeping them insanely moist.
The almond flour/meal replaces the white flour and keeps these brownies completely gluten free too.
Here’s exactly how you make these.
First things first, you need a food processor or blender for this recipe. I know, a pain, but it’s worth it. You really want to be able to puree the avocado to ensure that zero chunks of avocado bake up in your brownie. Trust me, that you do not want.
So, you’ll puree together the avocados, maple syrup, vanilla, and a touch of instant coffee granulates until extra smooth. Then add melted dark chocolate and puree once more until the mix looks like pudding…and smells like it too.
Honestly? This mix right here? All on its own? It’s delicious.
Tip: make sure to use ripe, even spotty brown, avocados. You don’t want them hard or they will not blend nicely into the brownie batter.
Once the chocolate avocado mix is done. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until bubbly on top. Then mix in the chocolate avocado mix, the cocoa powder, almond flour, and a pinch of salt.
Stir in the chocolate chunks and bake. Nothing very fancy at all. The only extra step is to puree the avocado, but again, this step really is a needed.
The frosting.
While the brownies are baking, make the fudgy frosting. It’s just a mix of maple, coconut oil, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder. Here’s the thing about this frosting, when you finish making it, it will be runny and not stiff at all. This is OK, the frosting just needs time to chill and set up.
Let the frosting sit while the brownies cool off, then either pour or spread it over the brownies. As the frosting cools down, it will firm up into a soft fudge. It’s rich, creamy, and tastes incredibly decadent, but yet it’s not full of anything all that indulgent or “bad for us”.
I like to top my brownies with finely chopped chocolate and chocolate curls. Totally not needed, but I do enjoy the added texture on top.
FAQ:
Do these taste like avocado?
Nope. The avocado acts like butter here—richness and moisture—so you only taste deep chocolate.
How do I know they’re done?
Edges set and pull slightly from the pan; center looks just set and a tester comes out with moist crumbs. Over-baking makes them cakey.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes—use a blender. If neither is available, mash the avocado extremely smooth before whisking in the liquids to avoid green flecks.
My frosting stayed runny—what did I do wrong?
It needs cooling time to set into a soft fudge. Spread over cooled brownies and let it chill until firm to the touch before slicing.
If you make these be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!Fudgy Avocado Brownies with Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
Fudgy Avocado Brownies with Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
Servings: 16 Brownies
Calories Per Serving: 213 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe small avocados, pitted and skins removed (about 3/4 cup once pureed)
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (optional)
- 3.5 ounces dark chocolate, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond meal/flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chunks
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chopped
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.2. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the avocado, maple syrup, vanilla, and instant coffee (if using) until smooth and no clumps of avocado remain. Pour in the melted chocolate and pulse until creamy. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs for 1 minute until bubbly on top. Stir in the chocolate avocado mix, mixing until combined. Add the cocoa powder, almond flour, and salt. Stir until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.4. Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the brownies are just set. Do not over bake or these will become cakey. Allow to cool before frosting.5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a small saucepan, melt together the maple syrup, coconut oil and dark chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Let the frosting cool, then pour/spread the frosting over the brownies and spread in an even layer. Place the brownies in the fridge and allow the frosting to set, 30 minutes to 1 hour. 6. Once set, cut into bars and serve at room temp. Keep stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Notes
Chocolate: I use a 70% dark chocolate bar. Use what you prefer, but use a higher quality chocolate for best results.
Sugar Sub: you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar in place of the maple, if you prefer.
This post was originally published on January 24, 2020
I am just tickled with how amazing these turned out. I was very doubtful about the avocado and really that doubt was fear. Even tasting the batter I could taste a hint of av. However, after baking, frosting, and cooling? These bad boys were fudgey, chocolatey, rich, and without a hint of avocado flavor.
I had to make a couple adjustments based on ingredient availability and used the oat flour and then butter and powdered sugar in the frosting part. Scared or not, everyone needs these in their life.
Thank you so much Alyssa!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Sooooo good! I’m always looking for a healthy dessert option that is also tasty and so many seem to miss the mark. I loved these so much and so did my husband! I didn’t have time to make the frosting so I can’t wait to try it next time. These little babies were so fudgy and chocolatey all on their own, thank you for an awesome way to satisfy my 24/7chocolate craving.
That is so great to hear! Thank you for trying these Brianne! xTieghan
I was seriously so blown away by these. You can’t taste the avocado AT ALL, and trust me I was looking for it! Girl, thank you so much! You inspire me every day!
Thank you!! I am so glad you loved this Megan! xTieghan
I have made these twice now and they only keep getting better! I added “Bare” coconut chips on top and they came out amazing!! My family and co-workers love them!
That is so amazing! Thank you so much Jaclyn!! xTieghan
Hello, I’m going to try these today! Could you use coconut flour? Any idea of the ratio? Many thanks!
Hi! I would try using an equal amount of coconut flour. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Is there is replacement for eggs in this recipe ?
HI! I have not texted with an egg replacement so it is hard to say. I would recommend using 2 flax or chia eggs. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Can you use all purpose flour instead of the almond flour and will it be the same amount?
Hey Amanda! Yes, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
I took the plunge and made these today! They are truly delicious! I’m allergic to nuts so I used coconut flour (trying to keep them GF). I used internet approved almond to coconut flour substitution rules; a quarter cup to every one cup of almond flour and an extra egg. This worked out to about an eyeballed 1/8c coconut flour. Mine were done cooking at the 25min mark. I attempted the frosting with granulated sugar which did not work well for me but the second batch I made as written with maple syrup. As someone who doesn’t always love the taste of maple syrup in baked goods I can assure you it’s not noticeable here. Nor is the avocado flavor in the brownies unless you’re serving them to a stick in the mud who’s looking to be contrary. Let them protest and eat their portion.
I am so glad you loved these brownies Jasmine! Thank you for trying them! xTieghan
I made these and they are terrible. Not just the texture but the flavors are bizarre. Yuck. What a waste of time and money. Less than one star… Seriously disappointed.
Hi! Please let me know if you have any questions or something went wrong while making these! I would love to help! xTieghan
OMG. I’m on Keto. Any substitute for the maple syrup? SOS!
Hi! Are you open to making your own? Please let me know! I will leave a recipe below! xTieghan
https://www.ruled.me/thick-sticky-maple-syrup/
Amazing! Very rich, so only need a small bite! The kids had no clue there were avocados in there and absolutely LOVED them!
Yes love sneaking some nutrients!! Thank you for trying these Sherry! xTieghan
Delicious! My only comment for others is wait to make frosting until brownies have cooled; I made to far in advance and was a bit hard to spread nicely but still tastes delicious.
Very good; I’m always looking for gluten and dairy free recipe for work and school events.
Thanks!
Thank you Michelle! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
The brownies are unbelievably delicious! I substituted monk fruit sweetener for the maple syrup in the brownie batter,making them very low carb. Great for me because I’m diabetic. The substitution worked well. The batter was hard to resist, very much like traditional brownies. Your recipes are amazing!! Nothing I’ve tried has been disappointing.
That is so great to hear! Thank you so much for trying this recipe Suzanne!! xTieghan
Oh my. I have just recently discovered your blog it is stunning. I absolutely love the photography. These brownies like wow they where good. We ate them warm last night and then for breakfast again. I’m so jealous of all your snow you get in Colorado. I just moved down south and am experiencing snow withdrawals 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful week enjoy that snow for me. P.s I love the snow pics 🙂 thanks K.J
Haha brownies for breakfast sounds like my kind of household!! I am so glad you loved this, Krisy! Thank you so much for trying them! xTieghan
Mine didn’t last long enough to take a picture! Everyone loved them and asked for the recipe…. sent them to your web site!
Haha that is the best comment! I am so glad you all loved these brownies! Thank you for trying and sharing with others! xTieghan