Dark Chocolate Brownies, A Paleo Dessert Recipe

Indulge your chocolate cravings with these rich and fudgy Paleo Dark Chocolate Brownies—a healthier, homemade treat that’s both grain- and gluten-free. Sweetened with coconut sugar and maple sugar, and featuring deep, dark chocolate melted into creamy coconut oil, these brownies deliver maximum decadence without the refined sugar punch.

With a snap of 85% dark chocolate and a touch of cocoa powder, each square balances intense flavor and chewy texture. They’re easy to whip up in under an hour and yield a beautifully glossy top that sets just right. Perfect for meal prep or spontaneous chocolate fixes, they fit both wellness-minded diets and indulgent cravings.

Is Coconut Sugar Paleo?

While more traditional brownie recipes may call for a heaping helping of white sugar, this one swaps it out for paleo coconut sugar and maple sugar instead. Some consider these types of sugars paleo because they were likely around during the Paleolithic era; others simply give them the go-ahead because they’re derived from natural ingredients, unlike artificial sugars and sweeteners. No matter how you look at it, most paleo experts still recommend limiting your intake of all types of sugars and sweeteners, even if they are paleo.

We’d recommend making a batch of these paleo brownies during your meal prep at the start of the week for a sweet, paleo treat whenever the mood strikes.

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Dark Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Recipe Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active time: 25 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies

Recipe Ingredients

• ⅓ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup (2 oz) dark chocolate (85% cacao), chopped
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup maple sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ¼ cup tapioca flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the coconut oil and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. In a mixer bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, maple sugar, and eggs on high speed until pale and creamy (3–5 minutes).
4. Slowly add the chocolate mixture, vanilla, flours, cocoa powder, and salt; mix on low until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes. The top should look glossy and set.
6. Cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts.

Recipe Tips:

• If you don’t have maple sugar, you can substitute all coconut sugar.
• This recipe is also delicious with 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder stirred in for a café mocha flavor.
• These brownies are best eaten within 2 days.

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Dark Chocolate Paleo Brownies Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per brownie (assuming 9 brownies yield, per recipe’s “Approximate Information for One Serving”).

Serving Size	1 brownie
Calories	383 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	25 g
Sugar	13 g
Fiber	2 g
Fat	30 g

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Chocolate Brownie Variations & Tips

• Nut-free version: Use seed butter (sunflower seed or pumpkin seed) instead of nut butter, and ensure your chocolate is nut-free.
• More fudgy center: Bake toward the lower end of the time range and allow brownies to finish setting as they cool in the pan.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt extra paleo/dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled brownies; sprinkle flaky sea salt for contrast.
• Fruit addition: Fold in chopped dried cherries or raspberries to add fruit brightness and texture.
• Thinner bars: Use a larger pan (e.g. 9×9 instead of 8×8) for thinner brownies; reduce baking time slightly.
• Freezing tips: Freeze brownies separated by parchment paper. Thaw in fridge for best texture before eating.

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Best Pairings for a Brownie Dessert

• Vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut milk ice cream — warm brownie + cold scoop is classic.
• Espresso or strong black coffee — deepens the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
• Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries) — tart fruit cuts richness.
• Nut milk (almond, cashew) — creamy sip to accompany each bite.
• Trail mix or roasted nuts — crunchy, nutty contrast to dense, fudgy brownie.

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Popular Times for Brownies

• Indulgent dessert nights — when you want something rich and satisfying.
• Gourmet bake sales or potlucks — stands out among regular brownies.
• Holiday gifting — pack in boxes for friends and family.
• Brunch dessert spread — pairs well with fruit and lighter brunch items.
• Movie nights or cozy evenings — comforting, chocolatey treat while relaxing.