Paleo Hot Cocoa Brownies (Dairy-Free, Grain-Free)

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Hot Cocoa is a favorite treat this time of year. And brownies are delicious at any time of the year. So I thought a combination would be perfect!

Hot Cocoa Brownies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This recipe is so good that I often make a double batch because one 8″ pan doesn’t last long.

While these Hot Cocoa Brownies aren’t quite as fudgey as traditional brownies, they’re about as close as I’ve tasted when it comes to a grain-free version. They are just SO good!

This recipe is easy to make and my kids love helping me whip up a batch as special treat. In fact, they’ve requested these Hot Cocoa Brownies as a Valentine’s Day treat. They won’t get any arguments from me!

While I’ve changed the recipe quite a bit, I must give some credit to Fit Foodie Finds for her Paleo Hot Cocoa Cookies that inspired me to create this brownie version.

And for the record, the marshmallows in the photo are for decoration only; they are definitely NOT refined-sugar free or Paleo.

More Healthy Chocolate Recipes:

• Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix
• Quick + Easy Chocolate Fat Bombs (Helps Curb Cravings!)
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Easy Homemade Paleo Mint Dark Chocolate
• Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars

Hot Cocoa Brownies

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

These brownies are so deliciously moist and chewy with little bursts of chocolate chunks and a creamy “marshmallow” frosting, you’ll never guess they’re Paleo!

• Author: Erika Bragdon
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 16-20 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cacao or baking cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup soy-free chocolate chips + extra for topping
• Frosting:
• 2/3 cup palm shortening
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 Tbsp tapioca starch or flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Mix the wet ingredients together in a mixer or food processor. Add the cacao and baking soda; mix again. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread into a coconut-oil greased 8″ square baking dish.
2. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tests done. Set aside to cool completely.
3. For the frosting:
4. Whip the shortening until it’s fluffy. Slowly add the maple syrup, beating well. Add the tapioca and vanilla extract and keep whipping until it’s well combined and fluffy.
5. Smooth over the brownies and sprinkle with a few chocolate chips.
6. Store covered. If you’re planning to keep these for several days, store in the refrigerator.