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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Easy Fudgy Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies Recipe

    Published Nov 25, 2023 · by Jacqueline Piper · 18 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    380 shares
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    3 brownies stacked on top of each other with a text title for Pinterest.
    3 brownies stacked on top of each other with a text title for Pinterest.

    This avocado brownie recipe is the perfect recipe to make when you're craving something chocolatey but not overly decadent. If you want decadent brownies, try my fudgy salted caramel brownies. If you're looking for a moist, fudgy brownie with wholesome ingredients, this is the recipe for you. Try it like it is, or add a swirl of peanut butter for a special treat.

    3 brownies stacked on top of each other.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Tips for making brownies
    • What to serve with avocado brownies
    • FAQs
    • Recipe

    These fudgy avocado brownies are really easy to make, with simple ingredients, and honestly, they and the perfect easy treat to make when you don't want to take in a bunch of sugar and butter.

    I like coconut sugar in this recipe, but white sugar works too. You can use regular or dark cocoa powder. Use coconut oil or neutral oil and whatever kind of chocolate chip you want. I've done everything to these brownies, including adding a peanut butter swirl, and every time they come out amazing. 

    3 chocolate peanut butter brownies stacked on top of each other.

    These chocolaty brownies get deliciously fudgy after they are refrigerated for a few hours.  I've had one warm from the oven too and let me tell you - fantastic.

    You've already guessed my little secret from the title: we have a secret ingredient here. These are not your traditional brownies! There is an avocado in these brownies.  But no one ever knows!  By using the avocado, these brownies contain some healthy fats which are good for you. 

    I developed this recipe about 10 years ago, when I was having health issues, and originally I made it with almond meal to keep it gluten-free. I no longer need to avoid gluten so over the years I adapted my recipe to use all-purpose flour. But the option is there if you need it! This recipe is still one of my favorite recipes, even 10 years later.

    Ingredients

    See the recipe card for exact amounts.

    Ingredients for brownies in bowls on a white marble counter.
    • chocolate:  You'll need 100 grams which is the size of many different brands of chocolate bars. I prefer to use the Lindt 85% dark chocolate. You could also use dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.
    • coconut oil + ripe avocado: coconut oil and mashed avocado both provide fat in this recipe which helps contribute to a moist result.
    • vanilla:  for the familiar vanilla flavor
    • sugar: for sweetness and fudginess
    • flour: for structure. Use all-purpose flour.
    • cocoa powder: unsweetened cocoa powder combined with the chocolate bar helps deliver the chocolate flavor.
    • salt: brings out the flavor in everything else
    • optionally, peanut butter: this is optional but really good!

    Substitutions

    • sugar: regular white sugar works in this recipe, as does coconut sugar which adds a slight caramelly flavor
    • flour: all-purpose flour is what I use now, but I originally developed this recipe to be gluten-free using almond meal.
    • peanut butter: I suspect almond butter would also be good in this recipe but I haven't tried it yet.
    Brownies sit on parchment paper, cut into 16 squares.

    Instructions

    Prep Tips

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F.  
    • Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.  

    Line the pan with parchment paper is pretty important as it ensures your brownies won't stick and helps to be able to pick them up out of the baking once they are done.  

    To mix the batter, first melt the coconut oil with the chocolate chips in a small bowl.  I do this in the microwave in 30-second increments.  Feel free to do this on the stovetop if you prefer.

    In a separate bowl, mash your avocados.  

    (Check the F.A.Q. on my Easy Homemade Guacamole recipe post for tips on how to open an avocado.)

    Avocado and eggs are whisked together in a large bowl.
    1. Once the avocados are mashed, add the rest of the wet ingredients -  the eggs, vanilla, sugar, and a pinch of salt and mix everything together. 
    Cocoa powder is sifted in a bowl.
    1. Now add the dry ingredients. Sift the flour and cocoa powder in so you don't have dry cocoa clumps in your batter.
    Melted chocolate is stirred.
    1. Add the melted chocolate and coconut oil and whisk the batter gently.  
    Brownie batter is lifted on a spatula to show texture.
    1. I usually put my bowl on a wet dishcloth and then drizzle the oil and chocolate with one hand while whisking with my other hand.  The wet dishcloth helps keep the mixing bowl still.
    Brownie batter is spread smooth in a baking pan with a spatula.
    1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to get it all. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
    Brownies sit on parchment paper, cut into 16 squares.
    1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. It'll be almost under baked so we get that fudgy texture.  You can test by poking in a toothpick. A few moist crumbs will stick to the toothpick but you shouldn't see any wet batter.

    Let cool completely then use the parchment paper to help pick it up out of the pan.  Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares.  

    If you're adding a peanut butter swirl do it at step 5. 

    To do this, melt ½ cup of peanut butter in the microwave and then drizzle it over the batter.  Use a butter knife to swirl the peanut butter through the batter.

    3 brownies stacked on top of each other.

    Tips for making brownies

    • ripe avocado: using a ripe avocado helps you to be able to blend the avocado into the batter much smoother.
    • don't over stir: stir the batter just until mixed. They will become cakier when overmixed.
    • sift: to help make sure you don't have lumps in your batter, sift the flour and cocoa in.
    • chill it: store these brownies in the fridge and they will become fudgy.
    • parchment: parchment paper helps ensure the brownies don't stick and also enables you to lift them out of the baking sheet.
    • underbaked: when you take these out of the oven, they should seem a bit under baked so that they have a fudgy consistency. You shouldn't have wet batter when testing by poking in the middle, but moist crumbs are ok.

    What to serve with avocado brownies

    I happen to love salted caramel sauce with brownies and I think that would be great here. To go further along with the chocolate and peanut butter pairing, you can serve this with my no-churn chocolate peanut ice cream.

    Try these super fudgy brownies instead for a more classic brownie recipe.

    Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. After an hour or so in the fridge, they will have a thick fudgy center. 

    3 brownies stacked on top of each other.

    FAQs

    Can I taste the avocado in these brownies?

    No one I've serve these brownies too has identified that there is avocado in them. The sugar, chocolate and cocoa powder all have big flavor and the avocado is here as a healthy fat, not a flavor booster.

    Recipe

    3 brownies stacked on top of each other.

    Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies

    Jacqueline Piper
    5 from 6 votes
    Fudgy and delicious with avocado and coconut oil.  Try a swirl of peanut butter for a special treat.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Servings 16

    Equipment

    • 9 x 9 pan
    • Parchment paper

    Ingredients
      

    • 100 grams dark chocolate (I use Lindt’s 85% dark chocolate)
    • ½ cup coconut oil
    • 1 large avocado
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup granulated white sugar (or coconut sugar)
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or 1 cup almond meal for gluten-free)
    • ¼ cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
    • pinch salt
    • Optional: ½ cup peanut butter (melted in microwave)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (180℃).
      Line a 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper.
    • In a glass bowl in the microwave, melt together the coconut oil and chocolate chips or chocolate bar, until liquid
      Start with 30 seconds and then 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between.
    • In a large bowl, mash the avocado. Add the eggs, vanilla, pinch of salt and the sugar.
    • Add the flour and sift in the dark cocoa powder. Whisk.
    • Drizzle in the melted and cooled coconut oil and chocolate, whisking.
    • Pour into lined 9 x 9 pan.
    • Optional: If you are using the melted peanut butter, drizzle it on top of the batter now, in a continuous line and then use a pointed knife or toothpick to swirl through it, making a nice design.
    • Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until done (toothpick comes out with minimal moist crumb, but not wet batter).
    • Let cool completely, then refrigerate until serving. I cut this into 16 squares.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.

    Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
    Keyword avocado, brownies, chocolate, dark, valentine
    Have you tried a recipe? Tag @pipercooksblog or tag #pipercooksblog!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

    This post was originally published Feb 10, 2017.

    3 brownies stacked on top of each other with a text title for Pinterest.

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    An image from the original blog post.

    Dark Chocolate Brownies

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    380 shares
    Jacqueline Piper profile photo

    Hi I'm Jacqueline

    I've been blogging for 10 years as I learn how to cook from scratch. I share my recipes to help you create easy, delicious, and (mostly) healthy food. I love fresh ingredients, spicy noodles, anything on toast, and reading a new cookbook with a glass of wine at my cabin. I'm so glad you've joined me.

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    1. Aish Das-Padihari

      February 10, 2017 at 4:47 pm

      All I need is a cup of hot coffee to go with these beauties. Lovely post.

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:38 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Fred

      February 10, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      These Dark chocolate brownies look amazing, and the best part is that you use avocado, Yay!!! I would love to try this, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:37 pm

        Yay avocado! 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    3. Leslie

      February 10, 2017 at 7:34 pm

      These look great and I appreciate the grain-free option and using an avocado and coconut oil! Might as well make brownies a bit more healthy, especially when it doesn't take anything away from the delicious chocolatey flavour.

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:39 pm

        Yes they are still so super chocolaty and I don't feel too guilty indulging. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      February 10, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Noting beats chocolate for Valentine's Day. These brownies sound like the perfect dessert after a nice meal, or with an afternoon latte.

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    5. Marie-Pierre

      February 11, 2017 at 6:28 am

      Coconut sugar ? Wow! I need to find some, and love the avocado touch in there, I'm sure it make it extra smooth that brownie! Love this post it's filled with little treasures!

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:40 pm

        Thanks! Coconut sugar is great if you can find it, it's got a touch of caramel flavor to it I think. I love it.

        Reply
    6. Dene' V. Alexander

      February 11, 2017 at 8:26 am

      These look like pureeee decadent trouble!! Love a good homemade brownie recipe!!

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:43 pm

        They are trouble, but I don't let myself feel *too* bad about it, haha 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sarah

      February 11, 2017 at 8:30 am

      These brownies are perfection! I don't think I've ever met a brownie I didn't like!

      Reply
      • pipercooks

        February 12, 2017 at 5:44 pm

        I know right, what's not to like about a brownie? 🙂

        Reply
    8. Lynne

      February 12, 2017 at 10:52 pm

      I love the simplicity of this brownie, letting the dark chocolate do all of the talking. They look perfectly moist, too. There are some people on my Valentines list who would appreciate this dairy free, gluten free and lower sugar treat!

      Reply
    9. Manju | Cooking Curries

      February 13, 2017 at 1:47 am

      I love that there is avocado in this. The things you can put avocadoes in and get all the goodness of it! And I'll definitely go for the peanut butter version.

      Reply
    10. Elizabeth

      February 13, 2017 at 7:35 am

      My goodness those look utterly fantastic! I've been really good all year with my weight loss plans but I think I'll treat myself on Valentines with these! Yum!

      Reply
    11. jacquee | i sugar coat it!

      February 14, 2017 at 6:43 pm

      We don't celebrate v-day, but a decadent brownie could certainly change that! I'll take those PB swirls with mine please!!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jacqueline Piper.

    Hi, I’m Jacqueline Piper and I’m all about the homemade because I love to make things. I've been blogging for 10 years. From 15 minute meals for your weeknight dinner to more effort for special dinners and desserts on the weekend, I’ll show you how to cook from scratch. We’ll do healthy and we’ll do delicious, everything from kale to chocolate with beautiful, fresh ingredients. Search my recipes for your cravings, because we can make it!

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