Walnut Skillet Brownie

Calling all chocolate lovers... this is for you!! 

This very well may be the absolute BEST dessert I have ever made, and no I am not exaggerating. It's rich, it's gooey, and is likely something I would take a bite of and think, "This has got to be so bad for me." But ya know what? IT'S NOT. It's vegan, gluten free, grain free, oil free, and somewhat paleo depending on how strict you are ;) 

If you have ever been told by someone, or maybe even thought it yourself, that vegan desserts just aren't as good as "regular" desserts- do yourself a favor and make this RIGHT NOW. 

It took me a few tries to perfect the recipe- but I think you're going to love it just as much as I do! 

Pro tip: Make this for all of your vegan or gluten free friends on their birthday :) 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 cups walnuts (or 2.5 cups of walnut butter)

  • 4 flax eggs (4T ground flax seed mixed with 8T water) (or sub for regular eggs if you aren't vegan)

  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar

  • 1/2 cup maple or agave

  • 2 T chia seeds

  • 2 T coconut flour

  • 2/3 cup cacao powder

  • 2t vanilla extract

  • 1.5t baking soda

  • 1t salt

  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (I use the Enjoy Life brand)

DIRECTIONS:

If you are using walnuts, you need to have a food processor on hand. If you are using walnut butter -  you can skip step #2. 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

  2. Place all 6 cups of walnuts into a food processor. Blend on high for several minutes or until they turn into walnut butter. You shouldn't need to stir depending on your machine.

  3. Place your walnut butter into a large mixing bowl and set to the side.

  4. If you're using flax eggs - combine your ground flaxseed and water in a cup and stir. Then set to the side.

  5. Add all the ingredients, minus the flax eggs, into the mixing bowl with your walnut butter. Stir well.

  6. Once your flax eggs have thickened you can add them into the mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

  7. Grease your cast iron skillet or baking dish with coconut oil. Then pour the batter in and spread out evenly.

  8. Bake for 12 minutes.

  9. Let it cool before serving.

  10. Feel free to top with extra chocolate chips or ice cream :) And if you're like me, you'll eat it straight out of the skillet!

Let me know what you think!! 

xo

Emma