Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) Unsalted Butter or Ghee, cubed
- 1 cup (240 g) Creamy Natural Almond Butter, divided (3/4 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for swirl)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated Sugar Substitute (Erythritol/Monk Fruit Blend)
- 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) Fine Almond Flour
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (45 g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process preferred)
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Optional Instant Coffee Granules
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) Powdered Sugar Substitute (for swirl)
- Pinch of Salt (for swirl)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Gently melt the butter (or ghee) and 3/4 cup of the almond butter together until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. The mixture must be warm, not hot.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and optional instant coffee granules. Break up any lumps.
- Whisk the granulated sweetener into the cooled butter/almond butter mixture until fully dissolved.
- Whisk in the two room-temperature eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the Swirl: Mix the reserved 1/4 cup of almond butter with the powdered sweetener and pinch of salt until smooth. (Warm the almond butter slightly if too stiff).
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the swirl mixture randomly over the top of the batter.
- Using a toothpick or thin knife, gently drag through the dollops and batter to create a marbled pattern.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centre should still look slightly soft. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Remove the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This chilling step is non-negotiable for a fudgy low-carb texture.
- Once thoroughly chilled and firm, use the parchment paper sling to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares using a sharp, warm knife.