A solid gluten-free brownie recipe will yield brownies every bit as chewy and bursting with rich chocolate flavor as their gluten-containing competitors. Though gluten is a very important ingredient in baked goods (due to the moist and elastic textures it imparts) the chocolate in a brownie recipe can actually compensate for some of gluten's properties. So, there's no reason for individuals on a gluten-free diet to miss out on this timeless culinary classic.
A Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
16 Tbsp. (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 eggs
1 c. brown sugar
½ c. brown rice flour
¼ ground almonds (finely ground or use almond flour)
½ c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts
Mix your wet ingredients together. Add the dry. Pour mixture into a greased 8x8 pan and bake for 30 minutes.
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Fun Additions
Adding dried cranberries, chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a flavorful contrast can give your gluten-free brownie recipe a creative twist. Figs, dates, macadamia nuts, marshmallows, caramel syrup and other additions can transform your brownies into interesting seasonal treats. A basic recipe is delicious, but the more unexpected your additions, the more memorable your brownies will be.
Little Tricks
Your gluten-free brownie recipe will usually omit ingredients like baking soda and baking powder in order to ensure a chewy texture. Some gluten-free bakers suggest whipping your butter and sugar into a perfectly smooth consistency in order to achieve a foolproof batch of chewy brownies.
Dieter's Remorse
Brownies may not be the best thing for your waistline. However, dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and it also contains substances like theobromine which stimulate endorphin production and can help to lower blood pressure. In some ways your brownies are a happy healthy treat, but remember, these health-promoting properties are more concentrated in dark unadulterated chocolate, so make sure to consume dark chocolate products instead of the milk chocolate variety.
Quality Counts
Higher quality chocolate will yield the best flavor and also the highest content of antioxidants. Use organic chocolate wherever possible in your dessert recipes. Many chocolate lovers swear by Dagoba organic chocolate products and you can find Dagoba cocoa powder in some supermarkets as well as health food chains such as Whole Foods.
A World of Options
Individuals with gluten intolerance are gaining more and more of a foothold in the world of commercial foods. Thanks to the wealth of wheat-free and gluten-free products currently marketed, everything from pumpkin bread to pancakes are now possible for celiacs and gluten-sensitive persons.
