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If you told me that I would enjoy a brownie made with avocado, I’m not sure I would have believed you at first. But now that I’ve tasted one, I could see myself making these oil-free brownies on a weekly basis.
They are rich and fudgy, and most importantly, they don’t taste like avocado.
This recipe is ideal for those who prefer not to use butter or oil in their brownie recipes. I spent weeks experimenting with the ratio—using no flour, butter, or white sugar—so I’m confident you’ll love these, even if you’re not the biggest avocado fan.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review
“Awesome! I really had to control myself not to eat the whole thing! I could not taste the avocado.” -Mary
Avocado Brownie Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Avocado. It’s best to use a small avocado (about 5 ounces) that isn’t bruised or mushy. It should give slightly when pressed, without any black spots when you slice into it for the best flavor.
- Coconut Sugar. Granulated sugar makes the best brownies, so we’re using a more natural choice to keep these on the healthier side.
- Eggs. These provide structure and help the brownies rise, while also adding protein to each bite.
- Cacao powder. I always keep raw cacao powder in my pantry, but regular cocoa powder should work, too.
- Almond Butter. This creamy nut butter adds fiber and healthy fats, so you won’t need butter or oil. Peanut butter could be used as a swap, if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract. This is added for flavor, but can be omitted if you’re out.
- Baking Powder. This is essential to help the brownies rise as they bake. If you only have baking soda on hand, use half the amount.
- Salt. Don’t omit the salt in a dessert recipe. It makes the flavor pop!
How to Make Avocado Brownies
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 325ºF and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan. Press a piece of parchment paper into the bottom of the pan to help remove the brownies easily later.
In the bowl of a 12-cup food processor, add the ripe avocado, eggs, coconut sugar, almond butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
Secure the lid and start processing until the batter looks smooth.
Step 2:
Stop and scrape down the sides of the machine to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed evenly. Then fold in the chocolate chips. (You can pulse the food processor briefly to mix them in.)
Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top, if desired.
Step 3:
Bake the brownies at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until your kitchen smells fragrant and the center of the brownies no longer jiggles when you shake the pan. Remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely before slicing.
These brownies are very fudgy when you cut into them, so you’ll need to wipe the knife after each slice.
Storage Tips
These brownies can be served at room temperature after you make them, but I recommend transferring them to an airtight container for storage. They are very moist, and therefore could spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
They should keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Avocado Brownies (Gluten-Free!)
Ingredients
- 1 small ripe avocado , pit and peel removed
- ½ cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free, if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. (Grease the pan first, so the parchment paper will stay in place.) In a food processor, add the avocado, cacao powder, eggs, coconut sugar, almond butter, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan. (Decorate the top with a few extra chocolate chips, if desired.)
- Bake at 325ºF for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center of the brownies looks cooked through. (You don't want it to jiggle when you shake the pan.) Allow the brownies to cool completely. The avocado flavor is MUCH more pronounced if you try these warm, so please don't be tempted to taste them until they have come to room temperature. You can place them in the fridge if you want to speed up the cooling process, or you'll have to wait at least 2 hours for them to cool on the counter.
- Slice the brownies into small squares and serve. It's normal for this brownie to stick to the knife a bit with you cut them since they are flourless and fudgy. Leftovers can be stored on the counter for up to 48 hours, or in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
Video
Notes
Baking Note: Brownies baked in a square metal pan will cook faster and more evenly than those cooked in a glass or ceramic baking dish. You may need to add 5 more minutes of cooking time when using a glass or ceramic option. Don’t have a food processor? You can make these brownies in a single bowl, mashing the avocado with a fork until relatively smooth. I prefer using a food processor, but I’ve had good results with both methods.
- If you need a nut-free recipe, try replacing the almond butter with 1/4 cup of your favorite flour. (I’d try oat flour or a gluten-free mix, or you could use 1/2 cup of almond flour instead.)
- If you dislike the flavor of avocado, you can replace half of it with butter or oil instead to ease yourself into the idea. Use a 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil or butter to replace half of an avocado.
- For a vegan avocado brownie, omit the eggs and replace them with 1/4 cup of all-purpose gluten-free flour, and increase the almond butter to a 1/2 cup total.
Nutrition
More Recipes to Try
If you try this avocado brownie recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like them.
Our family’s new favorite brownies. I’ve tweaked a bit for half sugar, regular PB and no one knows differently. THANKS!