Let’s be real—who doesn’t love brownies? But if you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or need a grain-free, gluten-free treat, regular brownie recipes can feel out of reach. That’s where these AIP Cassava Flour Brownies come to the rescue.
They’re chewy, fudgy, and have those irresistible crunchy edges we all love. The secret? Cassava flour. It’s a grain-free alternative that’s super versatile and mimics the texture of wheat flour—without the gluten. Perfect for anyone craving indulgence but wanting a healthier twist.
Trust me, these brownies are about to become your new favorite. Let’s dive in!
Recipe Basics
Time Commitment
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 25 minutes
- Total time: A quick 35 minutes
Made For
- 9 brownies in a 9×9-inch pan. Want more? Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just watch your bake time—it might need an extra minute or two.
Skill Level
- Don’t worry; this is beginner-friendly. No fancy skills or equipment needed.
What You’ll Need
- A mixing bowl (or stand mixer)
- A spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or coconut oil for greasing
Tip: No stand mixer? No problem. A regular whisk or hand mixer works fine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything, broken down so it’s easy to follow:
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cassava flour
- 1/2 cup cacao powder (carob powder if you’re strict AIP)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup white sugar (or coconut sugar for Paleo-friendly sweetness)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 room-temperature eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Substitutions and Tips
Stuck without an ingredient? Here’s how to adapt:
- Cassava flour: Arrowroot or tapioca flour can work, but the texture might change.
- Cacao powder: Swap for carob powder if needed.
- Coconut oil: Ghee or avocado oil is a great alternative.
- White sugar: Use maple syrup or honey instead (just adjust the dry ingredients a bit).
Pro Tip: For the best brownies, use high-quality cacao powder. And make sure your eggs are room temperature—it helps everything mix smoothly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×9-inch pan with coconut oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, stir together cassava flour, cacao powder, baking powder, sea salt, white sugar, and brown sugar. Make sure everything’s evenly combined and there are no clumps.
Quick Tip: If your cacao powder is clumpy, sift it first. It’ll make a big difference!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack your eggs into the bowl. Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until the batter is smooth and glossy.
How to Tell It’s Ready: The batter should be thick but still pourable. If you dip a spoon in, it should coat the back without dripping too fast.
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Pour the batter into your greased pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Bonus Tip: Gently tap the pan on your counter—this helps any trapped air bubbles escape.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for about 25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will look slightly underbaked. That’s what gives you fudgy brownies!
Reminder: Don’t overbake them, or they’ll turn out dry.
Step 6: Let Them Cool
This part’s hard—I get it! But letting the brownies cool completely in the pan is key. Once they’re cooled, cut them into squares and dig in.
Extra Fudgy Tip: Pop them in the fridge for an hour before serving. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Fun Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these simple tweaks:
Diet-Friendly Swaps
- Going vegan? Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
- Watching carbs? Swap sugar for erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Flavor Upgrades
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
- Feeling fancy? Drizzle melted chocolate on top, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Holiday Twists
- Add peppermint extract at Christmastime.
- Use pumpkin puree (in place of some coconut oil) for a fall-inspired treat.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve Them
Serve these brownies warm with:
- A dollop of coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries are my go-to!)
- Or… keep it simple and enjoy them on their own.
Storing Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for a week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Want that fresh-baked feel again? Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
There you have it: rich, fudgy AIP Cassava Flour Brownies that are as indulgent as they are healthy. Whether you’re following AIP or just experimenting with grain-free baking, these brownies are a total win.
PrintAIP Cassava Flour Brownies
These AIP Cassava Flour Brownies are a rich, chewy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for anyone following an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), Paleo, or gluten-free diet. Made with cassava flour and cacao powder, they deliver all the decadence of classic brownies while remaining grain-free and dairy-free. With crunchy edges and fudgy centers, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: AIP, Paleo, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cassava flour
- 1/2 cup cacao powder (use carob powder for strict AIP compliance)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup white sugar (or coconut sugar for Paleo-friendly sweetness)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes:
Use high-quality cacao or carob powder for the best flavor. Ensure eggs are at room temperature to blend smoothly with the batter. Melt coconut oil gently to avoid overheating.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine cassava flour, cacao powder, baking powder, sea salt, white sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until well-blended and free of clumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the eggs into the dry mixture. Add melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and glossy. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
- Prepare Batter: Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes at 325°F. The brownies will still be soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This step is essential to prevent them from falling apart.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these brownies on their own or pair them with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their flavor even further.
Tips & Tricks:
- For extra fudginess, chill the brownies in the fridge for an hour before serving.
- Avoid overbaking; remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the center is slightly underdone.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.