This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies (V, GF, DF): an easy recipe for rich, fudgy brownies packed with pecans and chocolate drizzle. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free.
So… my birthday’s coming up. Yaaaaaay. Woo. Hoo. You may be sensing that I’m not my usual effervescent self about this occasion. Or you may not, because all you can think about is… Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies.
I so do not blame you. I’d rather be thinking about these brownies, too. But the fact of the matter is, mah bday’s coming up. Greeeeat. Why so grumpy, you ask (let’s just assume…)? I know, I sound like a total brat. I’m very grateful for my blessings and everything. It’s just…
Oy. Birthdays, ya know? All year, I’m like,
YEAH, when my birthday happens, I’m gonna do this and I’m gonna do that. We’re gonna celebrate like it’s 1995 or whatever. But then my birthday starts creeping closer and closer. It starts looming… and I start thinking. <– Thinking = the International Sign of Emo Danger.
I could tell ya I whipped up these double chocolate pecan brownies as a way to celebrate. Or, I could tell you I made them so I could eat the entire pan in my sweats whilst watching the entirety of Lost. Then, read like four romance novels (guilty pleasures are never a good sign, are they?).
But I’ll just let you “guess” why I whipped these treats up. Ahem.
Anyway, the thing about my birthday is that it makes me start thinking about what I’ve accomplished in my life—like, if I’ve actually made a dent in that overly impressive Goals charts I put together in the third grade. And I know I’m kinda sounding like an utter jack… rabbit right now because this is SO not in keeping with how my mama raised me.
But the thing is, growing up, there was a lot, a lot, a lot of pressure to accomplish really impressive things. As far back as I can remember, the things that I did were viewed as pretty unremarkable.
Or, I would show the slightest bit of “talent” in something, then be excitedly told that I should dedicate all of my waking hours and then some to that thing, then somehow get on TV, get famous, and be the CEO of Google by the age of 25.
Okay, Google wasn’t around at that time, but you know what I mean.
In middle school, I felt the sinking feeling of my accomplishment-less existence, and that feeling just continued into high school and throughout college. Needless to say, certain crappy influences in my life could not/would not ever be satisfied by anything I did.
To this day (and especially on birthdays), I still struggle with not being enough. Not being smart enough, not making enough money, not having enough titles. Sometimes, in the middle of working yet another 17-hour day, I think to myself, could I ever be enough?
Could I ever work hard enough, long enough, or be perfect enough to just be enough?
And I know that I’m not being fair to myself. That I need to slow down and embrace the love and the support around me. That that negative influence is now gone from my life. That I need to re-learn what it means to be enough.
So this year, for my birthday, I’m gonna put away that crazy list of goals. I’m gonna put away the sweats, the marathon-TV-bingeing seat cushion, the self-indulgent, feeling-sorry-for-myself hat (it’s so not cute, trust me), and just freaking be. And just eat like two brownies. Not 16.
And I’m gonna be here for you. I’m gonna be here for all the people that were made to feel like they weren’t enough. Because we are. Forget those crazy tyrants of perfectionism. Forget what other people want you to be, and always embrace who you are.
Together, we’re gonna rock at this thing called life.
You in?
We’re gonna do this together—and eat the classy amount of brownies. Because: self-restraint, baby. 😉 But honestly, they’re made with awesome ingredients, so maybe just eating 3 is okay. Heh heh. And now that we’ve gotten the emo feels off of our chests, let’s talk baking.
Baking = best therapy, like ever.
These Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies are:
- so easy to make
- even tastier than they look
- vegan, gluten free, dairy free
- amazingly fudgy
- like taking a bite of chocolate heaven
- made with ingredients you can feel good about
- packed full of pecan goodness
- just the right balance of nutty and chocolatey
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth, like WOAH.
So will you join me in whipping up a batch? And maybe, just maybe join me in reducing all of that crazy pressure we put on ourselves? Together, we can totally do this. And most definitely, we can make these brownies!
They’re sure to be your favorite new dessert—from now, until the end of time. Is that hoping for too much? 😉 I can’t wait to hear what you think about these brownies. In the meantime, tell me…
What do you get to thinking about around your birthday? .
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
☀︎ Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I would love to see it! ☀︎
Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Ingredients
Brownies
- ¼ cup natural unsalted almond butter
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 flax eggs, 2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons water, whisk together, set for 10 mins
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons oat flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips
Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup and coconut oil. Whisk until it resembles grainy caramel.
- Add cocoa powder in ¼ cup increments, whisking until shiny and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Whisk in vanilla and salt.
- Add flax eggs in, whisking until well incorporated. In thirds, whisk in the oat flour. As the batter gets harder to whisk, switch to folding with a rubber spatula until well incorporated.
- Fold in ½ cup pecans and ¼ cup chocolate chips. Pour batter into pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer.
- For the topping, sprinkle 1/2 cup pecans evenly over brownies. Press pecans down into the top of the brownies.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes. Mine took 30 minutes. Cool for 1 hour, or until completely cool. Lift brownies out of baking pan and place onto an even surface. Slice into 16 squares. Using a rubber spatula or fork, nudge brownies apart, creating some space in between them.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/4 cup chocolate chips and ¼ teaspoon coconut oil. Heat in 20-second increments until softened and melted. Stir until smooth. Spoon melted chocolate into a small zip bag and trim a tiny corner off. Pipe chocolate in a zigzag pattern across the top of each brownie. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Notes
– To harden the chocolate drizzle for easier storing, freeze for 10-20 minutes.
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
– Freezing instructions: These brownies freeze well. Wrap in parchment or wax paper. Store in an airtight freezer-friendly container for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Or, heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
– More chocolate recipes (all v, gf, df): cookie dough truffles, PB cup brownies, chocolate banana nut bread.
– More Fall/pecan recipes (all v, gf, df): caramel apple tartlets, pumpkin pie smoothie, one bowl pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins.
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please re-write the entire recipe using your own words and include a link to this post for the recipe.
Paleo Almond Joy (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free). Instant Dessert Bliss.
Yep, CANDY-stuffed brownies. Does it get better than this? Try my Peanut Butter Cup Brownies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free).
Do you love chocolate and bananas just as much as you love chocolate and pecans? 🙂 Try my One Bowl Vegan Chocolate Banana Nut Bread (Gluten Free, Vegan, Dairy Free).
Oh ma LANTA will you just look at these beauties!?!? I can almost taste the deliciousness through the screen. Thank you for making me crave even more sweets than I already do. Whew, totally drooling right now 😉 😉
Lol. Thanks so much Lauren! I think it’s time to get baking! 😉
Oh.My.Gawsh. It’s like reading my own diary or something. lol. You and I think SO alike it’s almost scary. But not, because BESTIES. duh. 😉 Anyways, I’m totally guilty of feeling like I’m not good enough, or I haven’t accomplished enough, so I FEEL you. I think most people feel like that though, my sweets. Or at least I tell myself that? I had big plans to be a doctor, I mean I graduated college with a BS is psychology in 3 years and with honors (magna cum laude) only to go on to ditch my doctor plan and go to culinary school… and then end up as a mediocre food blogger. GAH. What have I done with my life? Wait, this is supposed to be about YOU. LOL. Back on track. YOU my dear are FABULOUS and you ARE enough! And you have accomplished A LOT. So I don’t wanna hear any of that BS!! You eat a dayum brownie (or 12) in celebration of yourself. Because you ROCK. And you deserve it!!!!!!! And I love ya. BIG TIME. <3 Anyways, these brownies are GLORIOUS. But I wouldn't expect anything less from you!! Love the pecan touch and Boy will be very happy about the double chocolate thing!! Pinned! Cheers, my little ROCK STAR! xoxo
I just KNEW we were separated at birth! I knew it!! 😉 <3 It's crazy--absolute madness--to even consider for a moment that you are not enough. You are one of the MOST amazing, kind-hearted, smart, talented, sassy (my fave part, duh), and EVERYTHING person I've known. PLEASE do not call yourself a mediocre blogger. I'll be forced to send you HUGE baskets full of toy puppies and truckloads of white chocolate every-thang. Plus, HUGS!!! Your photography is gorgeous, your recipes are out-of-this-world, and you are amazing. Ya know I love ya MORE. xoxo
I’ve been missing your stories Demeter! Hope you have a great birthday! I feel the same way! I could have accomplished so much by now! But I feel like this needs to change! No need to be so harsh on ourselves! Just enjoy life!
That’s so sweet of you to say, Mira. 🙂 I’ve missed you, my friend. <3 Seriously--who are we even comparing ourselves to? Dial down being harsh on ourselves and dial up the happy. Big hugs to you, M. xo
Hi Demeter, I think I can stand for Nicoletta too on this one, and we are both in. I think we tend to forget all the little accomplishments we do over a year, and only focus on those huge one or so we think. I have learned to live in the moment, ask life for things I want but not hold on to them, just let it all go. The sum of that equation is peace, an end to that voice that persistently digresses us into ungratefulness and self pity, and most of all un-accomplished sadness. Not in a harsh way but in acceptance. And yes Nicoletta would agree with you baking is great therapy. I love these brownies, may just remind us that life is sweet in balance. That ever so sweet spot that delivers nothing but peace and happiness.
Great sharing and great recipe.
Be good to your self.
Loreto
Thank you both. <3 You're so right on the little accomplishments. We're all so driven to think about those banner wins, completely devaluing those small, wonderful wins. Thank you for sharing your philosophy on letting go--it's such an important mindset to have. Let go of the things we can't change, the negativity; embrace the positivity. <3 Sending you and Nicoletta lots of love. xo
Aw, I know how you feel. We are so hard on ourselves, aren’t we? These brownies have the power to make everything better!
Yes, absolutely. Brownies fix all! 😉 Thanks Karen!
I know exactly what you mean Demeter, there’s always those moments that happen where we rethink our entire lives and we keep wondering if we’ve “done enough” or will ever “be enough.” For me, I felt like this during my eating disorder and it sucked. But I finally realized this and now I’m saying it to you…..you ARE enough!! 😀 You were put on this Earth for a reason and your life is what you make of it, but I know you’re a smart woman so you already knew that. 😉 Live in the present moment and enjoy your birthday. I’ll be eating brownies with you to celebrate, they look incredible! <3
“we rethink our entire lives” <--Exactly. This is exactly it. Like, why do we feel the need to evaluate, measure and weigh All That We've Done to this Point? It's such a crappy thing to do to ourselves. I'm so sorry that you went through that. Thank you for opening up and sharing with me, Marina. <3 Absolutely on life being what we make of it. Thank you for your kind words. Smart woman: look who's talkin'. 😉 Much love to you..
We are all “enough”! If you are living on this Earth, here right now, you are a “chosen one” and you are worth it! xoxo (These brownies…they’re worth it too…. 😉 )
Thank you, Rebecca. <3 And heck yes on these brownies being worth it! 😉
I know that type of thinking is never great for your self-esteem, but I’m totally guilty of it, like, all the time. Not even just around my birthday when I have a free moment to reflect on the last year’s happenings. We aren’t surgeons or lawyers, but we definitely ARE enough. Thanks for sharing the reminder we sometimes need to reassure ourselves 🙂 Happy almost birthday, friend!
P.S. I think the three fully loaded brownies stacked up with chocolate sauce are totally the perfect amount of brownies and would not be indicative of self-loathing at all 😉
Sometimes those free moments can go from healthy reflection to unproductive “evals” of our self-worth. Ugh! Thank you for opening up and sharing your experiences, Jess. <3 YES, we are enough--that doesn't have to be defined by anyone but ourselves. Also, lololol on your last comment. You always make me laugh. xoxo
Oh, Demeter, it’s definitely not hard to get into that frame of mind sometimes about feeling like we aren’t measuring up. Been there. Lots. But, sometimes ya just have to stop, let all the icky feelings go and, like you said, ‘be.’ I know, I know. Sometimes easier than done. But you be rockin’ it, girl! You got a wicked blog and you are just a laugh and a half. You always put a smile on people’s face 🙂 These brownies are definite proof that you got it goin’ on and please, please don’t judge me if I totally eat more than 3, l 😉 Pinned! Happy early birthday, girlie! Chin up! xo
You’re so right, Dawn. Sometimes we just have to actively stop ourselves from going down that path. Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. I would SO not judge you for eating more than 3–as long as you’re happy. <3 Big hugs! xo
Can I sub the oat flour for rice? And if so will I need to change the quantity?
Thank you! .
Hi Heywood! I’m not sure if you can, as I haven’t tried it, unfortunately. Let me know if you do & how it turns out!
I think pretty similar to you. I always think about what I could have done or accomplished by now. But you’re right! We need to think better for the better 🙂 Buuut I’m still gonna eat the whole batch of brownies, moody or not 😉
These brownies look amazing, Demeter! I love the pecans on top. And I’ve always been a fan of your stacked brownie photos! 😉
Somehow I knew you’d understand. 🙂 Thinking better for better: yep. You couldn’t have said it better. Haha on eating the entire batch! Sounds like a fantastic plan! 😉 Something about stacking brownies just makes me happy. 😉 Thank you Marsha. <3