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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.
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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).
Like everyone else, I know what you mean. I think we all beat ourselves up way too much! And when I think about it, the pity party goes into full effect. I love your idea of putting away your crazy list and just enjoying your special day and YOU! Let’s celebrate YOU with these gorgeous brownies! I absolutely LOVE them, Demeter! Such a perfect birthday or anytime treat. I hope your week is off to a wonderful start, friend!
Yes, so much yes (but not–you know what I mean lol) on the pity party. Let’s both shove off those crazy lists and celebrate together! Thank you so much for your sweet words, Gayle. Hope you have a fantastic week! xo
These brownies look AMAZING! So decadent <3
Thank you so much, Lauren! Hope you get a chance to try them! 🙂
These brownies are GOALS. It’s actually hard to believe that they are healthier than a normal brownie, they look so sinful!
Haha. Couldn’t have said it better! 😉 Sinful, but not! Yay!!! Best kind of desserts ever, right? 😉
I have the same concerns, Demeter. When my birthday rolls around, I always feel inadequate when I compare my life to how I thought it would be and how it is. This year I’m going to try my best to appreciate what’s right in front of me (& hopefully that will be a big plate of these brownies 😉 ) Hope you have a great birthday filled with all your favorite things!!!
Yeah, so true Megan… comparing what you thought it would be and how it is–that’s exactly how it is. I love your pledge to appreciate what’s right in front of you. <3 Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes, my friend! xo
Oh my goodness these look amazing. I can totally relate to the not-feeling-enough thing, but I wonder why birthdays? Hope it was an awesome day!
Thank you so much, Joyce. 🙂 Birthdays: I think it’s because of the sense of occasion. Like, you’re supposed to be celebrating you and how awesome you are, but then you get to thinking that maybe you’re not that awesome… Lol. Plus, it’s a definite marker that one full year has gone by. I get to thinking, “what did I accomplish in that year? Did I make a difference?” Anyway, enough of that heavy stuff! Thank you! 🙂
Oh girl, I feel you. I think most of us are guilty of the “am I enough” question. And although it is great to always be pushing for more, trust me when I say you are pretty darn spectacular! And so are these brownies! All the heart eyes. Pinning! And Happy Birthday!
Right? Oy… we’ve really got to go easier on ourselves. Let me just say that you are pretty darn spectacular too! And then some. 😉 Thanks so much for pinning and for the birthday wishes, Meghan! 🙂
Happy Birthday Demeter! I would have baked a cake for you if we lived closer but instead will whip up a batch of your delicious double chocolate pecan brownies pop a candle in one and sing a happy day for you. Perfectionism can be our own worst nightmare for us perfectionist out there. You can’t compare yourself to others but just set your own realistic goals and don’t punish yourself for not meeting them all. Virtual b-day hug coming your way! Pinning, of course!
Aw, you’re so sweet, Bobbi. 🙂 I would do the same for you too–if I were fortunate enough to be your neighbor. Love the alternative plan, though! About perfectionism and goals–so true, my friend. I couldn’t have said it better. Hugging you right back! xoxo
Can we just address the fact that with caramel sauce drizzled on top these would officially be TURTLE BROWNIES!! And I love turtle anything–both the shelled creature and the chocolate morsel.. I just needed to point that out, I’ve been thinking it ever since I read the first ‘pecan’ on this page. My mom was always an anti-nut-in-baked-goods person so I never had nuts in my brownies and then when I finally tried it it was absolute brownie love. Plus they look a hell of a lot classier than chocolate chips . (not that I would object to either…both!) Now about b-day things…over the past 5ish years I have gone from super excited about b-days to wanting to put my whole life in slow mo when they roll around. I can completely relate to these feels–nooooo there are so many things I wanted to do by 23. But I think the feeling of not having done enough will creep in if I let it at any age because it’s all in our heads. You my dear are funny, clever, creative, awesomesauce photographer, and awesomesauce friend enough, I can vouch for all those 100%! More than enough❤️ I love it when you get deep. Deep thoughts and chocolate, what could be better. xoxo
Lolol. So ya love all things turtle, do ya? 🙂 I’m gonna have to keep that in mind come March. 😉 See… the only thing is that’s chocolate drizzle on the brownies.. Hence the double chocolate part. 😉 How good are nuts in brownies though??? Slow mo: wow, that’s exactly it. Like life is going by so quickly, isn’t it? Well, let me just say that you’re an absolutely incredible person. You’re so kind, so loving and generous. Plus, you’re kicking SO much butt at blogging. I will absolutely vouch for that too! <3 Thank you so much my dear lady bird. Sending you much love. xoxo
I think we all do that to ourselves sometimes, I know I do! I went to college for a couple of years and didn’t finish, so there’s that. I definitely think about that every now and again and think about how proud my parents would have been if I had. Good for you for trying to put it aside (and only eating 2, well 3 of these crazy, amazing, pecan-tastic brownies, of which I need in my life stat)! However, I happen to think that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with eating all of the freaking brownies (seriously, especially these ones), but maybe that’s just my birthday celebration technique? I hope you and the fam have the most fun Halloween ever and that you have a great in-the-now kind of birthday. All of the love and the boggiest of hogs for my Demeter!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you for telling me about your experiences, Steph. <3 Erik goes through the same with not finishing college--he regrets it too, but has these moments where he realizes that he's done so much/been through so much that it wasn't the degree that really defined him. I hope you know that too. <3 You're so intelligent and you have the biggest heart. Plus, you've raised such amazing children. I know that your parents are proud of it all. <3 Thank you for the birthday wishes my dear. Boggiest of all the hogs in the world, my Steph. <3 <3 <3
I’m so in! I used to feel the same about my approaching birthday but lately I’ve been feeling it ALL the time. But if I step back and stop comparing myself to others or even my past self’s expectations than I find myself pretty happy. But it’s hard. So when I can’t, then YUM-I can dig into delicious recipes like this. I’m going to go ahead and wish you Happy Birthday!