Cocoa Powder Brownies are layers of brownies and rich chocolate frosting and chocolate chips are also in the batter. Use sprinkles in any color to dress up the top.
It makes me very happy that everyone out there loves chocolate as much as I do.
That way I can serve up some decadent sweets knowing that they are going to be received with welcome arms.
A chocolate love fest. That sounds good!
I do my best to add the best oils, sweeteners, and chocolate. Anything to improve and enjoy our sweet indulgences without feeling the guilt.
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These squares are really only about 1 ½" across, at the most, so they are not as large as they look. Of course, you can make them as big as you like.
Since they are taller you still get a really good mouthful of chocolate. But, hey! A 2" square is even more chocolate!
I absolutely love fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving and I am determined to post quite a few chocolates over the next few weeks.
Don't worry, there will still be very healthy dishes in between but I decided this blog was lacking in chocolate so, lucky me, I have to fix that.
Chocolate flavors
Do you know how many different kinds of chocolate there are? Luckily many are vegan and readily available.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a must for your pantry. It sweetens beautifully with coconut sugar and even maple syrup. This cocoa powder brownies recipe is a keeper for sure.
Dark chocolate that is about 70% or higher is a dream come true.
However you serve it up, chocolate is a wonderful treat.
Make sure you have some fun treats such as with these candy recipes for the holiday and these Cocoa Powder Brownies will fill the bill.
You can even change out the Autumn sprinkles colors for Christmas colors with the snap of your fingers. Red and green would be so pretty and the blues would too, of course.
How do you make egg substitutes with ground chia seeds?
A chia egg is actually made with chia seed meal/flour not the bare seed - aka ground chia seed.
The way you make meal/flour is by grinding the chia seed in a processor such as one for your coffee beans or a spice grinder.
I use mine to strictly grind seeds so that I do not mix flavors. Grind until it is a fine meal.
I do about 4 ounces at a time and keep it in a little freezer safe canning jar - in the freezer. When I need a tablespoon or so it is all ready to go.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- Coconut oil a nice base.
- Whole wheat pastry flour adds fiber and nutrients to the main base of these brownies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder turns into deep rich chocolate.
- Baking powder is a leavening agent.
- Baking soda helps the baking powder to do it's job.
- Salt gives the batter life.
- Coconut sugar adds a different type of sweet flavor in a very understated way.
- Creamy Peanut Butter adds moisture to the mix and a wonderful nut butter flavor.
- Egg substitute is the substitute for eggs that also adds liquid and rising power.
- Vanilla Extract adds so much flavor to the mix.
- Dairy-free milk adds flavor and necessary liquid.
- Dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips add a mild crunch and more sweetened chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting
- Organic powdered sugar blends with the cocoa powder and dairy-free butter for the best frosting.
- Dairy-free butter adds needed liquid and a buttery taste.
- Dairy Free milk adds flavor and necessary liquid.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder is magic for chocolaet frosting.
- Vanilla extract adds so much flavor to the mix.
Instructions
- Mix the substitute eggs and set aside. Check out how to make ground chia seed eggs above the recipe card.
- Lightly oil a 9" x 13" baking pan. You want a thinner layer of brownies so we are going for this larger size.
- In a medium bowl mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt together.
- In a large bowl use a Hand Mixer and beat the oil, peanut butter, coconut sugar and milk mixture together.
- Add the vanilla and mix.
- Add in the flour mixture - half at a time.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Turn into the prepared baking pan and smooth out evenly to all edges.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Cut into about 32 squares.
- If you are making these ahead of time for an occasion you can freeze them at this point.
For the Frosting
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting.
- Cream the powdered sugar and vegan butter together.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- After the brownies are completely cooled and cut into pieces - frost the top of each brownie square.
- Lay one brownie square on top of another one. You will be left with about 16 double stack frosted brownies.
- Sprinkle with your favorite sprinkle colors.
IF FREEZING:
You may freeze them in any of the methods shown in my article How to Prepare Food for the Freezer.
They defrost quickly so it really doesn't take any planning. Just put them in the refrigerator to defrost overnight or set out on a plate and it will take an hour or so to defrost.
📋 Recipe
Double Chocolate Brownie Stacks
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 tablespoon oil - for greasing pan
- ⅔ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - melted and cooled
- 2 substitute eggs - I use a ground chia seed egg = 1 egg equals 1 Tbsp. chia flour and 3 Tbsp. water so double that for 2 eggs.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy free milk
- ½ cup dairy free semi sweet chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar - organic
- ⅛ cup dairy free butter
- ⅛ cup dairy free milk
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - plus 2 Tablespoons
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract - organic
Instructions
- Mix the substitute eggs and set aside. Check out how to make ground chia seed eggs above the recipe card.
- Lightly grease a 9" x 13" baking pan. You want a thinner layer of brownies so we are going for this larger size.
- In a medium bowl mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt together.
- In a large bowl use a Hand Mixer and beat the oil, peanut butter, coconut sugar and milk mixture together.
- Add the vanilla and mix.
- Add in the flour mixture - half at a time.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Turn into the prepared baking pan and smooth out evenly to all edges.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Cut into about 32 squares.
- If you are making these ahead of time for an occasion you can freeze them at this point.
For the Frosting
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting.
- Cream the powdered sugar and vegan butter together.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- After the brownies are completely cooled and cut into pieces - frost the top of each brownie square.
- Lay one brownie square on top of another one. You will be left with about 16 double stack frosted brownies.
- Sprinkle with your favorite sprinkle colors.
Ginny McMeans
hahaha! Thanks Sarah and I am gad I'm tempting you 🙂
Ali
These look so yummy! I can definitely see the appeal of a two-layered brownie. Love that they are vegan!
rika
I love chocolate! The brownie looks so moist and delicious! I love the frosting on top too!
Brandi Crawford
These look delicious! Perfect treat and I could eat them all!
Laura
Those brownies look delicious, I love dark chocolate. I like the idea of coconut milk in the frosting. I will definitely try this
Marie | Yay! For Food
I love brownies! So much chocolatey goodness! Love that they are double-stacked with a layer of yummy homemade frosting too.