Gluten free Almond Joyful Brownie Bites
Makes 16 brownie bites
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into a few pieces
1 bar (4 ounces) dark chocolate, cut into pieces
2 bars (8 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate, cut into pieces
2 bars (8 ounces) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup whole almonds (32 almonds)
1 1/4 cups coconut flakes, divided
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prep Pan: Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang of foil on all sides. Press foil snugly against inside bottom and walls of pan and fold around edges, covering inside of pan entirely with foil. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.
4. Melt Chocolate: In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate pieces and butter, stirring often, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute.
5. Add Sugar & Eggs: Add sugar and vanilla to melted chocolate and whisk together. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, until just incorporated.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Pour the cornstarch cocoa mixture in and stir to combine. Add the chopped almonds and 1 cup coconut and stir to combine.
7. Bake: Pour into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs attached. Be careful not to over bake.
8. Cool & Cut: Let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour, then remove foil sling from pan. Cut in half down the middle, rotate and cut in half again. Cut each of these 4 squares in the same manner, making 16 pieces total. Gently press sides of each square with your fingers to firm any crumbs.
9. Garnish & Chill: Place 2 whole almonds on top of each brownie, then top with a spoonful of melted chocolate, making sure to cover the almond well with the chocolate. Top with a pinch of coconut flakes and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the chocolate.
10. Serve & Enjoy: Let set at room temperature about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
