Almond brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate treat, bringing a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the rich, fudgy texture. These brownies are incredibly moist and packed with flavor, largely thanks to the addition of almond extract and crunchy almonds. They are the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and fills your heart with joy as you bite into each chewy piece.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Almond Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Almond Brownies

I first stumbled upon this almond brownie recipe while searching for a sweet indulgence that wouldn’t just rely on chocolate for all its glory. The outcome was more than just expected. The combination of crunchy almonds and a silky glaze made it a standout at gatherings, proving to be a crowd favorite. Not only are these brownies easy to whip up, but they also make a lovely gift, especially for those who appreciate the elegance of a nut-infused brownie. I can’t wait for you to try these; they’re sure to make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These almond brownies take just about an hour and a half from start to finish and are effortless to make.
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of chocolate and almond creates a deliciously rich and unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With a glossy glaze and nutty topping, these brownies look as good as they taste, making them perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a sweet snack, a lunchbox treat, or even a charming dessert for a dinner party.
Diet-Friendly Options: They can easily be made dairy-free, simply by using dairy-free butter and milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¾ cup (158 g) butter, melted: This provides the necessary moisture and richness for your brownies. You can use regular or dairy-free butter for any dietary needs.
½ cup (150 g) light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and keeps brownies soft and chewy.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: This balances the brown sugar and contributes to the sweetness.
2 eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the brownie batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances the flavor, making your brownies deeply aromatic.
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): This adds an extra layer of almond flavor, making the brownies even more distinctive.
¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
½ cup (43 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: This is essential for the chocolatey taste in your brownies.
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (110 g) all-purpose flour: Flour is the base of your brownies, giving them structure. Be careful not to over-mix!
1 cup (g) whole unsalted almonds, chopped (separated): Chopped almonds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute with walnuts if preferred.
1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it provides that sweet finishing touch.
1 tbsp milk (regular or vegan): This helps to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
½ teaspoon almond extract: This will flavor your glaze, tying it back to the brownies.

How to Make Almond Brownies

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This allows for easy removal of the brownies once they’re cooled.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar until it forms a thick paste. This thick, paste-like consistency ensures your brownies are rich and fudgy.
Add the eggs: Incorporate the 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract (if using), whisking vigorously for about one minute. This aerates the mixture, adding lightness.
Mix the dry ingredients: Gently mix the dry ingredients, combining ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to preserve the brownies’ texture.
Incorporate the almonds: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the chopped almonds for topping, then fold in the remaining chopped almonds into the batter gently.
Prepare for baking: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds on top for an appealing finish.
Bake to perfection: Bake the brownies for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some wet crumbs—this means they’ll be beautifully fudgy.
Cool down: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding any glaze, ensuring they set perfectly.
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get your desired glaze consistency.
Finish the brownies: Pour the glaze evenly over your cooled brownies. Patience is key here, as allowing the glaze to set for a couple of hours will yield the best results!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delectable almond brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in a container lined with parchment paper for up to a week. If you choose to freeze them, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but do note that the consistency might slightly change after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t over-mix: It’s easy to get carried away when mixing the batter, but over-mixing can lead to dense brownies. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, contributing to a lighter texture.
Oven temperature: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An inconsistent temperature can affect the baking time.
Texture troubleshooting: If your brownies come out too dry, it could mean they were baked too long, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 30-minute mark.
Glaze variations: Feel free to enhance the glaze by adding a touch of cocoa powder or experimenting with different extracts like vanilla or hazelnut.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to these almond brownies—they’re not just delicious; they’re the perfect way to share a sweet moment. The blend of almond and chocolate is an indulgence that everyone can appreciate. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give these brownies a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped almonds, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or pecans if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This allows you to enjoy the same fudgy texture without sacrificing taste!

Is the almond extract necessary?

While almond extract enhances the flavor, it’s not mandatory. If you’re not a fan of almond, simply omit it for a rich chocolate brownie that still shines.

How can I make these brownies vegan?

To make these brownies vegan, use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), and a non-dairy milk of your choice for the glaze. They will be just as tasty!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

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Almond Brownies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 72 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Almond Brownies boast an irresistible flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Made easy with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and cocoa, they’re perfect for those seeking a homemade dessert that satisfies cravings without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup (158 g) butter, melted
½ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract, (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (43 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup + 2 tbsp (110 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (g) whole unsalted almonds, chopped (separated)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk , (regular or vegan)
½ tsp almond extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper that overhangs for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar, whisking until thick and paste-like.
Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously for about one minute.
Incorporate dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined to maintain brownie texture.
Reserve 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds for topping, stir in the rest into the batter.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, sprinkle reserved almonds on top, and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with some wet crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
You can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative to make this recipe vegan.
Feel free to adjust the almond extract according to your preference.