These Paleo Red Velvet Brownies recipe are rich and have a sweet dairy free cheesecake topping. They are so delicious and gluten free, dairy free, naturally sweetened with a nut free option.
These brownies are so rich and fudgy. I don't use a leaving agent like baking soda so they don't rise at all. That is on purpose because I think fudgy brownies are better than cakey brownies. The cheesecake frosting is cashew based, but still has that creamy, tangy goodness. It's an amazing combo.
Ingredients for red velvet brownies
Ghee- this gives a buttery taste, but coconut oil can be used for completely dairy free.
Maple syrup- this is the only sweetener used and it gives the best sweetness as well as adding moisture.
Coconut flour- just a little is needed since it's a very absorbent flour and a little goes a long way.
Cacao Powder: brownies aren't brownies without cacao and this gives great richness.
Beet Root Powder: this powder is naturally dark red which makes for a great food coloring. I actually don't love beets, but this powder isn't too earthy and has a sweetness to it.
Eggs- this helps bind the brownies together. I do think an egg replacer like falx eggs would work here if needed.
Raw cashews- these are the base of the cheesecake frosting and blend down into a creamy, rich frosting.
Coconut oil- this helps the "cheesecake" set in the fridge and harden. I always like to use refined as it has less of a coconut taste
Lemon juice- this is used to give the cashews a tang like traditional cream cheese.
Nut-Free and Low FODMAP Option
The brownies themselves are nut free, just using coconut flour. The frosting does have cashews though, so you can use the frosting that I made for my Paleo Carrot Cake Bars. I'll write it in the notes as well. It's a combination of coconut butter, maple syrup and a couple other simple ingredients. The brownies are also low FODMAP if eaten without the frosting. Beet is a limit food, but you'll be fine with 1 brownie.
If you are looking for a rich, sweet dessert that everyone will love, then you have to try these brownies. They are easy to make and so delicious! Here are more brownie recipes to try:
- Vegan Cosmic Brownies
- Cookie Dough Topped Brownies
- German Chocolate Brownies
- Salted Caramel Brownies
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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownies
- ½ cup melted ghee*
- 2 oz dairy free chocolate, about ⅓ cup chips
- ¼ cup Cacao Powder
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup Beet Root Powder, sifted
- 5 tablespoons coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Frosting
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, combine the ghee, chocolate, and cacao powder over medium heat. Whisk just until smooth- about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in the maple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a big bowl and add the eggs. Stir to combine. Add in the Beet Root Powder, coconut flour and salt and mix until combined and no dry spots remain. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes.
- Let cool before frosting.
- Make the frosting. Soak the cashews in cold water for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Once soaked, drain and add the cashews to a high powdered blender. Add in the maple syrup, coconut oil, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Spread on top of brownies. Place in the fridge to set.
Notes:
Nutrition Information
Angela says
This could be a great dessert for the next time I have company.
Christine says
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I can't wait to try it out this week. Is there a substitute for the beet root powder or can I simply omit that?
Darra Brown says
My oldest loves anything red velvet and he said this is amazing! Actually everyone in my family loved it! Your recipes are always so good!
Natalie says
I love the moist texture of these brownies! I never tried red velvet brownies before - genius!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Natalie!