Dark Chocolate Brownies, A Paleo Dessert Recipe

Indulge your chocolate cravings with these rich and fudgy Paleo Dark Chocolate Brownies—a healthier, homemade treat that’s both grain- and gluten-free. Sweetened with coconut sugar and maple sugar, and featuring deep, dark chocolate melted into creamy coconut oil, these brownies deliver maximum decadence without the refined sugar punch.

With a snap of 85% dark chocolate and a touch of cocoa powder, each square balances intense flavor and chewy texture. They’re easy to whip up in under an hour and yield a beautifully glossy top that sets just right. Perfect for meal prep or spontaneous chocolate fixes, they fit both wellness-minded diets and indulgent cravings.

Is Coconut Sugar Paleo?

While more traditional brownie recipes may call for a heaping helping of white sugar, this one swaps it out for paleo coconut sugar and maple sugar instead. Some consider these types of sugars paleo because they were likely around during the Paleolithic era; others simply give them the go-ahead because they’re derived from natural ingredients, unlike artificial sugars and sweeteners. No matter how you look at it, most paleo experts still recommend limiting your intake of all types of sugars and sweeteners, even if they are paleo.

We’d recommend making a batch of these paleo brownies during your meal prep at the start of the week for a sweet, paleo treat whenever the mood strikes.

Dark Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Recipe Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active time: 25 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies

Recipe Ingredients

• ⅓ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup (2 oz) dark chocolate (85% cacao), chopped
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup maple sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ¼ cup tapioca flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the coconut oil and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. In a mixer bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, maple sugar, and eggs on high speed until pale and creamy (3–5 minutes).
4. Slowly add the chocolate mixture, vanilla, flours, cocoa powder, and salt; mix on low until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes. The top should look glossy and set.
6. Cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts.

Recipe Tips:

• If you don’t have maple sugar, you can substitute all coconut sugar.
• This recipe is also delicious with 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder stirred in for a café mocha flavor.
• These brownies are best eaten within 2 days.

Appetizers That Pair Nicely

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Skewers — Sweet, salty, and light contrast to the chocolate.
• Mini Kale & White Bean Crostini (on paleo-friendly crackers) — Earthy and bright—lightens the mood.
• Fresh Berry & Mint Cups — Juicy, refreshing, and palate-cleansing.

Main Courses That Complement Well

• Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs — Satisfying, savory, and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
• Grilled Salmon with Lemon & Dill — Bold, fresh, and light next to a rich dessert.
• Vegan Lentil Loaf — A hearty plant-based entrée that complements without overshadowing.

Side Dishes That Complement The Recipe

• Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Rosemary — Comforting and cozy for a wholesome spread.
• Quinoa Apple Salad with Mint — Bright, refreshing, and cleansing alongside the brownies.
• Sautéed Greens with Garlic & Lemon — Slight bitterness and freshness to counter the chocolate’s richness.

Occasions & Events Where These Brownies Shine

1. Meal-prep snack batches
2. Wellness-minded dessert swaps
3. Family-friendly weekend bakes
4. Potlucks needing paleo options
5. Kids’ snackboxes
6. Office treat days
7. Post-workout indulgence
8. Casual coffee catch-ups
9. Movie nights at home
10. Treats for friends over
11. Book club munchies
12. Thank-you baked gifts
13. Gluten-free bake sale items
14. Comfort food moments with a healthier edge
15. Personal midnight cravings