One Minute Molten Chocolate Brownie (gluten/dairy/egg/nut free)

I kind of promised to post my Brussels sprouts and vinaigrette recipe today, after sharing my brussels sprouts chips yesterday, but...

Molten chocolate brownies. Need I say more? (Don't want to read? Skip ahead to recipe or go ahead and print it HERE.)

Very sorry Brussels sprout lovers...wait, do those exist? (They do exist!) Seriously, I like Brussels sprouts and I will post that recipe soon. But just make these chips for now, okay.

I have been working on this molten brownie (or cake, but I'd say more like a brownie) for weeks now and I finally got a few testers to approve. So, you're welcome. Or maybe, thank you. I don't know. I've eaten so much chocolate the past few nights, I'm not sure how I feel.

This is not something you want to eat every day, trust me. It's thick and it's rich. But it's also quick and delicious. And speaking of eating this every day, did you see this post floating around recently. (This is more for you paleo-leaning people.) Well, it created a lot of disagreements (a nice way of putting it) in some Facebook discussions. It may have been more about the comments of others as opposed to what was written.

Here's the thing: No one is telling you what to eat or not eat. No one is telling you that you can't eat "treats" or make a brownie now and then. (And if they are, you don't have to listen. Just as you don't have to eat as I do. I'm not going to come to your house and force you.) I've come a long way since the days when I was eating Little Debbie oatmeal pies and downing Monster energy drinks to stay awake at work. When I made the transition to all real food (and later to paleo through the Whole30®), I made a lot of treats. A lot. They helped with the transition and I knew that making them myself was better than buying a box of cookies with unrecognizable ingredients.

But now, after making it through not one, but two, Whole30s (and I don't say that to brag), I'm realizing that sometimes I did make and eat treats often. I've realized how much I used to rely on "treats" even saying I "deserved" said treat once I accomplished a certain goal. I told myself that since they had almond flour or honey or it was just some blended up bananas, it wasn't a big deal. And it may not be for you. For me, it was and is. So I'm learning to eat without making that stuff (often). And I know that I feel better when the majority of my diet consists of vegetables and fruits, and quality meats and fats. But...

Paleo or not, whatever your version of real food may be, I think the point being made is that the cakes and cookies, and whatever other real food "treats" we are making, should not be the main focus -- especially if you have a health goal you are trying to reach. That is all. Make your own decision about eating them or not. But there's no reason to judge others for whatever choice they make.

And yes, as I talk about not eating a lot of treats, I'm posting a molten brownie recipe for you. Why? Because sometimes -- and you decide what sometimes means to you -- we want a brownie. And that's okay. So we need options for brownies and other desserts and sweets that allow us to stick to foods that make us feel our best. So, just eat the damn brownie. But, most of all, enjoy it!

If that wasn't clear, I believe in eating mindfully. That means I typically stick with foods that keep me feeling my best (after much experimenting to see what those foods were). But also, sometimes I just want a brownie. So, I eat a damn (gluten and dairy free) brownie.

Yours will look a little more moist than this.

Now let's talk for a minute about this recipe. I don't use an oven. So we are making this in a microwave. Yes, that cancer-causing nuclear box. It's the only thing I cook with.

Okay, I'm joking.

Whether you choose to use a microwave or not, that is your decision. Personally, I have stopped using it often. I use it maybe once or twice a month at home. But if I'm out and need to heat up my lunch, to the microwave it is. I don't like using a microwave because...well, I just don't like the taste of microwaved food anymore (and I used to eat up some microwavable meals). But yes, sometimes it's convenient. And I prefer not to stress over using it. That's just my opinion. Stress is much worse than using a microwave occasionally -- or eating this brownie for that matter. So for this, I use the microwave. (But...for those of you that prefer not the use the microwave, I did test this in the oven. So, it will take a little longer than 2 minutes, but you have that option. Your decision.)

Well, then. I bet you didn't come here thinking you would have to read about "treats" and microwave controversies. I shouldn't write quick posts, especially while consuming tons of chocolate and coffee. So, let's get to it...


One Minute Molten Chocolate Brownie
 (gluten/dairy/egg/nut free) 
Makes one small serving

For this to truly take one minute (it's more like two or three), pretend you're on an episode of Top Chef during the Quickfire round. But you only get one minute so no wasting time licking your fingers.
 

What you need:

1/2 tsp coconut oil, melted
1 - 2 tbsp honey  (I use a little over 1)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp regular unsweetened cocoa powder (or raw cacao)
2 packed tsp coconut flour 
1/16 tsp baking soda or 1/8 tsp baking powder (this one is corn-free)
dash salt
1 - 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
Chunk of baking chocolate or chocolate bar* (optional) 

How to make:

Melt coconut oil and honey in your microwave-safe mug or ramekin for 10-15 secs in the microwave. Stir in vanilla extract. For best results, mix dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Add to mug and mix until thoroughly. Add milk a 1/2 tbsp at time until you have a thick brownie batter (I use 1 1/2 tbsp of full-fat coconut milk. You will likely use less if using regular, almond milk, or lite coconut milk). When your batter is thoroughly mixed, let it sit for a min or two to allow coconut flour to absorb liquid. It will look like a thick brownie batter. This is important for setting up the brownie properly. If the batter is not thick, add 1/2 tsp extra coconut flour at a time. (This will change desired texture somewhat). Shove a chunk of chocolate in the center of the batter. Make sure chocolate is covered with batter.

Microwave for 30-90 seconds. Mine takes 30-40 secs for a fudge-like brownie and 60 secs for a cake-like brownie . Check at 30 seconds, continue at 15 second intervals until top is set. Cook longer for a more cake-like brownie (but this is meant to be fudgy). Cool for a few minutes before eating. This is meant to be eaten from the mug. You can try to dump it in a bowl, but it won't be pretty. This is very rich and gooey. Top with whipped coconut cream or whatever else you like.

Baking option: This is meant to be quick and made in the microwave, but you can bake it. It's not going to be a perfect molten cake, but it works. Bake at 350-375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Check for the top to set and cool for a few minutes before eating.

*I recommend a mint chocolate bar for this...if you like mint. For this to be dairy/gluten-free, use the Enjoy Life brand (a handful of chips works just as well as a chunk) or I like the Alter Ego bars. (I purchase most my pantry items from Vitacost in order to save money. If you are a new customer to Vitacost, you can save $10 off your first order using my refer-a-friend link here)

Update: This is really good after cooling it in the refrigerator for a few hours. So make it ahead of time if you want! It won't be molten, but it's so good!

Notes:

• Adjust sweetener for your own taste. A tbsp is a good place to start though. I usually add more for children. Want to use a granulated sugar? Add to the coconut oil as you melt and stir it well.
• You can increase the coconut flour for a more cake-like texture, but I prefer it with less as written above. Too much coconut flour gives it a grainy texture.
• This is not meant to be a fancy molten cake. This is for the times you want a quick chocolate fix. So if you want to try something decadent and slightly more time consuming, check out this Chocolate Pots de Creme recipe that Nom Nom Paleo just posted. It looks absolutely delicious.

Other Easy Dessert Recipes:

• Almond Pomegranate Bark (optional nuts)
• Chocolate Truffle Cake
• Five Minute Freezer Fudge (nut free option)
• No Bake Coconut Banana Cream Bites  (egg and nut free)
• No Bake Mini Coconut Lemon Tarts (plus Berry versions) (egg and nut free)
• No Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies  (egg and nut free)
• Pumpkin Pie "Ice Cream" (with banana soft serve)
• Roasted Banana Pudding: Two Ways (optional egg free)

Shared at: Allergy Free Wednesdays

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