Roasted Almond and Sea Salt Brownies Recipe

Indulgent Roasted Almond and Sea Salt Brownies Recipe

Decadent chocolate brownies with roasted almond and sea salt create a symphony of unexpected flavors that dance across your palate.

Nutty aromas will tempt you from the moment these treats emerge from the oven.

Rich cocoa mingles with crunchy almonds, promising a sensory adventure in every bite.

Delicate sea salt crystals add a surprising twist to the classic dessert.

Each ingredient plays a carefully orchestrated role in this delightful recipe.

Crisp edges and fudgy centers guarantee a brownie experience that defies ordinary expectations.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that balances sweet, salty, and luxurious textures like a culinary masterpiece.

Why You’ll Adore Roasted Almond Sea Salt Brownies

  • Craft Complex Flavors: Elevate your brownie game with the perfect balance of rich chocolate, roasted almonds, and a hint of sea salt that creates a sophisticated taste experience.
  • Nail Texture Perfection: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the soft, fudgy brownie base and the satisfying crunch of whole and chopped almonds sprinkled throughout.
  • Impress Dessert Lovers: Surprise guests with a gourmet twist on classic brownies that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, without requiring advanced baking skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting almond quantities or experimenting with different salt types to make the dessert uniquely yours.

What Goes into Roasted Almond Sea Salt Brownies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the brownies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in brownie leavening and helps balance the recipe's acidity.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist, dense brownie.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
Topping and Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Whole Roasted Almonds, Chopped Almonds: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the brownies.
  • Sea Salt: Provides a subtle savory contrast to the sweet chocolate base.

How to Make Sea Salt Brownies with Roasted Almonds

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy brownie removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure everything is blended smoothly with zero lumps hiding anywhere.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Drop eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, mixing completely after each. Splash in vanilla extract and vegetable oil, blending until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t go crazy with mixing or you’ll end up with tough brownies.

Step 6: Incorporate Roasted Almonds

Fold whole roasted almonds into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite has that delightful crunch.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth and inviting surface.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle chopped almonds and sea salt across the top of the batter. Press them in lightly so they stick during baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about an hour. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Savor the rich chocolate and delightful almond crunch in every single bite.

Tips to Master Almond Sea Salt Brownies

  • Customize Almonds for Crunch: Choose whole roasted almonds for maximum texture and nutty flavor, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.
  • Control Moisture with Mixing: Stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to prevent tough, dense brownies and maintain a fudgy, tender crumb.
  • Prevent Overbaking Trick: Check brownies early and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick, guaranteeing a rich, soft chocolate center.
  • Salt Enhances Chocolate: Sprinkle high-quality sea salt on top to intensify the chocolate's depth and create a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Let brownies cool completely before cutting to help them set properly and develop a perfect, clean-edged square.

Twist Options for Roasted Almond Brownies

  • Nutty Chocolate Chunk Variation: Replace whole roasted almonds with a mix of chocolate chunks and chopped pecans for extra richness and crunch.
  • Salted Caramel Almond Brownies: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the brownies before adding sea salt, creating a decadent layered flavor profile.
  • Dark Chocolate Espresso Almond Brownies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for an intense coffee-chocolate experience.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Brownie Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the original recipe's texture and taste.

Best Pairings for Sea Salt Brownies

  • Pair Creamy Espresso Delight: Serve a rich, smooth cappuccino alongside these brownies to complement the chocolate's deep flavor and enhance the roasted almond's nutty undertones.
  • Elevate with Salted Caramel Companion: Drizzle a homemade salted caramel sauce over the brownies to amplify the sea salt's complexity and create a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Refresh with Berry Contrast: Add a small scoop of raspberry sorbet to cut through the brownie's richness, providing a tart and cool counterpoint to the dense chocolate texture.
  • Match with Aged Port Wine: Select a vintage port with deep fruit notes that will harmonize with the brownie's intense chocolate profile and complement the roasted almonds' warmth.

Store Brownies Without Losing Flavor

  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious texture.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a sweet treat is always ready.
  • Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their soft, fudgy consistency.
  • Place parchment paper between brownie layers when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape and appearance.

FAQs for Roasted Almond Sea Salt Brownies

  • Why use both granulated and brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a crisp texture in the brownies.

  • How do roasted almonds enhance the brownie's taste?

Roasted almonds bring a rich, nutty flavor and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smooth chocolate base, creating a more complex and interesting dessert experience.

  • What's the purpose of sea salt in this recipe?

Sea salt balances the sweetness of the brownies, intensifies the chocolate flavor, and adds a subtle savory note that elevates the overall taste profile.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

While exact substitutions can alter the final result, you can use similar ingredients like different nuts or alternative oils, but be prepared for slight changes in texture and flavor.

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Roasted Almond and Sea Salt Brownies Recipe

Roasted Almond and Sea Salt Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Roasted Almond and Sea Salt Brownies bring rich chocolate depths with nutty crunch and perfect salt balance. Sophisticated chocolate lovers will savor this elegant dessert that blends intense flavor and delightful texture in each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup roasted almonds

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp milk

Seasoning and Finishing:

  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup additional chopped almonds for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in whole roasted almonds, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and creating a smooth surface.
  8. Sprinkle chopped almonds and sea salt across the top of the batter, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour before lifting out using parchment paper edges.
  11. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature, enjoying the rich chocolate and crunchy almond texture.

Notes

  • Swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor and create deeper, more complex brownie notes.
  • Toast almonds before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch, elevating the overall sensory experience.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% and substitute some with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index while maintaining rich sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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