My nephew Harry just loves these brownies. They are not as rich and dense as my award-winning brownies, which is probably why they appeal so much to the younger generation, but the scattered chocolates drops give them a wonderful bite that is quite addictive.
makes: 16 squares
preparation: 20 minutes
baking: 50 minutes
cooling: 30 minutes
freeze: Yes
225g (8oz) dairy-free spread
400g (14oz) caster sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
1½ tsp vanilla extract
120g (4½oz) wheat- and gluten-free plain flour
1½ tsp xanthan gum ½ tsp salt
75g (2¾ oz) cocoa powder
100g (3½oz) good-quality (60% cocoa) dark dairy-free chocolate drops
equipment
18 x 27cm (7 x 10½ inch) shallow baking tin
* Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Grease and line the baking tin with baking parchment, leaving a couple of centimetres (about 1 inch) over at the ends to help lift the brownies out of the pan when baked.
* Using a hand-held electric mixer on a high speed setting, cream together the dairy-free spread and sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
* Gradually add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract on a medium speed setting, mixing well between each addition. Don’t worry if the mixture curdles slightly; just turn the mixer setting up to high for a couple of seconds and the mixture will become smooth again.
* Fold in the sifted flour, xanthan gum, salt and cocoa powder using a large metal spoon until everything is combined. Stir in three-quarters of the chocolate drops.
* Spoon the mixture into the baking tin and level with the back of a metal spoon. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate drops evenly over the mixture.
* Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The brownies will be ready when a metal skewer inserted into the middle of the brownies comes out slightly tacky. You don’t want to overcook the brownies because they need to be soft and fudgy and will continue to firm up as they cool.
* Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. Once cooled, turn out of the tin, cut into squares and enjoy.
tip: If your children are anything like my nephew, you will need to hide these and ration out when appropriate!