Vegan Salted Caramel Brownie Recipe (Keto, Gluten-Free & Healthy)

This vegan recipe for salted caramel brownies is another Detox Desserts “Star Player”. It’s beloved by all and holds up to any traditional, carb loaded brownie out there. These dense and chewy brownies have a thick layer of soft, buttery caramel swirled through the rich chocolate brownie base. They’re topped with crunchy nuts and finished with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt.

Take these brownies to any group of non-healthy eaters and no one will have a clue they’re actually healthy. This easy, keto salted caramel brownie recipe contains far less calories, more fiber, more protein and only 4g net carbs when made with the Grain-Free Flour Swap. One bite will transport you to brownie heaven, without the requisite guilt you’d get from a traditional brownie.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or aspiring novice, this vegan salted caramel brownie recipe will quickly become your favorite. They whip up in a few minutes without any fancy ingredients or kitchen equipment, they store well, travel well and make a perfect indulgent dessert anytime you’re craving rich chocolate and smooth buttery caramel.

Unadulterated chocolate is loaded with fiber, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. Most of the fat from chocolate is ‘oleic acid’, a monounsaturated fat that happens to be the same heart healthy fat contained in olive oil. Good quality dark chocolate is also high in antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the body. When tested, the level of antioxidants in chocolate actually surpasses a lot of fruits and vegetables! Chocolate really is a superfood so it’s not something I limit in my diet, but it is calorie-dense, so moderation and mindful consumption is always important.

The Detox Desserts* Flour Swaps make it easy to turn these brownies gluten-free while promoting healthy digestion. The psyllium husk contained in the Flour Swap and inulin contained in the Egg and Sugar Swap help to feed and increase the number of healthy gut bacteria. Plenty of good flora in your intestines can promote a strong immune system along with the added digestive benefits we all love from a healthy dose of fiber. Don’t forget whole psyllium husk binds waste and toxins in your intestines and helps clear them from the body. This easy recipe for vegan salted caramel brownies is not only free from all the unhealthy ingredients found in traditional desserts but it’s actually gently detoxifying to the body…double win!

The plant soluble fiber from the psyllium husk and the digestive resistant fiber in the inulin work together to slow down digestion of this healthy brownie. The slowed digestion helps provide more blood sugar stability throughout your day which can keep you feeling full and satisfied. This also keeps energy levels consistent without the normal sugar crashes one would experience with a traditional, carb-loaded salted caramel brownie.

I’ve tested this sugar free salted caramel brownie recipe with Whole-Grain and Grain-Free Flour Swap numerous times. Both Flour Swaps allow you to make your brownie recipe gluten free and healthy! The Whole-Grain Swap brownies are hearty and dense in texture, they have a few more slowly digesting (healthy) carbs, but I love the earthy flavor they have. The Grain-Free Flour makes the BEST brownies and will provide the lowest carb (keto/paleo) version. The Grain-Free brownies have an ultra dense and chewy texture and is my preference in this dessert. You can always use both flours in equal parts. Mixing the flours is a great way to create a lower carb version of a gluten-free salted caramel brownie and still allows for a small dose of healthy grains.

For most of my patients, I’m a big advocate for balanced macronutrient meals breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here is an easy way to know what type of Flour Swap to choose to create a balanced macro meal that incorporates dessert. We’ll use dinner as an example. If your dinner consists of just protein and veggies, I recommend eating a Whole-Grain Swap brownie for dessert to serve as your healthy carb for that meal. Conversely, if you already had a healthy carb with dinner (quinoa, sweet potato, beans, etc.), I would recommend the Grain-Free Swap brownie for dessert so you don’t overeat carbs at that meal. Easy, right?! Balanced macro meals are the best thing you can do to keep your metabolism firing optimally, create blood sugar stability and keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout your day (or night). If you’re a diabetic or need to stay in ketosis, always bake using the Grain-Free Flour Swap.

4. Press the batter evenly into the parchment lined baking tray. 

5. Make the caramel topping by putting all ingredients into a small saucepan. Bring to a medium boil while stirring frequently. Continue boiling and stirring the caramel on medium for about 5 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color. 

6. Pour the caramel on top of the brownie batter. Use the handle of a spoon to swirl the caramel through the brownie batter. Press in some chopped nuts if desired. 

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes (Whole-Grain baked for 25 minutes and Grain-Free baked for 28 minutes in my oven). 

8. Lift your cooled vegan brownies out of the baking tray, sprinkle with 1-2 pinches of flaked Maldon Salt, slice and enjoy! 

9. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or wrap tightly and freeze for long term storage. 

For best taste, texture and health benefits, refrigerate all Detox Desserts* overnight before indulging. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.