5-Minute Gluten Free Vegan Mug Brownie

by ALEXA

This cup of gluten free vegan mug brownie chocolate gratification will rock your world. Not only is it gluten free, it's vegan to boot!

This cup of instant chocolate gratification was inspired by one of the many Chocolate Microwave Mug Cake recipes found online. I was aiming for “cake”, but the result of my gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free experimentation resembled a brownie—dense, chocolately, fudgey. Oh yes! Call it what you may. I call it good!

A Special Happy Birthday Wish

Today is a very special day. My lovely grandmother Flo is celebrating her 93rd birthday! I just phoned to try to catch up with her but got grandpop instead. He told me that his “ever-loving bride” had left him a note earlier in the morning that read:

“Heart Clinic at 8:00

Hair done at 10:00

Lunch out at noon

Book Club at 1:00″

She just goes zip, zap, zoop,” Pop said. “No signs of slowing down yet!

I often think of my grandmother—or Tutu as I have fondly called her all my life—and the many things she has taught me. One of the most profound being how to cook.

Back in 1985, grandpop underwent major bypass surgery. Following the surgery, Tutu overhauled their diet. Out went red meat and cheese, in came the whole grains and vegetables. Tutu traded her southern comfort cookbooks for the likes of Dr. McDougall. She took extreme measures to ensure pop would be around for years to come. Her dedication paid off.

Today my grandparents are in their ninety’s, live in their own home, and continue to be active in their church and community. Their story of health continues to inspire me.

Happy birthday Tutu! Here’s to another year of going “zip, zap, zoop.” I love you! This brownie’s for you!

Five-Minute Gluten Free Vegan Mug Brownie

Gluten-Free | Casein-Free | Citrus-Free | Corn-Free | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Fish-Free | Nightshade-Free | Peanut-Free | Potato-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Easily Tree Nut-Free (excluding coconut) | Wheat-Free | Sesame-Free | Yeast-free | GFCF | Vegetarian | Vegan

Makes: Makes 1 mug brownie

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 135 seconds

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons non-dairy MILK, I use So Delicious® Unsweetened Coconut

1 tablespoon COCONUT OIL or Spectrum PALM SHORTENING + some for greasing

1 teaspoon gluten-free VANILLA EXTRACT

15 drops liquid STEVIA concentrate

2 tablespoons COCONUT SUGAR

2 tablespoons (sweet rice) MOCHIKO FLOUR

1-1/2 tablespoons COCOA POWDER

1 tablespoon COCONUT FLOUR

1/8 teaspoon BAKING POWDER

Pinch SALT

Optional 1-2 teaspoons chopped WALNUTS

Optional 1-2 teaspoons Enjoy Lifeâ„¢ CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Directions:

  1. Grease a smallish mug.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm/liquify milk and oil (just until oil is melted).
  3. Add to milk mixture; vanilla, stevia, sugar, rice flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour batter into greased mug and top with nuts and chocolate chips.
  6. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 15 seconds or until top is firm to touch and bounces back.
  7. Allow to cool a 2-3 minutes. As with traditional brownies, the longer it cools the firmer it gets.
  8. Enjoy!

Notes:

  • Mochiko Flour, or sweet rice flour, is available in the Asian section of most large grocery chains and at Asian markets. Koda Farms produces the Blue Star Brand. Its facilities are dedicated exclusively to the production of rice products which eliminates any chances of cross contamination with glutenful grains.

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60 comments

Kalinda February 20, 2012 - 3:54 pm

I tried making a mug brownie once, when I didn't feel like dirtying a bunch of dishes. It came out OK. I didn't put much thought into the flours. Fudgey is better than cakey in my book, so I'll have to give your version a try.

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Gail February 20, 2012 - 6:02 pm

That looks incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! I'm going to have to try this!

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nikki February 20, 2012 - 7:05 pm

where do you find your coconut flour? i am having a hard time locating some. looks yummie! our son turns 3 tomorrow so we will have to try this fast treat.

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sherri February 20, 2012 - 7:38 pm

You can find coconut flour in whole food stores or on line at vitacost.com or tropicaltraditions.com. Tropical traditions also has lots of fantastic recipes to try;)
I have a question….how long would you let this in a conventional oven and at what temp.??
I threw out my microwave years ago and don't want one in my house.
Thanks,
Sher

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Renee February 20, 2012 - 9:33 pm

I finally found a recipe where I have all the ingredients on hand. I just made this and it was really good even without the chocolate chips or nuts. Thanks for the recipe!

I'm almost out of coconut sugar though and I want to make more of these for the rest of my family. Any ideas on a good substitiute for the coconut sugar?

Thanks!

Renee

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diannne February 20, 2012 - 9:37 pm

any suggestions on flour choices if you don't have the sweet rice flour….i have spelt, oat, barley, coconut, almond….

thanks

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Beth @ Tasty Yummies February 20, 2012 - 11:48 pm

So, in my Pinterest travels I have seen loads of mug cakes – this one is HANDS DOWN the tastiest looking one I have seen yet. I am now just hoping that I have all of these ingredients on hand, because I am drooling just thinking about this. It looks amazing.Thanks for sharing.

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Ellen (Gluten Free Diva) February 21, 2012 - 1:13 am

Yes, yes, yes. You must've read my gluten free diva mind. I am making this right now and yummmmmm!!!!!!

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Lexie February 21, 2012 - 3:44 am

Ladies … it's nice to know I am in good company with all you fellow chocolate lovers! I will try to answer your questions here:

– For a sub for coconut sugar, brown sugar or any granulated sugar should do.
– For the flours … this combo of sweet rice and coconut flour are what worked for me, but feel free to experiment with others. One test run I used Bob's Red Mill AP gluten-free flour and that worked quite nicely, too.
– This recipe was made for the micro … I do not know if it would bake up the same in a conventional oven. I knew I would get some of the anti-microwavers asking how to approach this recipe without one. Sorry I don't have an answer for you.
– And Sherri, Thanks for answering Vikki's question. Yes Whole Foods, amazon, tropical traditions. Our local Natural Grocers carries it in the refrigerated bulk section.

Renee … glad you loved it (sans nuts and chocolate chips : )!

xoLexie

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Shirley @ gfe February 21, 2012 - 11:35 am

Now that is one awesome mug "cake," Lexie! I am all for your fudgy brownie version. It looks totally amazing! I can't wait to share it with others. 😉

I'm so thrilled that your grandmother is celebrating her 93rd birthday! What a great tale on her and your grandfather's health and what she's up to today–wow! 🙂

xoxo,
Shirley

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ashley February 21, 2012 - 1:14 pm

I can't eat this at all because I'm allergic to palm and coconut but it sure looks good. Happy birthday to your grandmother, what a lovely story!

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Lexie February 21, 2012 - 1:48 pm

Ashley, ghee should work, too … xoLexie

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Alta February 21, 2012 - 3:05 pm

OMG, this looks delish. I REALLY don't need to know that brownies can be made in 5 minutes though. That's bad news bears for my waistline!

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Tara February 21, 2012 - 3:21 pm

This made me cry :'( Happy Birthday to your Gramma! My Great Grandma just passed away one week before her 96th Birthday last month. She lived on her own and was sharp, spunky and amazing. She lived a fabulous life and inspired so many. She chose to go out with her independence (they talked about amputating her leg and she was just not having it at almost 96) She LOVED her sweets. She drank coffee every day and would tell me she needed something sweet with it. I'm going to make this in her honor today 😉 Thanks for sharing the love xoxo

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Charis @ MannaTreats February 21, 2012 - 4:53 pm

a must pin one! and a must try one! wow — I tried making one GF but I think this will be even better!

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Jen February 21, 2012 - 6:42 pm

Ashely – my daughter is ana to palm/coconut,, but I am gonna try this recipe tonight using hemp milk, brown sugar instead of the palm, olive oil instead of the coconut, and sorghum flour instead of the coconut (which I've had good luck subbing with in past recipes). The only thing I'm not sure how to sub for is the stevia. Maybe I'll try maple syrup. This looks like a fantastic treat fo rmy kids!!! 🙂

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MeowSaysMe February 23, 2012 - 2:53 am

Dianne:

You can find the sweet rice flour in Asian specialty stores and in the Asian sections of most stores. I found a box of the same brand in both the Asian section of the local small chain store and in a Korean owned grocery store. It didn't matter if the owner didn't really speak much English, since I knew what I was buying. Probably not the big chain stores, but I don't shop in those. It isn't expensive and it is a necessary gluten free ingredient to have on hand, as it is a finer mill than regular rice flour. Mochiko is an all white box with blue and red lettering.

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Tessa Domestic Diva February 28, 2012 - 1:30 am

I THINK I want to thank you for this recipe…but then I'd be thanking you for sabotaging my diet too! We made this last night, and it was amazing! 40 seconds was all it took in our microwave..and my husband longingly scraped the mug for every last tidbit. Way too easy and delicious. At least the ingredients are wholesome if not slimming! thanks Lex, I will be sharing this with my readers!

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Lexie February 28, 2012 - 4:59 am

Tessa … thank you for reporting back! I really appreciate hearing from you ; ) xoLexie

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Brookie-Lee March 1, 2012 - 5:06 am

My husband and I are switching our family to a healthier diet. Definitely gluten free and reduced sugar. We were starving tonight and wanted something baked. This was perfect for my sweet tooth. I used raw milk, raspberry chocolate stevia, and subbed buckwheat flour for the rice flour. I'm sure it changed the texture quiet a bit but it's what I had and with some chocolate chips it masked that. So yummy! Thanks for the recipe!

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Lexie March 1, 2012 - 1:43 pm

Brookie, I love a good experiment. I think the secret to this one is indeed the sweet rice flour and coconut flour … sweet rice is sticky and binds but the coconut flour balances it out with some fiber and substance. But hey, if it comes out with buckwheat flour, super! When ya need that chocolate fix, you need it, right LOL! xoLexie Thanks for taking the time to share 🙂

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Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

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Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Courtney @ Whole & Free March 1, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Hi Lexie,
Your site is a lifesaver! As soon as I read the story of your son Miles, I felt I could identify and I almost teared up! My son is almost three and has been down a similar path of developmental delays, intestinal issues, you name it. We still don't have a "diagnosis" either but have definitely been finding that changing his diet has helped tremendously. Your site is a fabulous resource for me as I am new at this…just in the last six months. I hope to be just like you when I grow up! 😉

Courtney

Reply
Lexie March 2, 2012 - 12:47 am

Ooohhh Courtney, YOU bring tears to my eyes. THIS, THIS (in bold) is the reason I started this blog—to help the few like us who are facing similar issues with our children. You ask me anything that you want … and I hope you will read this post … if you haven't already. I cried buckets out of fear, the unknown and if I can spare someone SOME of those tears, my mission in life is accomplished! So please lean on me if you need to and I would be very very happy to share anything I can.

BIG XO
Lexie

Reply
Lexie March 2, 2012 - 12:50 am

Courtney … here is that post I forgot to link to in previous comment:

http://www.lexieskitchen.com/lexies_kitchen/2011/7/5/diving-to-the-depths-in-search-of-healing.html

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glutenfreeforgood March 9, 2012 - 2:43 pm

I love your grandmother! What a great story and her list is priceless. Very inspiring. Your recipe looks wonderful as well. Love the idea of a brownie in a mug. Topped with vanilla ice cream? =)

Melissa

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Rachel March 21, 2012 - 6:40 pm

OK…I almost wish I hadn't found your website…more specifically found this post! A brownie that can me made in less than 5 minutes should never have been invented. Oh. my heavnes. This is delicious! I used Bob's Red Mill brown rice flour in place of the sweet rice flour, and I used turbinado sugar in place of the coconut sugar, as I didn't have either of those on hand. It's fabulous! Thanks, Lexie! 🙂

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Lexie March 21, 2012 - 6:45 pm

Rachel, oh goodie. I love it when people take the bull by the horns and experiment themselves. Thanks for the report on how the brown rice flour worked. Great to know! Thanks for leaving a comment : ) xoLexie

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Dairy-Freed April 4, 2012 - 4:26 pm

This looks really tasty. All I need now is a microwave!

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bob May 14, 2012 - 11:18 am

Great post. Just a question about your microwave though – do you know the wattage of it? Thanks = )

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Lexie May 14, 2012 - 1:49 pm

Bob, it's a 1350 watt-er. I thought about putting that in the original post but for the life of me could not find it. Well now you've carved out a to-do for me today. I pulled it away from the wall and found the # … and LOTS of crumbs and gunk. I think it's wipe down the counter day. Thanks and GREAT question. This brownie should not be over cooked or under. I under cooked this weekend and it was too gooey. A good spring back with the push of a finger is a good indicator of a perfectly cooked brownie : )

xoLexie

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Laura May 30, 2012 - 4:39 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this recipe!!! I did my own adaptation based on what I had in my cupboard but it turned out absolutely amazing! I am gluten, egg, and soy intolerant and it's tough to whip together something like this that I can eat and actually tastes good, but this was sooo amazing! I swapped the sweet rice and coconut flours for my Gluten Free Mama almond flour blend, and I used brown sugar in place of the coconut sugar, left out the stevia entirely, and put white chocolate chips on top. It was really, really delicious and the texture was surprisingly great. Next time will do with chocolate chips and walnuts as suggested! Thanks again!

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Bethany July 14, 2012 - 3:18 am

I've tried my fair share of mug cake/brownie recipes and they were all duds. This was fantastic! Used Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free AP Flour instead of the sweet rice (just what I had on hand, and who can wait to make a recipe like this?), but excited to try the original version. I made mine German Chocolate by sprinkling the top with chocolate chips, pecans and unsweetened shredded coconut. I've been loving your sight after discovery I have numerous food allergies, thank you for your hard work and generosity in sharing your recipes. And thanks for making my night, I'm loving this mug full of brownie!

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Lexie July 15, 2012 - 1:51 am

Bethany, thanks for sharing your modifications. Must try your German Chocolate version : ) I love everyones' spin-offs of it. And thank YOU for taking the time to visit and comment. xoLexie

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Sara October 30, 2012 - 6:54 am

Soooo yummy! Made it tonight – substituted butter for the coconut oil, and honey for the coconut sugar. Also added extra cocoa powder since I like my brownies super chocolatey. Turned out delicious – this might be bad for my diet lol!

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Lexie November 8, 2012 - 4:56 pm

Sara, SUPER!! Yes, dangerous : ) Thank you for the sub tips. Will have to try your version. xoLexie

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Naomi April 6, 2013 - 8:10 pm

Thank you so much for this. I have been recently told that I am intolerant to wheat, eggs, yeast, rice and a few other things. This recipe is a god send. I used oat flour instead of the sweet rice flour. Thanks.

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Emily September 15, 2013 - 2:41 am

I wonder how it would taste using carob powder instead of cocoa? I think I've become really sensitive to chocolate triggering my acid reflux.

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Lexie September 15, 2013 - 3:26 am

Emily, I think carob would be great in this! xoLexie

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Audrey @ GlutenFreeVeganLove February 12, 2014 - 10:30 pm

Yum. I think those cute little semi-melted chocolate chips in the picture are calling my name 🙂

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Lexie February 18, 2014 - 1:28 am

Audrey, I sit here quietly and hear them calling my name, too 🙂 ha! xoLexie

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Anne May 14, 2014 - 4:03 pm

This is so delicious! Thank you!

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Rachel Vdolek January 6, 2015 - 4:08 pm

I love making mug cakes! And yeah, mine always turn out more like a brownie, but I’m not complaining!

That’s so wonderful about your grandparents. I wish mine would have done that years ago, but unfortunately they are on the three dozen pills a day regimen. They are trying to live independently again after living in assisted living for 2 years, but no one knows how to cook for them other than using boxed or canned foods. I sure hope to live as long and healthy as your grandparents!

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Lexie January 21, 2015 - 5:52 pm

🙂 xoLexie

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J. Marchant January 25, 2015 - 12:30 am

I copied this recipe and then my husband decided to clean off the fridge and now all of my favorite recipes vanished! Saving it to the cloud this time! Thanks So Much it is Wonderful!

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Lexie February 2, 2015 - 4:15 am

I am so glad you love it! xoLexie

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Bianca Benini March 21, 2015 - 6:14 pm

Thanks! This recipe is really good 🙂 I made it with oat flour and add some milk (oat milk in my case). It tastes delicious 🙂

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Lexie April 10, 2015 - 1:08 am

Bianca, I love happy readers. Thank you for sharing! xoLexie

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Chris McGinley May 6, 2015 - 11:17 pm

My GF heart thanks you, I have been so craving a brownie…..

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Lexie May 18, 2015 - 1:18 am

Chris, so glad I could deliver a sweet treat for you 🙂 xoLexie

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Trista Ainsworth December 8, 2015 - 12:59 am

How wonderful! Love reading about your dear, sweet grandma! I am so glad that they both are taking good care of their health.That is so amazing. I have a great aunt who is 93 now and she is the same, still active and healthy and lives in her own home. 🙂 Thank you for this sweet story and the lovely brownie recipe. It sounds so good!

Trista @thecheerychef.com

Reply

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