It’s finally time for another dessert! I’ve been getting requests for more yummy sweats to eat this fall and winter, but to be honest with you I’m not always a fan of making decadent desserts. Why? Because I end up eating most of it! I realized that if I really like to eat dessert (which I definitely do), then I might as well make a healthy dessert that I won’t mind eating a ton of! Enter these gluten-free brownies with a surprising twist 🙂

The Secret to Today’s Gluten-Free Brownies

I’ve seen about a million recipes for gluten-free brownies and for the most part, they all look the same. But I really wanted to take these gluten-free brownies to another level. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also grain-free for all you paleo folks out there. These gluten-free brownies can also be made vegan if you substitute the honey for agave or maple syrup.

The secret? Carrots! Believe it or not, carrots help yield a rich body and dense gluten-free brownie that tastes sweet and is naturally good for you. I know many of you might be familiar with sweet potato brownies, but I wanted to do something different with carrots other than a carrot cake. Like sweet potatoes, carrots are also a rich source of beta carotene which the body then converts into vitamin A. Root vegetables like carrots are also known for being loaded with fiber! We all know that fiber keeps you full and can help with weight loss, but did you know that fiber can also help with gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your body?

Why Fiber Is Your Gluten-Free Brownie’s BFF

Basically, probiotics LOVE fiber. It’s their primary food source. Getting enough fiber in your diet is just as important as getting enough probiotics. I’ve seen people supplement with probiotics countless times and wonder why they’re not feeling any better. Unless you pair your probiotics with a fiber-rich food, specifically a starch or root vegetable/tuber, you really won’t see any results or improvement in your gut health. The next time you try supplementing with probiotics, try eating a fiber-rich dinner before hand that’s loaded with probiotics earlier in the night. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and a side salad is a great example. (Simple I know, but it gets the job done).

Later in the evening before you go to bed, take your probiotics. Why at night? By taking your probiotics at night, you’re giving time for these gut-friendly bacteria to feed on your dinner, multiply, and grow. That’s part of why I place such emphasis on eating a healthy dinner—a concept that so many people miss since they’re simply ravenous at the end of the day and simply stuff their face with whatever is on hand.

The jury is still out about my probiotics theory. But having tried it myself for the last few months, I’m definitely happy with the results. Essentially, if you need an excuse to indulge in a some gluten-free brownies before bed, this is it!

Check out this great video that goes more in depth about our guts and the link between probiotics and fiber!

In a nutshell, these gluten-free brownies are pretty bomb. Don’t forget that you can jazz up this recipe in a bunch of different ways:

Top the batter with walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds or throw them in the batter

Use different extracts like coffee or almond

Top with your favorite dairy-free or organic dairy ice cream for an a la mode treat

Add dairy-free or organic chocolate chips on top (this also works for raw cacao nibs)

Almost everyone loves a good gluten-free brownie. Now, you have a recipe that’s fast, easy, and actually healthy!

