Brownies with Ganache - Cooking Like Kate

1 cup gluten-free flour (almond flour or a gluten-free blend)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup coconut oil melted
1 cup coconut sugar (or any other vegan sweetener of your choice)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 cup ganache (store bought or homemade) (I used Bon Devil's chocolate ganache for this recipe but have a link to my homemade vegan version above)
valentines toppings (sprinkles or anything pink and yummy. I used a vegan ruby chocolate but sadly don't have a link for it)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
1 cup gluten-free flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
In another bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
1/2 cup coconut oil, 1 cup coconut sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks.
1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before spreading ganache on top. Top with your other toppings if using. Let the ganache set before cutting and serving the brownies.
1/2 cup ganache (store bought or homemade), valentines toppings

@cookinglikekate
Brownie with Ganache - Full recipe at cookinglikekate.com
♬ this is what falling in love feels like - JVKE

Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure proper mixing and baking.
Don't overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut to the brownie batter.
To make sure the brownies are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them to prevent them from crumbling.
For cleaner slices, you can chill the brownies in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting.