Ultimate Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups: A Flourless, Rich, and Easy Recipe

The joy of baking something truly special often comes from a simple twist on a beloved classic. Today, we’re diving into a delightful rendition of our popular Almond Butter Brownies, transforming them into individual, perfectly portioned cups with the help of Jif’s fantastic almond butter. These aren’t just any brownies; they are rich, intensely chocolaty, and unbelievably fudgy Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups that will capture hearts and taste buds alike.

I recently whipped up a batch of these delectable treats for our local Girl Scout troop, and the response was unanimous: a resounding success! What made it even more fun was that not a single person could pinpoint the “secret” ingredient that contributed to their extraordinary fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor. They simply raved about how incredibly moist and luxurious each bite was. It’s always a delight to introduce a healthier, yet equally indulgent, element to a classic dessert, and Jif almond butter performs brilliantly in this role. Known for its smooth texture and rich taste, Jif almond butter helps create a density and chewiness that’s hard to achieve with traditional recipes.

This recipe is a testament to how simple modifications can elevate a dessert from great to unforgettable. By reimagining our original recipe into convenient brownie cups, we’ve created a dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or simply a sophisticated sweet craving. The almond butter acts as a magical binder and flavor enhancer, delivering a unique depth that sets these brownies apart from traditional versions. Prepare to amaze your friends and family with these flourless wonders that are naturally gluten-free and packed with rich, nutty, chocolate goodness.

Just look at that perfect fudgy texture! These Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups are as delightful to behold as they are to eat. Each cup promises a rich, intense chocolate experience with the subtle, creamy notes of almond butter that make them truly irresistible. Ideal for sharing or savoring solo, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any potluck, party, or family dessert table. The individual portions also make them incredibly convenient for grab-and-go treats.

Crafting these sensational Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups was a wonderfully straightforward process, stemming from a simple but effective adaptation of our original brownie recipe. The primary modification involved halving the batch and carefully distributing the mixture into 12 standard muffin cups, which not only makes for convenient individual servings but also ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation. This change required a slight adjustment to the baking time, which we’ve perfected to achieve that signature fudgy center – not too gooey, not too dry, but just right.

One notable element in the recipe is the inclusion of instant coffee or espresso powder. This ingredient is a well-known secret among bakers for its ability to significantly enhance and deepen the chocolate flavor without necessarily making the brownies taste like coffee. The coffee simply amplifies the rich, robust notes of the cocoa and dark chocolate, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. However, if you’re not a fan of the subtle mocha undertones it creates, or if you prefer a pure chocolate experience, feel free to omit it. Despite its potent effect on chocolate, I found that even with the coffee powder included, the kids in the troop absolutely loved these brownies, a testament to how subtly it works its magic. It’s truly a matter of personal preference, but for those who love an intensified chocolate kick, I highly recommend keeping it in to experience the full depth of flavor these brownie cups offer.

Recipe: Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups

Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups

Cookie Madness

Flourless fudge brownies made with creamy Jif Almond Butter, resulting in perfectly rich, dense, and naturally gluten-free individual treats.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 33 minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
3 ounces dark chocolate , chopped (e.g., Hershey’s Dark or other high-quality dark chocolate)
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used 3 T. Natural and 3 T. Dark for a deeper flavor)
½ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional, but enhances chocolate flavor)
Tiny pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg plus 2 tablespoons lightly beaten egg (from a second egg)
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2.6 ounces (¼ cup plus a generous half tablespoon) Jif almond butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining each cup with paper liners. This ensures easy removal and a clean finish for your brownie cups.
In a medium saucepan, gently heat the unsalted butter over medium heat until it is fully melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the chopped dark chocolate. Allow the chocolate to sit in the hot butter for about 2 minutes to soften, then stir vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the cocoa powder, instant coffee or espresso powder (if using), the tiny pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate large mixing bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the large egg and the additional 2 tablespoons of lightly beaten egg. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the eggs, beating constantly at a medium-high speed. Continue to beat for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture becomes very frothy, light in color, and significantly increased in volume. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for the brownie’s texture. Next, beat in the Jif almond butter until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Gently fold the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and almond butter mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Divide the brownie batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake cups. They will be a little less than halfway full. Place the muffin tin on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, slight underbaking is key to fudgy brownies!
Remove the brownie cups from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin on a wire rack. For the absolute best fudgy texture, I highly recommend chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or longer) after they have cooled to room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become incredibly dense and rich.

Notes

For a larger batch of 24 brownie cups, simply double all the ingredients in the recipe (this will require 3 large eggs in total). Ensure you use two 12-cup muffin tins or bake in batches. Baking time may remain similar, but keep an eye on them. Store cooled brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week for an even denser texture. These brownies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Magic of Flourless Baking with Jif Almond Butter

One of the most remarkable aspects of these Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups is their flourless nature. By eliminating traditional flour, we achieve an unparalleled dense and fudgy texture that simply melts in your mouth. This isn’t just a trick for texture; it also makes these brownies naturally gluten-free, catering to those with dietary sensitivities without compromising on flavor or indulgence. The almond butter plays a dual role here, acting as both a rich fat and a binding agent, contributing to the structural integrity and moisture of the brownies.

Using a high-quality almond butter like Jif ensures a consistent, smooth base that integrates beautifully with the chocolate. Beyond the delightful texture, almond butter adds a subtle nutty complexity that complements the deep chocolate notes perfectly. It also brings with it beneficial monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E, making these treats a slightly more wholesome indulgence than their flour-based counterparts.

Selecting the Best Ingredients for Your Brownies

While the recipe itself is straightforward, the quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final outcome. For the dark chocolate, opt for a brand you enjoy eating on its own, as its flavor will shine through. A chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa solids works wonderfully to provide that deep, rich chocolate taste without being overly bitter. For the cocoa powder, I’ve experimented with a blend of natural and Dutch-processed cocoa, which helps create a complex chocolate profile – the natural cocoa offers fruity, sharp notes, while Dutch-processed cocoa contributes a milder, darker hue and smoother flavor. If you only have one type, that’s perfectly fine; just be aware of the slight differences it might bring.

And of course, the star ingredient: Jif Almond Butter. Its creamy consistency and balanced flavor are ideal for these brownies. Avoid using almond butter that has separated significantly, as this can affect the texture of your batter. Give it a good stir to ensure it’s homogenous before measuring. Fresh, unsalted butter is also key, as it provides the foundational richness and helps carry the chocolate flavors.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Cups Every Time

Achieving perfectly fudgy brownie cups is an art, but with a few simple tips, you’ll master it in no time:

Don’t Overmix: After adding the chocolate mixture to the egg and almond butter mixture, stir only until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten (even without flour, due to proteins in eggs and almond butter) and lead to a tougher brownie texture.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different. The recommended baking time of 18 minutes is a guideline. Start checking around 15-16 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. A slightly gooey center is exactly what you want for maximum fudginess!
Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to brownies. Allowing them to cool completely in the muffin tin helps them set properly and develop that dense texture. Rushing this step can result in crumbly brownies.
The Chill Factor: For the ultimate fudgy experience, don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigerating the cooled brownie cups allows the fats and solids to firm up, creating that irresistible dense, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these so special.

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

While these Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups are absolutely divine on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving suggestions:

Add-Ins: Fold in a handful of your favorite nuts (walnuts or pecans complement almond butter beautifully), extra chocolate chips (milk, white, or dark), or even a swirl of raspberry jam into the batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Toppings: Once cooled, these brownie cups can be dressed up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (to enhance the chocolate), a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a fresh berry like a raspberry or strawberry for a touch of tartness.
Drizzles: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate, a swirl of warmed Jif almond butter, or a caramel sauce can elevate their presentation and flavor.
A la Mode: Serve a warm brownie cup with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, comforting dessert.

Indulge in Homemade Bliss

These Jif Almond Butter Fudge Brownie Cups are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of rich chocolate, creamy almond butter, and the joy of baking something truly delicious from scratch. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family treat, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, they are sure to impress. Their flourless nature and incredible fudgy texture make them stand out, proving that sometimes, the simplest adaptations lead to the most extraordinary results. So go ahead, grab your Jif Almond Butter, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible brownie cups. We guarantee they’ll become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your experience if you try this recipe. We love hearing from you and seeing your delicious creations!