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Keto Brookie Bars 🥮

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
10 Comments
4.72 from 7 votes

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Meet our mouth-watering Keto Brookie Bars! They're the sweet treat you've been waiting for without straying from your keto diet. Imagine the best parts of a fudgy brownie and a chewy chocolate chip cookie, all in one bite. Whether you're sharing with friends or just treating yourself, this recipe is a sure hit. Get ready for a treat that's just as fun to eat as it is to make.

Keto Brookie Bars cut and held
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Preparation and cooking overview

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a quick bake of 25-30 minutes, you can prepare these melt-in-your-mouth keto brownie cookie bars in a snap! Simply prepare the brownie mix, whip up the cookie dough, layer them in your favorite greased skillet or pan, and let the oven do the rest. Enjoy the divine fusion of a rich, fudgy brownie and a soft, chewy cookie that's sure to make your taste buds dance!

Chef's note

Don't hesitate to get creative! If you have a different favorite keto-friendly sweetener, go ahead and use that. You can also experiment with other ingredients to adjust the texture or flavor. Try adding chopped nuts or coconut flakes for a delightful crunch. The best part? These bars are ideal as a make-ahead treat that you can relish throughout the week. 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 12 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Dessert recipe.

🥮 Ingredients for this keto brookie bars recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this easy brookie recipe:

Brownie batter

  • 1 stick melted butter
  • 1 cup powdered swerve
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup of almond flour
  • ¼ cup Lily's chocolate chips

Cookie batter

  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup brown swerve
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ tablespoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Ingredient substitutions

If your pantry doesn't have all the ingredients listed, no worries! You can use these handy substitutes:

  • Butter: Try using ghee or coconut as a 1:1 substitute for added moisture in the bars.
  • Swerve sweetener: Swap it out with monk fruit sweetener to maintain the sweet taste.
  • Lily's Chocolate Chips: Feel free to substitute with ChocZero, Bake Believe, or homemade keto chocolate chips.
  • Brown Swerve: Keto-friendly alternatives like Sukrin Gold or Lakanto Golden work just as well.

Additional ingredients

Unleash your creativity with these additional ingredient ideas:

  • Peppermint extract: For a cool, minty touch, add a few drops to the brownie or cookie dough.
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut: A sprinkle on top before baking can add an interesting texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
  • Finishing salts: Once the bars are baked, add a little sprinkle of finishing salts to counterbalance the sweetness with a savory edge.
Freshly cut keto brookie bars before being removed from the skillet

Cooking tools required

To make these keto brookies, you'll need the following tools:

  • Mixing bowls (medium-sized)
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Greased 8" cast iron skillet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Knife

Tools substitute options

  • Mixing bowls: Grab a big bowl – glass or stainless steel works great. Just make sure there's enough space to mix all your ingredients.
  • Cast iron skillet: No skillet, no worries! Use any baking dish or pan you have, just remember to grease it well to avoid stickiness. And, the texture and cooking time might be a bit different, so keep an eye on it.
  • Aluminum foil: An oven-safe lid or even some parchment paper will do the job to trap that yummy steam inside.

How to make Keto Brookie Bars: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything you need on hand before you start. 
  2. Get your bowls, skillet, and measuring tools ready. If you're using a baking dish instead of a skillet, remember to grease it well to avoid sticking.
  3. Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing your ingredients. This will ensure it's ready when you are.
  4. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother texture. 
  5. Melt your butter ahead of time so it can cool a little before you add it to your batter.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the brownie ingredients and transfer them into a greased 8" cast iron skillet.
  3. Mix the cookie ingredients separately and place the dough on the brownie layer. Spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil halfway through to avoid excessive browning.
  5. Allow brookies to cool down completely before cutting them into 12 delicious pieces.

Chef's pro tip

A common hiccup when baking these brookie bars is leaving them in the oven too long. This can dry them out. To make sure they stay moist and fudgy, check them a bit earlier than the suggested baking time. Just stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few damp crumbs, they're perfect! So, keep an eye on the clock, and you'll have the yummiest, gooey brookie bars every time!

How to serve keto brookie bars?

  • Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream on top of each brookie bar. It brings in a fluffy and creamy texture that pairs well with the rich bars.
  • Serve with ice cream: Want more? Put a warm brookie bar next to a scoop of your preferred keto-friendly ice cream. The mix of warm and cool, soft and creamy, gives a great blend that'll hit your sweet spot just right.
  • Add chocolate sauce: Craving something extra? Drizzle some sugar-free chocolate sauce over your brookie bars. This adds more richness and makes your dessert even more flavorful.

Note: Be mindful that incorporating additional ingredients may increase the overall calorie count.

How to make it healthier

You can make these low-carb brookies cookies even healthier by following these tips:

  • Choose high-quality ingredients: Choose organic or grass-fed butter and eggs, and high-quality almond flour for additive-free ingredients.
  • Reduce sweeteners: Cut back on the amount of sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
  • Increase fiber content: Add a spoonful of ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the brownie batter for extra fiber.
  • Experiment with nut butter: Swap out some of the butter in the brownie with keto-friendly nut butter like macadamia or almond.
  • Use dark chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or more) instead of classic chocolate chips.

Time-saving tips

  • Use silicone baking liners: To make clean-up easier, use non-stick silicone baking liners instead of greasing the skillet.
  • Double the recipe: Double the recipe to get a bigger batch of brookie bars, so you can enjoy them all week without extra prep time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Measure and mix the dry ingredients: Measure and mix the dry stuff for both brownie and cookie layers. Keep them in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags until it's baking time.
  • Prepare the layers: When you have some extra time, make your brownie and cookie layers. Mix them according to the recipe and store them separately in the fridge in airtight containers until you're ready to bake.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Place the cooled brookie bars in an airtight container. Store them for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe container. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions

Leftover brookies taste just like new when reheated right. If you've frozen them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. Here's how to reheat:

  • Microwave: Put your brookie on a microwave-safe plate. Warm it up in 10-15 second bursts. Don't overdo it or the chocolate chips might melt.
  • Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Put the brookies you want to heat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Warm them up for about 3-5 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

You're gonna love these Keto Brookie Bars. They're a hit with everyone, giving you the best of both worlds - chewy cookies and fudgy brownies in one! Bring them to your next gathering and watch them disappear. Just make sure to save one for yourself!

No need to skip dessert on your keto diet. With this recipe, you can enjoy a sweet treat without guilt. So, get your apron on, start baking, and share the joy of keto brookies with your loved ones. Happy baking, folks!

Frequently asked questions

No, a liquid sweetener wouldn't work in this recipe. You could instead use powdered monk fruit sweetener.

Coconut flour is not a 1:1 almond flour replacement. We recommend you stick to almonds or sesame flour instead.

Absolutely! Use chopped nuts like pecan or walnut, or other mix-ins like shredded coconut or chopped dark chocolate. Add them to the batter before spreading them in the pan. The nuts will add crunch and flavor.

It's best to allow the brookie bars to cool completely. Cooling will help them set and hold their shape. If you prefer a warm and gooey texture, you can enjoy a portion while they are still warm, but remember that they are a bit more delicate.

Yes, the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly by 5-10 more minutes. Do a toothpick test and extend the baking time until the bars are fully cooked.

📖 Recipe

hand holding a keto brookie bar

Keto Brookie Bars

These Keto Brookie Bars are totally easy to make, have the perfect combo of fudge brownie + chocolate chip cookie, and are the perfect texture!
4.72 from 7 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort, entertaining, sweets
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 215kcal

Ingredients

Brownie Layer:

  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1 cup powdered Swerve
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup Lily’s chocolate chips

Cookie Layer:

  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • ¼ cup brown Swerve
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ cup sugar free chocolate chips
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  • Mix the brownie ingredients together in a medium bowl, pour the batter into a greased 8” cast iron skillet or brownie pan.
  • Mix together the cookie ingredients in a medium bowl, place the dough on top of the brownie mixture. Spread evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil halfway through. Cool completely before cutting into 12 pieces.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Brookie Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 215 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 69mg23%
Sodium 230mg10%
Potassium 114mg3%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 382IU8%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nikki says

    Hi, could you swap out the almond flour? If so, what would you recommend?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Nikki, as we've only tested this recipe with almond flour we can't advise on a sub for this ingredient. There's not a 1:1 almond flour replacement but if you give it a go let us know how they turn out!

      Reply

    • Shannon Bond says

      sesame flour works well.

      Reply

  2. Pam Christenberry says

    What are the white granules on top? Finishing salt?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Yes!

      Reply

  3. Molly says

    Can you substitute Swerve for liquid? Like Agave?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      No, a liquid sweetener wouldn't work here as written.

      Reply

  4. Diane McCulloch says

    Delicious and simple to make☺️I doubled the cookie recipe because I used a larger cast iron skillet

    Reply

  5. Jeska | brookie recipe from scratch says

    Wonderful recipe! I'll be making these tomorrow for Memorial Day. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  6. Kristen says

    These some of the best brownies I've ever had, and definitely the best keto ones after trying several other recipes. I don't taste the cookie layer very much but next time I might try doubling the recipe for the cookie layer to make it thicker. The brownie part is so fudgy, I love eating these cold out of the fridge with some milk. Amazing just like all your other recipes I've tried! Thanks for making keto cooking fun and accessible.

    Reply
4.72 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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