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Keto Shortbread Brownies

These keto shortbread brownies combine two classic favorites: brownies and shortbread cookies. It features a buttery shortbread crust that holds the fudgiest keto brownies.

And since I cannot leave good enough alone, I also added a chocolate ganache layer to further intensify the richness of this keto dessert.

When faced with the decision between enjoying some keto cookies or some keto brownies, we are normally forced to choose between one or the other.

However, that is not the case with this low-carb shortbread brownie recipe, since you can have them both! It’s a two-in-one keto dessert that will rock your tastebuds!

This recipe was inspired by Michelle’s keto brownies and our classic keto shortbread cookies two recipes that are well-loved on our site.

Keto Shortbread Brownies

Keto Shortbread Brownies pin
Keto Shortbread Brownies

If you’ve never had a brownie that has a buttery shortbread crust, you may be wondering if that’s even necessary.

But trust me, once you do, you’ll understand that the flavors work beautifully together and the contrast between textures REALLY works.

I promise you that this combo is guaranteed to please your palate and silence your sweet tooth. These keto shortbread brownies are not only delicious, but all those layers make for a beautiful keto dessert.

A plus when you want to share a treat with friends and family and want to impress them with your keto recipe.

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The making of these gluten-free shortbread brownies is pretty straightforward, even though there are a few steps because of the different layers.

The following are some tips; note that the full printable recipe is at the bottom of the post.

In order to keep these almond flour shortbread brownies low in carbs, I swapped out the traditional white flour for almond flour, used baking chocolate for a maximum chocolate flavor, and of course, used a sugar substitute that has zero glycemic impact. 

How To Make Keto-Friendly Shortbread Brownies

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keto shortbread brownies with a bite eaten
Keto shortbread brownies with a bite missing

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

You’ll first make the shortbread crust using cold, sliced butter. It’s something that is pretty common in shortbread cookies, and it’s what ensures the perfect crisp texture. It’s also important to chill the dough for at least 25 minutes before baking.

I recommend that, while you chill the shortbread crust, preheat the oven and make the brownie batter layer.

Bake the chilled crust for about 25 minutes until it is lightly golden.

Once the shortbread crust is allowed to cool, you proceed to add the brownie layer and then return the brownie shortbread for a quick 15-minute bake to allow the brownie layer to cook.

The batter for these brownies is made over a double-boiler, and I think it’s what ensures the richest flavor and best texture.

If you do not have a double boiler, you can make your own by placing a large glass mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water. 

Just make sure you do not allow the bowl to touch the hot water. The use of a double boiler means that you are cooking with steam.

You will start off by adding your baking chocolate and butter to the bowl and allowing them both to melt gently. Then, you can whisk in the sugar substitute.

Once that comes together, you’ll need to take it off the heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top rises slightly. The key is to not overbake so that the brownie layer stays moist and rich.

I’ve added a third ganache layer to this keto-friendly brownie shortbread recipe, but that is an optional layer and has not been added to the nutritional facts.

Below are the ingredients you’ll need.

sliced in a white square dish
Keto shortbread brownies being sliced in a white square dish.

Ingredients Needed

Best Sugar-Substitutes For Sugar-Free Shortbread Brownies

My top choice is a monk fruit/erythritol blend. My personal favorite is Lakanto’s brandBut you can also use Swerve an erythritol sugar substitute.

You could also use the stevia and erythritol-based brand Pyure for most of my baked goods. However, if using Pyure, you will want to use half the amount called for in this recipe since it’s a much sweeter choice. 

I will also add that I am not a fan of using stevia in chocolate-based recipes; in my opinion, it intensifies the aftertaste of stevia.

But if stevia is your preferred choice, then feel free to use the Pyure brand.

Tag Us

My failed attempts when I first went keto are what caused me to be very intentional with my Keto Baking recipes, like these brownies.

I threw away so many ingredients in the beginning, and I never want anyone to be so frustrated that they give up on the diet before they can see long-lasting results. 

Even though those early days were not fun, the fact that I stayed the course has made this journey very rewarding.

Besides, if I had quit at the first sign of struggle, I would not have had the opportunity to engage with you all.

I sure hope you give this recipe a try and that once you do, you will take a moment to tag us on Instagram and Facebook. It’s what keeps us encouraged to keep sharing and perfecting our recipes.

Also, check out our Amazon Store for our recommendations. You might be surprised by how many great keto options are at your disposal.

More Keto Brownie Recipes To Try!

If you’re a fan of brownies, you may also want to try out the following recipes. 

AND….my Keto Brownie Cupcakes!

Grab Our Books & Keto App

In case you don’t know, we have authored two books for you, Essential Keto Bread and Essential Keto Desserts, both inspired by your requests over the years.

I pray these keto cookbooks will help make keto a delicious breeze for you.

Gain access to simple and delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even desserts with our FITTOSERVEGROUP APP.

Join Our Jesus And Keto Movement 

Are you looking for an online support system to help you stay on keto? As a family, we came to the keto diet, looking at it from a Christian perspective. As believers, we live our lives supported by God’s grace.

Knowing firsthand the benefits of this decision, we have created a closed Christian group using the keto diet to transform their lives.

We invite you to join our Private Facebook Group and see if it’s not the key you’ve been missing.

Be sure to request our FREE Jesus and Keto E-Book (First 7 Days). We hope it blesses you.

keto shortbread brownies stacked on parchment paper

Keto Shortbread Brownies

Yield: 16
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

These keto shortbread brownies combine two classic favorites by using a rich, buttery shortbread as a crust for fudgy brownies.

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 cup of cold unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
  • 2 1/2 cups of finely milled almond flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Sugar-Free Chocolate Ganache

  • 1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

    Shortbread Crust

  1. First, measure then sift the almond flour. Combine the almond flour, sugar substitute, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Take the butter out of the refrigerator and then slice the butter into about 30 slices.
    Distribute the butter and vanilla extract into the flour mixture with your fingers.
  3. Using your fingers, rub the pieces of butter into the flour mixture and work into the mixture for about 5 minutes until the dough forms together. (note this step should be done by hand for best results)
  4. Press the dough into a 12x12 parchment-lined pan. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  5. Place the baking pan into the refrigerator to cool for at least 25 minutes. This will ensure that the crust has the traditional crisp texture of shortbread.
  6. Bake until the crust is lightly golden brown, about 25 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare your brownie batter.

Keto Brownie Layer

  1. Using a double boiler, melt the butter, sugar substitute, cocoa powder, unsweetened baking chocolate, and salt.
  2. Stir occasionally until fully combined. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract.
  4. Once the mixture is fully combined add the sifted almond flour, baking powder, and gently stir.
  5. Once the shortbread crust has cooled slightly, evenly spread the brownie batter on the crust. bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  6. Allow the shortbread brownies to fully cool about 20 minutes before adding the chocolate ganache topping.


Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in 20-second intervals. Stir until well combined.
  2. Spread the ganache over the top of the brownie layer. Allow the ganache to set completely about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 321Total Fat: 30.5gSaturated Fat: 12.9gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 140mgCarbohydrates: 7.7gNet Carbohydrates: 3.6gFiber: 4.1gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 7.3g

Did you make this recipe?

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Martha Roberts

Monday 13th of September 2021

I’m out of Almond flour n it’s not available right now where I am in the Bahamas. Can I substitute all purpose gluten free flour? I know it won’t be keto but I mainly avoid gluten.

Hilda Solares

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

You cannot substitute almond flour for coconut flour 1:1 if you want a coconut flour option, I recommend you give our coconut flour brownies recipe instead.

Laurie

Friday 24th of February 2017

Do you use the powdered Swerve or the granulated? Does it matter? Thanks for the recipe!

fittoservegroup

Friday 24th of February 2017

Hi Laurie, I use the granulated but I suspect that either would work well. Enjoy ?

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