Do you have a favorite month? October is definitely one of my top picks. It’s far from perfect since the threat of winter and darkness always looms.
But October by itself is lovely; temperatures start to cool and the leaves begin changing color. I’m enjoying the milder temperatures.
I’ve worn my cherished Frye boots for the past 2 weeks and will be venturing to an orchid to pick apples this weekend. I might be lamenting the loss of light, but there’s no denying my love for October.
October is cozy. These salted olive oil brownies are cozy. Olive oil replaces butter for a fruity, peppery note and the fleur de sel adds just the right amount of salt to enhance the chocolate.
The key to this recipe is to use high quality ingredients. The best chocolate, a fresh olive oil and a good finishing salt will elevate this recipe to make some of the best brownies you’ve ever tasted.

Salted Olive Oil Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mild, good quality extra virgin olive oil (see notes)
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- fleur de sel finishing salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8x8inch brownie pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over all 4 of the sides (this will make it easier to remove the brownies). Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl set over a pot of simmering water, warm the olive oil and bittersweet chocolate together over low heat, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla, then beat the eggs in one at a time. Add the flour, espresso powder and vigorously stir for 1 minute until the batter becomes smooth and shiny.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared brownie pan and sprinkle some fleur de sel evenly on top of the batter. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
- Let cool completely before removing and cutting the brownies.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
I love olive oil so much yet never baked with them. I’ve been meaning to use up a (small) bottle of blood orange olive oil I got in Philadelphia. Blood Orange Olive Oil Brownies soon? :D
That sounds epic!
Question: Where does the espresso powder come in?
Oops, good catch! It gets whisked in with the flour :)
I was also disappointed by the way mine turned out although I followed the recipe to the letter. I’ve never been let down by a brownie recipe before – a case of the Emperor’s new clothes?
Just made these- wow, love the balance of flavors! The salt + olive oil + rich chocolate is just such a nice flavor mix.
Hey! Just wanted to say thanks for this recipe! I used a modified version of it on my blog and linked back here. Thanks again! Great blog by the way! :) – Corinne, Brooklyn Munch
These are my FAVORITE brownies. Once I started making them my friends always ask me to bring them. just perfect, thanks so much!
That makes my day like you can’t even imagine. Thank you so much!!! :)