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 :)
Joy @ WhatIWeighToday.com says
I’ve enjoyed many a salty brownie but never one with olive oil. It kind of reminds of toasts spread with melted dark chocolate and olive oil sprinkled with salt that I’ve had in some Spanish restaurants. Bookmarking for later!
Maryna Krasnozhon says
These brownies look so…mmm…delicious! Little ingredients makes cozy desserts for sure!
Liz @ FloatingKitchen says
These look so good! They are very “grown-up” brownies, which I’m down with! And I’m so happy it’s October. It’s the best!
Kate@Diethood says
The recipe, the food, the mood… I LOVE it all!! Gorgeous brownies!
Candice Montgomery says
Oh, this looks so good. What type of olive oil is best, extra virgin or a mild olive oil?
Savory Simple says
Great question. It’s really just a personal preference. I used an extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery aftertaste that I thought really enhanced the chocolate. But even if you just use a mild olive oil, it will add a ton of moistness to the brownies without the olive oil flavor.
Tutti Dolci says
Gorgeous brownies, I’ve been obsessed with salted chocolate lately so I must try these!
Katie (The Muffin Myth) says
What a beautiful brownie! I’ve never used olive oil in my brownies before, but I do love the grassy flavour with chocolate, so it makes good sense. I’ll definitely be trying this! And I share your sentiments on October. I read the most beautiful quote the other day, “The way sunset is to the day, October is to the year” – a character in a book by Matt Cohen. Isn’t that nice?
Alanna Taylor-Tobin says
Genius! I can imagine how amazing the olive oil and flaky salt make these brownies, and I love the photos.
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Lovely! You definitely sold these to me. I’m keen to try them – I’ll definitely make sure I use the best ingredients!
Dixya Bhattarai RD says
these brownies are calling my name!
Allie|Baking a Moment says
Ooh I love the idea of olive oil and chocolate together! Brilliant recipe, Jen!
Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says
The combo of chocolate, olive oil, and salt sounds fantastic in this recipe!
I too am looking forward to boots weather, but it’s not quite there yet here in the Bay (88 today!). October is still a mighty fine month!
Alice Choi says
olive oil cakes are my fave so I must try these brownies!! they look so good! definitely going to try these soon! and beautiful. . as always. .
Jan Nixon says
Gosh, these are rather bitter. Disappointed.
Savory Simple says
Hmmm, mine weren’t bitter and I tested the recipe several times. Did you use an olive oil with a bitter aftertaste?
Bianca Garcia says
These look perfect. I’ve made something similar and I love how a really good quality fruity olive oil adds such a nice flavor.