If you've been searching for a recipe for gluten free brownies, then I've got the perfect one for you! This gluten free brownie recipe is vegan as well, but that doesn't mean it skimps on flavor or texture. Lean in and I'll share the secret to these awesome, dairy free brownies.
What makes gluten free brownies fudgy?
You probably already know that there are numerous types of brownie recipes out there. They yield everything from decadent flourless brownies to cake-y brownies, as well as everything in between.
With this gluten free brownie recipe, I'm aiming for brownies that are both thick and fudgy.
Fudgy brownies contain a higher ratio of fat to flour, and conversely cakey brownies have less fat to flour. The amount of sugar and eggs don't make as much of a difference (in fact, my brownies have flax eggs in them!), though brownies made with a small amount of sugar have a tendency to be more dry and brittle.
What makes gluten free brownies chewy?
Since we're discussing fudginess, I might as well tackle what makes brownies chewy! The answer to chewy, gluten free brownies is simple: oil.
If you've used boxed brownie mixes before, you'll know that the fat specified is usually vegetable oil. Now I don't care much for vegetable oil (more on what I like better in a second), but it's hard to deny that oil does in fact effect the chewiness of brownies. While butter tastes really good, it tends to yield brownies that are less chewy.
What's the best oil to use in a brownie recipe?
I've cooked + baked with several different oils, and I prefer using unrefined coconut oil in baking recipes. It doesn't give off too much of a coconut-y vibe, and also yields the best results in my baking tests for the perfect gluten free brownie. There's no denying that the extra rich flavor of coconut oil wins out. (Don't worry, the brownies don't actually taste like coconut, instead you only taste the chocolate!)
Oil options to use in a gluten free brownie
If you aren't able to use coconut oil in these gluten free brownies, I've got some options for you! Swap in either olive oil or avocado oil. While these oils didn't make the cut in my testing, they are both fine swaps for coconut oil in a pinch. I recommend staying away from vegetable or canola oil, as these are both highly processed. Canola oil typically comes from genetically modified plants. To keep these gluten free brownies dairy free too, stay away from butter or ghee. Not only does butter contain dairy, it honestly leads to less chewy brownies... and I'm all about the fudge factor with this recipe.
The best chocolate for fudgy brownies
Cacao powder on its own has plenty of chocolate flavor. Depending on the quality of the cacao or cocoa used, the flavor can be more mild or very deep, almost coffee-like. That part is up to you! I tend to go with the less processed cacao powder vs. cocoa powder. Cocoa powder can definitely be used if cacao powder is difficult to find, just know the flavor of the gluten free brownies will be slightly different. Make sure to check the ingredient list too, as some cocoa powders contain more ingredients other than just cocoa. No matter which option I choose, I always look for the one with the simplest ingredient list.
Melted chocolate not only adds extra chocolate-y flavor to the gluten-free brownie recipe, it also adds in a little extra fat that ups that chewiness factor. Yes, chocolate does contain sugar and I typically favor natural sweeteners over cane and beet sugars. In this brownie recipe I use coconut sugar and maple syrup because they bring more flavor + chewiness! Dairy free chocolate chips are super easy to find at your local grocery store, and are a great option in these brownies.
Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling if desired)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 cup chocolate chips (vegan + semisweet (save ½ cup for topping))
- 6 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed ( plus 2 tablespoons water)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease an 8- by 8-inch square pan. (A 9-inch square pan can also be used, if needed.)
- Whisk: the gluten-free flour and almond meal together. Whisk in sea salt and baking powder. Set aside.
- On stovetop: In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat or using a double boiler, melt bittersweet chocolate and coconut oil together. Turn off heat and whisk in the cacao or cocoa powder until smooth. Whisk in the flaxseed and water mixture, followed by the coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Spread: the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top and gently press into the batter.
- Bake: for 15-17 minutes, but start checking for doneness around 12-13 minutes. These should not be over-baked in order to preserve their fudgy texture. When done, the center will look a little "raw" and the edges will look dry and set. The top will also have a dry appearance and may even crack in places. Remove from oven and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt over the top. Let cool before cutting into bars.
- Store: covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Can be frozen in an airtight container for up to several months.
Notes
- For extra clean squares, chill brownies before cutting.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted for the bittersweet chocolate.
- Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips can also be used, if desired.
- 1 large egg can be used in place of the flaxseed + water.
Nutrition (estimated)
More plant based dessert recipes
If these gluten free brownies have turned you onto plant based desserts, then check out this list of more great dessert recipes:
- Rice Krispie treats
- Ginger cookies with chocolate chips
- Banana 'nice' cream
- Caramel apple dip
- Peanut butter chocolate smoothie
Don't forget to leave a comment + rating to let me know what you think of this gluten free, dairy free brownie recipe!
yumpresso
wow, this gluten free brownies looks so delicious and yummy. i jus love this. thanks for sharing this.
Jaime
I haven't made this yet, just previewing the recipe. That is a TON of sugar and oil... is that the trade-off for having gluten free brownies? I can see if the recipe follows a certain restrictive diet, but I just don't understand how these are considered healthy? They sound yummy, Thanks!
Simple Green Smoothies
So glad you're checking this recipe out, Jaime! Gluten free flours tend to be a bit dryer, so the additional oil helps out there. Feel free to bake with less sugar to tone down the sweetness here. And let us know what you end up preferring so we can bake it too! 🙂
Brit
These are SO GOOD! Even my brownie-loving husband thinks so 🙂 I'll admit, I couldn't find coconut sugar, so I just used regular granulated sugar because we had it and I might have thrown in a few milk chocolate + pb chips, but everything else I stuck to the recipe and they turned out amazing!
Mireille
Made these today and they were a huge hit in our house. The flavour is perfect brownie! Is the batter supposed to be thick like cookie dough? Mine turned out very thick and crumbly and not what I’d expect. I was nervous about it, but it baked ok, although quite dense and a bit mealy but tasted amazing.
Simple Green Smoothies
So glad these were a hit, Mireille! Next time, try using all GF flour blend and opt out the almond flour. Also, make sure you're giving the flaxseeds a soak as suggested. These things should help the next batch to be more to your liking. Let us know what you think!
Erin
These were great! Wasn't sure when to add the wet and dry ingredients,.so added them between steps 3 and 4
Simple Green Smoothies
Great instinct, Erin! 🙂
Carla Thomas
Really looking forward to trying this recipe but wanted to find out if I could replace the gluten blend with almond flour? If so, is that a 1:1 substitution?
Thanks!
Simple Green Smoothies
Carla, the recipe calls for gluten-free flour blend as well as almond flour or almond meal so you'll need to use both. I think if you used only almond flour, your brownies might have a different consistency than in the photos.
Kristin
Hi! I'm Allergic to coconut, Can you substitute Coconut oil for anything else?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Kristin,
Coconut oil is so unique and nothing is similar to it so we don't have a substitute for that unfortunately.
Shams
Hi Jen,
It looks yummy. What happens if I leave out the coconut oil? Is it test bad?
Simple Green Smoothies
I wouldn't leave out the coconut oil because that is what makes these brownies moist and not dry.
Kerri Gauna
Does the recipe have to have a nut flour/meal?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Kerri,
Since these are gluten free brownies the recipe calls for nut flour. However, you can add whatever flour works best for you!
Nichole
This looks so yummy!!
What is your go to "Gluten free flour blend"?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Nichole,
Personally my favorite gluten free flour is King Arthur.
Hope that helps!
Moira
When do you add the dry mixture? I assume at the end of step two.
Pat
I was assuming it gets added after step 3, the dry stuff into the wet stuff. Step 3 1/2?
Laurie
What could I use to replace the almond meal (due to allergies)?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Laurie,
If you cannot have almond meal try another nut meal, such as walnut meal, or a seed meal, such as finely ground sunflower seeds.
Beth Anne
You say "1 cup gluten-free flour blend". What should the blend be?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Beth,
We left it blank so that you can choose what best fits you. My favorite gluten free flour is King Arthur.
Hope that helps!
Mirriah
I’m allergic to flax. What is an alternative?