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, 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.
A plant based dessert guide
You can get our Plant-Based Dessert Guide today! There’s 42 dessert recipes that skip the processed sweeteners and chemicals, and use plant-based, natural ingredients as an alternative. And the best part? Nobody will ever know the difference in flavor!
Click here to get the Plant-Based Dessert Guide!
Now, on to those gluten free brownies! I don’t think you’d have to ask for help twice if you want to bring along a friend or two to help make these :-).
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Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt - plus more for sprinkling if desired
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 cup chocolate chips - vegan + semisweet (save 1/2 cup for topping)
- 6 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed - plus 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 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
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!
These were great! Wasn’t sure when to add the wet and dry ingredients,.so added them between steps 3 and 4
Great instinct, Erin! 🙂
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!
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.
Hi! I’m Allergic to coconut, Can you substitute Coconut oil for anything else?
Hey Kristin,
Coconut oil is so unique and nothing is similar to it so we don’t have a substitute for that unfortunately.
Hi Jen,
It looks yummy. What happens if I leave out the coconut oil? Is it test bad?
I wouldn’t leave out the coconut oil because that is what makes these brownies moist and not dry.
Does the recipe have to have a nut flour/meal?
Hey Kerri,
Since these are gluten free brownies the recipe calls for nut flour. However, you can add whatever flour works best for you!
This looks so yummy!!
What is your go to “Gluten free flour blend”?
Hey Nichole,
Personally my favorite gluten free flour is King Arthur.
Hope that helps!
When do you add the dry mixture? I assume at the end of step two.
I was assuming it gets added after step 3, the dry stuff into the wet stuff. Step 3 1/2?
What could I use to replace the almond meal (due to allergies)?
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.
You say “1 cup gluten-free flour blend”. What should the blend be?
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!
I’m allergic to flax. What is an alternative?