
Gluten Free Brownies
đŤ Gluten-Free Brownies: Deeply Fudgy, Rich, and Absolutely Addictive
Thereâs something magical about a perfect brownieâjust the right mix of chew, melt, and chocolate intensity. But if youâre baking without gluten, hitting that balance can be tricky. Too many gluten-free brownies crumble apart or turn out dry. Not these.
These brownies strike gold: crisp edges, a dense fudgy centre, and bold chocolate flavor that rivals any bakery version. Made entirely from simple pantry staples, they donât rely on hard-to-find ingredients or complicated blendsâjust real, satisfying chocolate comfort.
Whether youâre baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is one that no one will ever guess is gluten-free.
đž Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Simple, Straightforward Ingredients: No gums, no complicated floursâjust one dependable gluten-free blend and familiar basics.
- Fudgy Meets Chewy: Rich middle, crisp edges, perfect balance.
- Effortless to Make: Ready to devour in about an hour, start to finish.
- Easy to Personalize: Stir in nuts, extra chocolate, caramel swirls, or peanut butter.
- No One Will Guess Itâs Gluten-Free: These taste just like the classic brownies you grew up with.
đ§ What Youâll Need
Dry Ingredients
- ž cup (95g) gluten-free all-purpose flour â Go for a 1:1 blend such as Bobâs Red Mill or King Arthur; one that already contains xanthan gum works best.
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder â Dutch-processed for deep flavor, or natural if you prefer a lighter note.
- Âź teaspoon salt â Sharpens the chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional) â Adds a touch of lift while keeping that dense texture.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled â Coconut oil works for dairy-free baking.
- 1 cup (200g) white sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar â Brings moisture and subtle caramel depth.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins
- ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ½ cup (50g) walnuts or pecans for crunch
đ§ How to Make Them
1. Prep Your Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt and Mix
Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in both sugars until glossy. Let cool slightlyâjust warm, not hotâbefore adding eggs.
3. Whisk in Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each until the mixture looks thick and shiny. Stir in vanilla. This is what gives you that classic crinkly top.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Sift if needed for smoothness.
5. Bring It All Together
Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently with a spatula. Stop mixing once everything is combinedâthe batter should be dense and glossy.
6. Add Mix-Ins
Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if youâre using them.
7. Bake to Perfection
Spread evenly in the pan. Bake 25â30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter). A little underbaking keeps them fudgy.
8. Cool Before Slicing
Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then lift out with the parchment and let them finish cooling on a rack. Slice once completely cool for clean, neat edges.
đŤ Pro Tips for Perfect GF Brownies
- Donât Overbake: Pull them from the oven just as the centre sets. Theyâll firm up while cooling.
- Pick a Good Flour: A blend with rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum mimics traditional texture beautifully.
- Add Espresso Powder: Just a teaspoon enhances chocolateâs depth without tasting like coffee.
- Avoid Overmixing: Too much stirring brings in air and leads to a cake-like crumb.
- Patience Pays: Cool before cuttingâthis helps them hold together and stay chewy.
đ˝ď¸ Variations Youâll Love
- Nut Crunch: Stir in toasted walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Caramel Dream: Swirl caramel sauce into the top of the batter before baking.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and gently marble it through.
- Mint-Chocolate Mood: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed mint candies on top.
- Double Chocolate Overload: Mix both dark and milk chocolate chunks for extra richness.
đż Dairy-Free Adaptation
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, same amount.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips (brands like Enjoy Life or Hu work well).
Youâll still get that silky, fudgy finishâno compromise on taste or texture.
đ§ Storage & Freezing
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 daysâtheyâll stay moist.
- Fridge: Keeps for about a week. Bring to room temperature before eating.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 20 seconds for a gooey, fresh-baked feel.
â Serving Ideas
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Add whipped cream and berries for a lighter finish.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for that sweet-salty edge.
- Serve warm with espresso or cold milkâcomfort in every bite.
đĄ FAQ
Q: Can I substitute almond or coconut flour?
Not one-for-one. They absorb moisture differently. Stick to a 1:1 gluten-free blend for best texture.
Q: Why no shiny top?
You likely skipped whisking warm butter and sugar long enough. Thatâs what creates the crackly sheen.
Q: Prefer cakey brownies?
Add one extra egg and bake a few minutes longer for a lighter crumb.
â¤ď¸ Final Note
These gluten-free brownies deliver everything that makes brownies irresistibleâdeep chocolate flavor, chewy edges, and a soft, dense middle that feels like a little luxury. Theyâre proof that gluten-free desserts can be every bit as rich, satisfying, and indulgent as the originals. Perfect for parties, quiet evenings, or any time you just need a bite of pure chocolate joy.
âď¸ Nutritional Information (Per Brownie)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 230 kcal | â |
Total Fat | 12 g | 18% |
Saturated Fat | 7 g | 35% |
Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% |
Sodium | 90 mg | 4% |
Total Carbohydrates | 28 g | 9% |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
Sugars | 21 g | â |
Protein | 3 g | 6% |
Calcium | 25 mg | 2% |
Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% |
Potassium | 120 mg | 3% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.