Treat yourself to deliciously rich and fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies that make for an easy dairy-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free treat.
Chocolate lovers take note: If you are gluten-free and miss classic brownies, these might just be the best gluten-free brownies that are also dairy-free.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients
- Easy recipe
- Crispy edges, crackly top, and a fudgy texture
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Chocolate chips - Whatever dairy-free chocolate chips or baking bars you have on hand are perfect. To make this recipe completely refined sugar-free, make sure to choose an option that is sweetened without refined sugar.
Coconut oil - This replaces butter with the perfect dairy-free fat. Use refined coconut oil to avoid a "hint of coconut." Avocado oil is another great neutral dairy-free option.
Eggs - This acts as our binder and leavener and helps make for more fudgy gluten-free brownies. Make sure they are at room temperature for the best results! The best egg replacer for these almond flour brownies would be almond butter or cashew butter over a flax egg as they will help bind better and create a fudgy texture.
Cocoa powder - Unsweetened cocoa powder (also known as natural cocoa powder) helps reinforce our almond flour and adds a rich chocolate flavor.
Almond flour - Gives our gluten-free dairy-free brownie recipe a perfect crumb. One of my go-to flours in gluten-free baking. I recommend Bob's Red Mill brand.
Coconut sugar - I love using this in baking as it has a warmth like brown sugar but is less processed than white sugar.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a glass baking pan with coconut oil and then line it with parchment overhanging the sides.
Step 1: Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in increments, stirring often. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl or measuring cup, beat eggs.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients (coconut sugar, almond flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt) to a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Add in the wet ingredients (beaten eggs, melted coconut oil-chocolate mixture, and vanilla). Stir well until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow baked brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Tips
- Allow your eggs to come to room temperature for the smoothest batter.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
- Lining the pan with parchment allows you to remove the brownies in a single sheet to transfer to a cutting board. Use a warm knife, wiping between cuts, for the cleanest look.
Serving suggestions
If you want to make your perfect brownie even better, here are some serving ideas to elevate your dessert!
Dollop some coconut whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate chips or cacao nibs on top!
A scoop of ice cream (add some strawberry compote on top for the ultimate treat!)
Love peanut butter and chocolate? You must try these peanut butter swirl brownies.
FAQs
If you warm it in hot water, then dry it, then slice it, you will be so pleased! Wipe the knife before every cut. Some people also swear by plastic knives making clean cuts.
Because there are 3 eggs necessary in this recipe, it is difficult to have the same structure and texture, unfortunately. The best substitute for this recipe is to substitute each egg with a ¼ cup of nut butter like almond or cashew.
More brownie recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free Brownies (Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (1 ½ cups) dairy-free dark or semi-sweet chocolate chocolate chips (or roughly chopped)
- 8 tablespoons coconut oil (choose refined for no coconut flavor)
- 3 eggs room temperature
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (55g) almond flour
- 1 cup (155g) coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- sea salt for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 11 x 7 inch glass baking pan with coconut oil and then cut a length of parchment to line the bottom of the pan, with extra hanging over the sides.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe cup or bowl for 30 second intervals. Stir after each interval. Set aside.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, beat eggs. In a large bowl, add all dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, chocolate mixture, and vanilla extract. Stir well until lumps have disappeared and the batter appears smooth and glossy.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with sea salt if using, and bake for 26-29 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow brownies to cool completely in pan on a wire rack. For best results, chill brownies in the fridge after they have cooled for an hour, or overnight. (Clean cut tips below)
Notes
- Allow your eggs to come to room temperature for the smoothest batter.
- Lining the pan with parchment allows you to remove the brownies in a single sheet to transfer to a cutting board.
- To make these brownies completely refined sugar-free, make sure to choose an option that is sweetened without refined sugar.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
- Use a warmed knife and wipe the blade after each cut. A reader also suggested a plastic knife works great as well!
Nutrition
Oksana
Hi
I love your recipes! For these brownies do you think I can sub the coconut sugar with a sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to make them keto?
Tessa
Thank you, Oksana!! My guess is that monk fruit would be a good replacement, although you might want to start off using less of that than the coconut sugar calls for. I'd love to know how it works for you!
Marni setianingsih
Love this recipe. Thank u verymuch
Tessa
Thank you, Marni! I'm so glad!
Megan
Hi how do I find the nutrionion facts on these brownies? I made these and they are fantastic but I need to keep a diary of what I eat. I use the MyFitnessPal app and would love to record these brownies
Tessa
Hi Megan - I am actually in the process of adding nutrition info to all of my recipes. Thanks for your comment - I went ahead and entered the nutrition info for this recipe!
Nicole
Hello, I love this recipe and want to make it to share at work for my birthday. Do you have any recommendations on multiplying the batch and cooking time to make it a sheet brownie? Thank you!
Tessa
Thanks, Nicole! :) I've never doubled the batch before, but I would say if you do and use a sheet pan, that watching the cook time would be most important. I imagine doubling the recipe should work well. I hope you had a great birthday!
Ash
These are amazing. So good.
Serenity
Bittersweet chocolate has refined sugar in it. thus the name bitter sweet!
Otherwise this ooks like a great recipe thanks!
Peggy Liedtke
I wish this had nutrition facts --carbs, fat, sugar grams, protein
Joanne
These brownies are delicious, but they just fall apart. I had to use a spoon to eat them!! I baked them 26 minutes and the toothpick didn't come out clean, so I left them in the remaining 4 minutes. Maybe i overbaked them.
Emilee
I was wondering if it is best to keep them in a container in the fridge after they have been cut or if i can leave them in a container on the counter?
Tessa
Hi Emilee! I keep them in an airtight container on the counter. Usually best within a couple days of making them.
Jharnaa Malhotra
Hey Tessa! I’m planning to give these a try! Any tips on how long they’ll last? And what’s the best way to store them?
Tessa
Hi Jharnaa! So sorry I missed this comment. I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are usually best within the first two days of baking them.
Katie
Hi! So excited to make these. I was looking for a recipe where I had everything already in the kitchen. Just realized though that I only have 3 oz of chocolate to melt. Any tips to make up the other half? Maybe more cocoa powder and coconut oil? I welcome your thoughts!
Tessa
Hi Katie! Thanks for your note. If you don't have any additional chocolate to melt like chocolate chips, I think you'll be okay without the rest of the melted chocolate. I'm afraid that using more cocoa powder or cocoa powder/coconut oil with affect the proportions of the recipe and won't bake the same.
These brownies are rich, so I think the 1/2 cup cocoa powder called for and the chocolate you do have should still work. If you try it, let me know!
Lucy
Hi Tessa, thanks for this recipe, i have just eaten a corner of the finished product already and they are really delicious: Very chocolatey but i can taste the vanilla, coconut and almond too which is a bonu. Im thinking of maybe adding in some whole nuts next time such a pecans?
I am just coming to the end of my 4 year MA and the end is in sight: September but i still have a big hill to climb with a research project that hasn't even started yet!! as i sit at my computer i need something to eat and with these gluten and refined sugar free brownies, i wont feel so bad. Thanks :-)
Tessa
Thank you, Lucy! So glad you like them. Congrats on coming to the end of your MA - I know that is a ton of work. You definitely deserve a brownie! <3
Mikaela
Hi Tessa!
Do you think using flax eggs instead of eggs would still create a good outcome? These are so close to being vegan other than the eggs haha
Tessa
Hi Mikaela! Haha, they really almost are! I think flax eggs should do the job, although you would definitely want to chill the brownies overnight. Have you ever used a cornstarch egg? Same idea, 1 tablespoons cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons water for each "egg". I haven't tried either with this recipe, but I'm thinking that method may work even better than the flax egg. If you try one, I'd love to know!
Feanna
I tried making them just now, but the batter I got was not smooth nor glossy. It ended up quite thick, almost clump like. The only thing i can think of might be due to my measurement of the coconut oil? I only had the solid coconut oil on hand, so it was a little difficult to scoop out 8 tablespoons. Anyways, it's in the oven now and I'm hoping for the best !
Olivia
I'd like to know too, I have a coconut allergy and most gluten free dairy free baking recipes tend to use coconut!
Tessa
Hi Olivia - I haven't tried it with this recipe, but you should be able to substitute regular or vegan butter for the amount of coconut oil called for in the recipe.
Tessa
Hi Feanna! Thanks for making the recipe - I hope they turned out for you. Sometimes it takes a couple minutes before the batter turns smoother. Since the solid coconut oil is melted with the chocolate before combining with the dry ingredients, I wouldn't think your scooping of the tablespoons should make a difference. You can always use an electric mixer and beat on low to combine next time if you prefer for a smoother batter.
LaRae
Yum! I'm excited to give this recipe a try. Do you have a substitute for coconut sugar?
Thanks so much!
Holly
These brownies are AMAZING! No one could tell they were gluten and refined sugar free, I couldn't even believe how they tasted so good without flour or sugar. I used oat flour instead of almond because my roomate has an allergy and they turned out perfect. So glad I stumbled across this.
Tessa
Thanks, Holly! I am so glad you enjoyed them. I always think one of the best parts is that no one would know they are gluten-free. :) I am happy to hear that oat flour worked well as a substitute - I will have to try that myself!
Holly
Made these a second time and they were even better. Several people told me that it was the best brownie they ever had, and one of my friends said they were better than sex, lol. Seriously can't get over how much I love this recipe, I'm famous for them now and I share this recipe with everyone who wants to recreate them. This time, I ran out of semi-sweet chocolate, so I used lindor brand "dark chocolate with a hint of salt" bars and it made such a delicious difference (didn't know they could even get more delicious!) Thanks again!
Tessa
Haha, that is awesome! I am so happy you like them. I will have to try that sea salt Lindor trick! Thanks so much for kind words, Holly.
Ravynne
Do you think I could leave out the chocolate bar and still get a good result?
Tessa
Hi Ravynne! My guess is that the brownies should still come out with a good result. I haven't tried it without the melted chocolate, so it may affect the outcome slightly, and would certainly decrease the richness a bit.
Malou
Hi Tessa,
These look so good! I'm in the UK and haven't got access to ounces and cups. Any chance I could have the measurements in grams and millilitres?
Tessa
Hi Malou! Thanks so much. Sorry for the delay in my response over the holidays. I will get the grams up for you this week! Happy New Year!
Karin
Hi! These look delicious. I'm curious what refined sugar free chocolate bar you use?
Tessa
Hi Karin! I often will use the Green & Black's brand dark chocolate bars which uses a small amount raw cane sugar. To totally avoid raw cane sugar, you could use an unsweetened dark chocolate bar here, which would make these richer. But, adding a little more coconut sugar to the recipe could sweeten it a bit more. I have seen that the NAKED chocolate bar brand uses coconut sugar exclusively in its chocolate.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Adulting. OMGeee this is totally Rob and I, Tessa! I'm surprised I have any hair left after yanking on it for so many years! Decorating is not something either of us are good at, therefore it takes us way to much time to make decisions. My Ma calls it analysis paralysis! lOL ... Luckily we've had lots of help, but we had to discuss it first! I'm with you. Just go make brownies. They're not as complicated and certainly not as stressful. Delicious work my dear! xo
Tessa
Hahaha. Analysis paralysis is such a great way to describe it!!! I am using this from now on. ;) Brownies always. Hope you are having a good week, my friend! xo.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles
oh, this write-up brought me the biggest smile. My husband and I have gone through many renovations during our 25 year history together but it has been quite a long time since we've had to meet minds on a project... we just recently started some backyard landscaping - (you'd think a pretty straightforward thing, right?) not so much! :) #strongwilled #stubborn #clashofthetitans #idesperatelyneedthesebrownies !!
Tessa
Yay! :) Hahaha, I can definitely see a landscaping project causing a clash (it would here!). Your hashtags had me laughing out loud - SPOT ON, my friend! xoxo
Caroline
Tessa! I can't wait to make these! What a lovely and thoughtful recipe. Love that you've used almond flour, coconut oil and coconut sugar. Cutting brownies has always been so challenging for me! Love your tips!
Tessa
Thank you so much, Caroline! I am always surprised at how well almond flour subs for regular flour in certain baked goods - sometimes does an even better job, I think. :) I do hope you enjoy these! xo.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Guuurl, I feel you on interior decorating! When we moved into our new home in NC I felt SO overwhelmed! I cheated and relied heavily on my MIL who is a talented professional interior designer. :) I'd send her your way if I could! Good luck with the reno and decorating, my dear! My fingers will be crossed for you!! Until then I suggest you just devour all these gluten free brownies, because these are bound to make you feel better! They look Deeeeelish!! You make gluten free eating look good! Cheers to a beautiful weekend!
Tessa
I need your MIL!! :) That is awesome. I have, at least, consumed all the brownies and am thinking about making more this weekend. Ha. Thank you for your sweet words, Cheyanne! Have a great weekend!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
We are in the midst of renovating our kitchen Tessa, so I feel your pain! Nothing a delicious batch of brownies can't solve though! These sound wonderful!
Tessa
It's a pain, isn't it?! Luckily the dream of the finished product keep you going (usually!). ;) Thanks, Mary Ann!
Lea
Hi!!! If you cut the brownies with a plastic knife it also cuts smoothly :) can't wait to try this recipe.
Tessa
Hi Lea! Oh yay! Thank you for sharing that! I will add it to the tips. :) That is awesome. I hope you enjoy the recipe!