These Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies are the ultimate indulgence. Each bite is a blissful escape into chocolate heaven. These brownies redefine decadence with gooey dark chocolate goodness, ready in just 30 minutes!
Growing up, brownies were my go-to treat. Typically, they were whipped up from a box mix. However, when I began to read the back of the box, I knew I had to find a better option with cleaner ingredients. This dairy-free brownie recipe is so, so good and maintains the perfect flavor and texture.
If you like these gooey brownies, you'll love our dairy-free and gluten-free desserts like double chocolate protein brownies, chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates, dark chocolate dessert hummus, and many more.
Before getting started, I like to take a moment to set healthy intentions. For guidance, check out our free guide to setting intentions, written from my experiences as a hypnotherapist and life coach- setting intentions is a game-changer!
⚡ Quick Look: Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Brownies
- 🎨 Flavor Profile: Rich, ultra-fudgy chocolate brownies with deep cacao flavor and a moist, indulgent texture
- 🔥 Bake Method: Bake in an 8×8-inch pan at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, then cool before slicing
- ⏱️ Prep Time: ~10 minutes
- 🍽️ Yield: 12 brownies
- 🌿 Skill Level: Easy
- 🔢 Calories: Approximately 210 cal per brownie
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond milk, eggs or flax eggs, vanilla extract, sea salt, optional nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips
- 🌞 Best Time to Enjoy: Dessert after dinner, afternoon coffee treat, or make-ahead snack for the week
- 🎯 Main Benefits: Gluten-free, dairy-free, rich and satisfying without processed ingredients; made with whole-food sweeteners and healthy fats for a nourishing, feel-good indulgence
Summarize and Save This Content On
Jump to:
💛 Why You'll Love It
- Ultra-fudgy brownies with rich, deep chocolate flavor
- Made with almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup - no refined flour or sugar
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to make vegan
- Quick to bake - ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect texture: soft, rich, and satisfying like classic brownies
- A wholesome treat that fits perfectly into a clean-eating lifestyle
Ingredients
Almond Flour: This gluten-free flour alternative works well giving it a delicious flavor while avoiding highly processed white flour and gluten.
Cacao Powder (Unsweetened): Cacao has a robust chocolate flavor and high antioxidant content that is delicious and good for you.
Coconut Sugar: This is a wholesome substitute for brown sugar and provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness. It has a lower glycemic index, which means it enhances sweetness and flavor without the blood sugar spike.
Coconut Oil: Instead of refined vegetable oils, unrefined coconut oil adds a subtle coconut essence and is packed with healthy fats, benefiting heart health. It's among the best of the best for cooking oils: check out our article on avocado oil vs coconut oil.
See recipe card for the full ingredients list and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegan Egg: For those who lean towards plant-based, you can easily make a vegan flax egg. Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, and let it sit for 15 minutes until it thickens.
Flour Options: When substituting with coconut flour, use half the amount recommended for almond flour due to its high absorbency. Increase almond milk by an extra ¼ cup to achieve the desired batter consistency.
Add-Ins: Enhance your brownies with coconut flakes or larger chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor and varied texture.
How to make Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies
Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get an 8x8-inch baking dish ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, sift together your almond flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Using another large bowl, blend the maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option), and pure vanilla extract. You can use an electric mixer or whisk by hand until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Carefully add the wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring gently until well combined.
Step 4: If you've chosen to include nuts or chocolate chips, now is the time to fold them into your brownie batter.
Step 5: Transfer your brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth over the top for an even layer.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should appear set when it's time to take them out, though the center will remain a bit soft to the touch.
After baking, it's important to allow the brownies to cool in the pan, for at least 20 minutes.
With your brownies cooled, slice them into squares. Enjoy!
Important Tips
To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked without being overdone, start checking them at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center.
If the toothpick comes out clean, they're ready.
Keep a close eye on them, checking every 1-2 minutes after the initial check. Ideally, they shouldn't need more than 25 minutes in the oven.
This careful monitoring helps maintain that moist, fudgy texture inside while preventing the edges from becoming too hard.
Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies FAQ's
Yes, you can make brownies with water instead of milk. Using water might slightly alter the texture and taste, making them a bit less rich. The key is to maintain the liquid balance in the recipe to ensure your brownies still turn out moist.
There are several substitutes for milk in brownies, including plant-based milks such as almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. You can even use coconut water! Each alternative can add a unique flavor profile to your brownies, with the added benefit of keeping the recipe dairy-free.
Water alone cannot directly replace the binding and leavening properties that eggs provide in brownies. However, there are ways to use water as part of an egg substitute mixture. For instance, creating a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thick) utilizes water to help mimic the consistency and role of an egg in baking. This method is particularly useful for vegan baking, ensuring your brownies remain moist and cohesive without the use of actual eggs.
More Chocolate Recipes
Looking for other healthy dessert recipes like this? Try these:
Have you tried these Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies? Give them a 🌟 rating and let us know how you liked them in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest healthy recipes in your inbox!
Recipe
Dairy Free Gluten Free Brownies
Equipment
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Separate bowl for wet ingredients
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 8x8 inch square pan
- Parchment paper (optional for lining)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- ½ cup nuts walnuts, pecans, or crushed peanuts
- ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Dry Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Sweetener Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, eggs (or prepared flax eggs), and pure vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until fully integrated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined to ensure a better texture.
- Extras: Fold in optional nuts and chocolate chips evenly into the batter for chewy brownies with more character.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for moist crumbs with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for setting the texture.
- Slice & Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy these moist, cakey brownies that boast a complex sweetness and rich, chocolatey flavor.
Video
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
Wow, these dairy-free, gluten-free brownies look amazing! 😍 I love how you've made them extra fudgy - that's my weakness! 😋 I've been searching for a delicious brownie recipe that fits my dietary needs, and this seems perfect. Can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering recipe!
Natalie Perry says
you are so welcome!
Sara Welch says
Whipped up a batch of these for an afternoon treat and they do not disappoint! Easy, rich and decadent; the best way to cure my sweet tooth, indeed!
Natalie Perry says
So happy to hear you enjoyed them!
Leslie says
It's so hard to find allergy friendly recipes that are good. These brownies totally hit the spot! So fudgy and delicious.
Natalie Perry says
We are happy to help 🙂
Alexandra says
These brownies are absolutely delicious, and you'd never know they were both GF and DF - in fact, they were a hit with my entire family. The perfect brownie texture and no leftovers in sight here 🙂
Natalie Perry says
I love hearing this, thank you for sharing!
Sabine says
This brownie recipe came out so well. It was my first time trying a dairy and gluten free brownie and I will continue making this recipe. Loved it.
Natalie Perry says
Ahh yes, it is so easy and delicious!