Dive into the ultimate indulgence with our Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Extra Fudgy Brownie Recipe, where each bite is a blissful escape into chocolate heaven. Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free brownie recipe without compromising on taste or texture, these brownies redefine decadence.
Growing up, brownies were my go-to treat, always whipped up from a box mix. The day I actually read the ingredients on the back, though, was the day my relationship with these chocolate squares changed. I was determined to find a way to keep the joy of brownies alive, especially since my family adores chocolate. Still, we steer clear of most dairy and gluten due to dietary choices and intolerances.
Our journey led us to discover the beauty of almond flour and almond milk, along with the perfect sweet blend of maple syrup and coconut sugar. This discovery wasn't just about keeping things dairy-free and gluten-free; it was about elevating the quality of what we eat. For those who lean towards plant-based, our recipe includes a tip for making a vegan flax egg. Not only did we master the art of making fudgy brownies with coconut oil, natural cocoa powder, and simple ingredients, but we also crafted an easy recipe that's now a staple for any occasion. These gooey dark chocolate dreams are packed with chocolate chips (and crushed nuts if you'd like) and are the perfect indulgence for when chocolate cravings strike.
Beyond these gooey brownies, explore our dairy-free and gluten-free desserts like double chocolate protein brownies, chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates, snickerdoodle protein cookies, dark chocolate dessert hummus, and chocolate avocado pudding. Each recipe is designed for the chocolate lover. If you are seeking that rich chocolate flavor, chewy edges, and the best texture without the processed box mix- you have come to the right place!
So, why not take a moment to set healthy intentions for your indulgences? For guidance on this journey, check out our free guide to setting intentions, written from my experiences as a hypnotherapist, reiki master, and life coach- setting intentions is a game-changer! Embrace the joy of baking with our dairy-free brownies recipe, and let every occasion be a celebration of flavor, health, and happiness.
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Ingredients
Almond Flour (Organic): This gluten-free flour alternative not only imparts a deliciously nutty flavor but also enriches our brownies with essential nutrients, making them a healthier option compared to those made with traditional all-purpose flour.
Cacao Powder (Unsweetened): Selected for its robust chocolate flavor and high antioxidant content, unsweetened cacao powder elevates our brownies beyond the regular cocoa found in conventional recipes, offering health benefits alongside deep, rich taste.
Pure Maple Syrup: Opting for pure maple syrup instead of white sugar, this natural sweetener not only infuses the brownies with a complex sweetness but also supplies valuable minerals and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier indulgence.
Coconut Sugar (Organic): A wholesome substitute for brown sugar, organic coconut sugar imparts a rich, caramel-like sweetness while maintaining a lower glycemic index, enhancing flavor without the blood sugar spike.
Coconut Oil (Unrefined): Chosen over traditional vegetable oils, unrefined coconut oil adds a subtle coconut essence and is packed with healthy fats, benefiting heart health and adding unmatched moisture to our brownies.
Almond Milk (Organic): Our use of organic almond milk instead of conventional dairy ensures the recipe remains dairy-free while introducing a mild, nutty undertone, making the brownies accessible to those avoiding lactose.
Eggs (Pasture-Raised and Organic): These eggs contribute to the richness and moist texture of the brownies, boasting higher omega-3 and vitamin levels. For those preferring a plant-based option, flax eggs are a recommended substitute to keep the recipe inclusive. (see below for instructions in the substitutions section)
Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free): Aluminum-free baking powder as a leavening agent is pivotal for achieving a perfect rise without introducing unnecessary chemicals.
Fine Sea Salt: A touch of fine sea salt not only accentuates the sweet and complex flavors of the brownies but also supplies trace minerals, subtly enhancing the overall taste profile.
Pure Vanilla Extract: The inclusion of pure vanilla extract deepens the flavor complexity, perfectly balancing the chocolatey richness without resorting to artificial ingredients.
Optional Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans, or Crushed Peanuts): These nuts are not just optional add-ins; they bring texture, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch, elevating the nutritional profile and taste of each brownie bite.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Specifically chosen for their rich flavor and health benefits, dark chocolate chips not only add intense chocolatey goodness but also ensure our brownies remain dairy-free, catering to all chocolate lovers without compromise.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
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. This ensures your brownies lift out easily for the best presentation.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together your almond flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
Combine Sweeteners and Wet Ingredients: 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 and the coconut sugar starts to dissolve, ensuring a smooth batter.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients into Dry: Carefully add the wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Overmixing can affect the fudgy texture we’re aiming for, so a little bit of care here goes a long way to achieving the best results.
Add Extras: If you've chosen to include nuts or dairy-free dark chocolate chips, now is the time to fold them into your brownie batter. This step introduces an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes each bite even more enjoyable.
Ready to Bake: Transfer your brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth over the top for an even layer. This ensures your brownies cook uniformly and look as good as they taste.
Baking Time: 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.
Cool Down: After baking, it's important to allow the brownies to cool in the pan, for at least 20 minutes. This patience is key to letting them set properly, ensuring you get that coveted fudgy texture throughout.
Slice and Enjoy: With your brownies cooled, slice them into squares. These delicious treats offer a rich, chocolatey flavor complemented by a complex sweetness, perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful after-dinner dessert.
Hint: 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.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegan Egg: For vegan brownies, 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.
Milk Alternatives: Substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk, such as oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk, to suit your preference.
Oil Swap: Avocado oil or olive oil are excellent alternatives to coconut oil for moisture. If not strictly dairy-free, melted butter or ghee can also be used, offering a rich flavor.
Add-Ins: Enhance your brownies with coconut flakes or larger chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor and varied texture.
Topping: Add nuts or chocolate chunks to the top of the brownies just before baking adding both flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Storage
If you have any leftover brownies you will want to keep them fresh and delicious; storing them properly is key. Place cooled brownies in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and fudginess. If you're stacking them, separate layers with beeswax wrap, a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap, which helps to avoid sticking without adding waste. While aluminum foil might seem convenient, it's best to avoid it as it can affect the flavor and is less eco-friendly.
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in beeswax wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This method ensures they stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven for a just-baked taste.
Top tip
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.
FAQ
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, but it's a practical substitution for those looking to avoid milk due to allergies or dietary preferences. The key is to maintain the liquid balance in the recipe to ensure your brownies still come out moist and delicious.
There are several substitutes for milk in brownies, including plant-based milks such as almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. Each alternative can add a unique flavor profile to your brownies, with the added benefit of keeping the recipe dairy-free. Additionally, for those not avoiding dairy for allergy reasons, but out of preference or necessity, using water is also an option.
While water alone cannot directly replace the binding and leavening properties that eggs provide in brownies, 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.
Related
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More Recipes
Recipe
Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies
Equipment
- Measuring cup and spoons
- 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 of 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.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the brownies fudgy.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our dairy-free brownie journey, we hope this recipe becomes a cherished addition to your baking collection. These brownies prove that indulging in your chocolate cravings can still align with a health-conscious lifestyle, offering a delicious compromise between flavor and nutrition.
We're eager to see how your dairy-free delights turn out, so please share your culinary creations on social media and inspire others with your baking prowess. Remember to bookmark this recipe for future reference, ensuring a sweet treat is never far from reach.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, so drop us a comment about your baking experience. Whether you followed the recipe to the letter or added your own twist, we'd love to hear about it.
For those interested in more than just recipes, signing up for our newsletter offers a wealth of knowledge on healthy living, including more dairy-free and gluten-free treats, tips, and community insights.
Let's keep the oven warm and the baking spirit alive. Here's to creating more delicious, dairy-free moments together!
Be well,
Natalie
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!
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!