There’s something special about taking a bite of a warm, gooey brownie. I’ve always loved baking, but when I started cutting out gluten and dairy, finding a brownie recipe that hit all the right notes felt like an impossible mission. After a lot of trial and error (and a few batches that I’d rather forget!), I finally landed on this gluten free vegan brownies recipe that I can’t wait to share with you. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant, vegan, or love a good chocolate fix, these brownies will have you swooning. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Vegan Brownies
I get it—when you hear “gluten free” and “vegan,” you might picture something dry or tasteless. But trust me, these brownies are anything but that! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with them:
Rich and Fudgy Texture
You know that perfect brownie consistency—the one that’s dense, gooey, and slightly crisp on top? These brownies nail it. Thanks to a combination of good-quality cacao powder and melted dairy-free chocolate, you get that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Made with Wholesome Ingredients
There is no weird stuff here! I love knowing exactly what goes into my brownies. Ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and flaxseed egg make these treats both indulgent and nourishing.
Easy One-Bowl Recipe
Who has time for complicated recipes? Not me! This is a simple, one-bowl deal. Less mess, more deliciousness—win-win.
Perfect for Various Diets
Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, vegan, or just someone who loves chocolate (who isn’t?), these brownies are guaranteed to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve learned that the secret to great gluten-free, vegan baking is using quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend or Almond Flour : I usually go with a gluten-free flour blend, but if I’m in the mood for something extra moist, almond flour is my go-to. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Cacao Powder : I prefer using unsweetened cacao powder because it gives a richer chocolate flavor. If you have cocoa powder, that works, too—but cacao feels a little more special.
- Flaxseed Egg: Flax eggs are a lifesaver in vegan baking. Mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ve got a great egg substitute that holds everything together.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate and Coconut Oil: Melted dairy-free chocolate gives these brownies that luscious texture, while coconut oil keeps them moist. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can swap it for avocado oil.
- Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: I like using coconut sugar for a hint of caramel-like sweetness, but maple syrup works just as well. Plus, they’re both unrefined, which makes me feel better about indulging.
- Baking Powder: Just a bit of baking powder helps these brownies rise slightly, giving them the perfect balance between dense and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of chocolate desserts. Trust me, don’t skip it!
- Plant-Based Milk: I usually use almond or oat milk, but really, any plant-based milk will do the trick.
How to Make Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—baking! Here’s how I make these brownies step by step:
Prepare the Flax Egg
In a small bowl, I mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. After a few minutes, it turns into this gel-like consistency that works perfectly as an egg replacement.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, I whisk together 1 cup of gluten-free flour blend (or almond flour), ½ cup of cacao powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. It’s important to mix these well so the cacao doesn’t clump.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—I add the flax egg, ½ cup of melted dairy-free chocolate, ¼ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of coconut sugar, ¼ cup of plant-based milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, I stir it all together until I have a thick, smooth batter.
Bake to Perfection
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, and pouring in the batter. After about 25-30 minutes, I do the toothpick test—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Cool and Slice
The most challenging part is definitely waiting for the brownies to cool down! Once they’re completely cooled, I slice them into squares. It’s so worth the wait because they slice so much cleaner when cooled.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies
After making these brownies more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way:
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can make the brownies tough. I stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined, but not for more than a second.
Use High-Quality Dairy-Free Chocolate
Seriously, this makes such a difference. When you use good chocolate, the flavor is so much richer.
Let the Brownies Cool Completely
I know it’s hard to wait. But trust me, if you want clean slices and the best texture, let them cool thoroughly before cutting.
Store Properly
I keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I know I won’t finish them in time, I pop them in the fridge or even freeze them for later.
Variations and Add-Ins
What I really love about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Here are a few fun twists I’ve tried and enjoyed:
- Nutty Brownies : Sometimes, I’ll stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirling in some peanut butter before baking adds a fantastic flavor twist.
- Chocolate Chip Brownies: Adding ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips makes these brownies even more decadent.
- Coconut Brownies: A sprinkle of shredded coconut in the batter adds a fun texture and flavor.
FAQ Section About Gluten Free Vegan Brownies
Can I use almond flour instead of a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes! I’ve done it both ways, and almond flour gives a slightly more moist, delicate texture.
How do I make the brownies more fudgy?
If you want extra fudgy brownies, try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes and adding a bit more melted chocolate.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely. I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe container, and they keep beautifully for up to three months.
What’s the best way to store gluten-free vegan brownies?
I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For more extended storage, refrigerate or freeze.
Why did my brownies turn out crumbly?
Crumbly brownies usually mean they were overbaked or there was too much flour. Be sure to measure carefully and monitor the baking time.
Conclusion For Gluten Free Vegan Brownies
I hope you love these gluten free vegan brownies as much as I do! They’re one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something indulgent but still relatively healthy. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—drop a comment below or share your photos! And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out some of my other gluten-free and vegan recipes. Happy baking!
Want more brownie recipes?
Gluten Free Vegan Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a denser texture
- ½ cup cacao powder unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for flax egg
- 3 tablespoons water for flax egg
- ½ cup melted dairy-free chocolate
- ¼ cup coconut oil or avocado oil
- ½ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- ¼ cup plant-based milk almond, oat, or your choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
- In a big bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend (or almond flour), cacao powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the flax egg, melted dairy-free chocolate, coconut oil, coconut sugar (or maple syrup), plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir well until a smooth batter forms.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check: it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean). Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
- Give the brownies time to cool down thoroughly before cutting them into squares. This helps with cleaner cuts and ensures the perfect texture.
Notes
- For a more fudgy texture, Reduce the baking time by a few minutes and increase the melted chocolate slightly.
- Storage: Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated or frozen in individual slices for more extended storage.
- Customizations: For added flavor, feel free to add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), vegan chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter!