This recipe for gluten-free brownies yields a rich, chocolaty, and cake-like treat that allows you to customize the level of decadence and style according to your preferences. Once you try this tried-and-true recipe, you won't have to rely on pre-made gluten-free brownie mixes anymore.
I've included instructions for making thick and fudgy GF brownies or frosted cake-like gluten-free brownies. I've also included instructions for lots of other dietary adjustments.
Lately, I've been ensuring I have all the staple gluten-free recipes for you. Some of my favorite staple gluten-free recipes are my Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, Gluten-Free Pancakes, and Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes. They are all simple to make, like this gluten-free brownie recipe.
Udemy offers a variety of gluten-free courses designed to help you learn how to cook delicious gluten-free meals and better understand the health benefits of a gluten-free diet.
GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES RECIPE
Gluten-Free Brownies are one of my favorite chocolate treats to bake because they are quick to put together, and everyone loves them. You can enjoy this recipe as is, or if you can't have dairy, you can make them gluten-free, dairy-free brownies with a few easy swaps.
Here are a few brownie recipes if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. If you can't consume eggs, I have a gluten-free, vegan brownie recipe you'll love. If you want to try a flourless recipe, you'll want to make my flourless brownies. I also have a delicious grain-free hazelnut brownies recipe and a gluten-free, vegan mug brownie - can you tell we love brownies?
Or else try this gluten-free peppermint brownie ice cream cake, and don't forget the gluten-free blondies too!
The ingredients in this gluten-free brownie recipe are easy to find and so simple. So get them ready, and let's go!
Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Brownies
Incredibly Moist and Fudgy Brownies - These delicious fudgy brownies are incredibly moist, thanks to the perfect combination of ingredients.
Only Takes One Bowl - This recipe only requires one bowl, making it a hassle-free option when you want to add a delicious dessert cuisine to a luncheon without creating a pile of dishes.
Easy to Make - Making the best gluten-free brownies is super easy. No complicated steps or fancy techniques are required!
Common Ingredients - Most of the ingredients required for the best gluten-free brownies are probably already in your pantry.
INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES
Sugar - Granulated sugar gives us pure sweetness. These baked brownies are sweet but not too sweet. Do not use brown sugar.
Butter - 1 and a half sticks of butter, melted and cooled just slightly to room temperature, will be perfect here. Lots of butter means tastier baked goods! Make this recipe dairy free by using dairy-free butter.
Cocoa Powder - For the best-baked brownies, use a good quality, gluten-free, unsweetened cocoa powder.
Eggs - Eggs help to bind all of the other ingredients together. Allow your eggs to come to room temperature so that they incorporate better.
Milk - Milk is the liquid that helps to create the perfect brownie batter.
Vanilla Extract - A good quality gluten-free vanilla extract helps bring out the cocoa flavor even more.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend - I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking flour. You can't use almond flour. Almond flour works differently in recipes.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder - I use a little bit of each to get the texture and rise that I want in my brownies.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chips - these are optional, but I love the extra chocolate flavor that they provide to these chocolate brownies. You can even use dark chocolate chips for that extra chocolate flavor.
Equipment Needed for These Perfect Gluten-Free Brownies
Large mixing bowl - I like to use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients for the gluten-free brownie batter.
Whisk or spatula - You will need a whisk or spatula to mix the ingredients in the bowl until well combined.
Square baking pan - Use a 13x9x2” baking pan to pour the brownie batter into and bake in the oven.
If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Brownies, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES
- Preheat your oven and add the sugar, melted butter, and cocoa to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix until combined. The batter will be runny.
- Add the gluten-free flour (not almond flour), baking soda, and baking powder, and mix until combined.
- If you want fudgy gluten-free brownies, add in the optional chocolate chips and stir until combined.
- Pour your gluten-free brownie batter into a pan.
- Bake until the center is set. If desired, frost with icing for frosted gluten-free brownies.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.
TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES
Always double-check that your ingredients are gluten-free - Also, ensure they haven't passed the expiration date.
If possible, use room-temperature ingredients - The ingredients mix better and coat the flour better.
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend - I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Flour for this recipe. When measuring your gluten-free flour, spoon your flour into your measuring cup, then level. Don't scoop then level.
Let your oven sit for 5 minutes after the preheat cycle is complete - This step is important to allow the oven temperature to even out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Variations Can I Make to This Gluten-Free Brownie Mix?
It's easy to make gluten-free brownies from scratch and much less expensive than purchasing a gluten-free brownie mix at the store. The best part about this recipe is that it's flexible. Check below for the type of brownies that you want to make.
Gluten-free Cake Brownies -For gluten-free cake brownies, pour your batter into a 9X9 square baking pan and bake for 28-35 minutes. Reducing the pan size delivers thicker GF brownies. The air pockets formed during baking in a smaller pan give these brownies an extra lift, making them more cake-like.
Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies - If you want more of a fudgy gluten-free brownie, follow the directions below the recipe card using a 13 X 9 pan or a 15 X 10 pan and add in the optional chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt and weigh down the batter slightly, delivering a more fudge-like brownie.
Can I Add Any Mix-Ins To The Gluten-Free Brownie Mix?
Absolutely! You can add different mix-ins and toppings to your gluten-free brownies, including:
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Toffee bits
- Chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Browned butter
- Coarse sea salt
How Do I Make Gluten-Free Brownie Mix?
Did you know that you can mix the dry ingredients for gluten-free brownies and store them as a gluten-free brownie mix? Simply place your dry ingredients in a jar or a container, and when you are ready to bake your best GF brownies, add in the wet ingredients and bake as directed. You can even add the chocolate chips to your dry gluten-free brownie mix before storing them.
What Frosting Can I Use On These Gluten-Free Brownies?
If you're like me, then you appreciate a good frosted gluten-free brownie. If you do want to frost gluten-free brownies, you can either use your favorite frosting or you can mix up the frosting from my gluten-free chocolate cake and use it.
How Do I Make Gluten-free Dairy-Free Brownies?
For this recipe, I've tested making gluten-free, dairy-free brownies with dairy-free butter, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips, which taste delicious. I haven't tried making this dairy-free using oil. I imagine it'd be even closer to a cake texture.
Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies by slicing them and placing them in a ziplock bag. The best way to do this is to squeeze out any excess air and freeze it for up to 2 months.
How Do I store gluten-free brownies?
You can store gluten-free brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I replace the eggs with flax eggs?
Yes, replacing eggs with flax eggs in this gluten-free brownies recipe should work just fine.
What do gluten-free brownies taste like?
If you make gluten-free brownies with high-quality gluten-free flour and other classic ingredients such as cocoa powder, gluten-free brownies can taste just like regular brownies. It's true; when using this recipe, you won't be able to tell the difference!
Why do gluten-free brownies fall apart?
Gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum acts like a binder in gluten-free baked goods and maintains its structure. Without it, your gluten-free brownies will probably crumble.
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking flour that I use in this recipe contains xanthan gum and prevents your brownies from falling apart.
Can I replace the butter with oil in this recipe?
You can, but remember that it will change the texture of your gluten-free brownies.
Should I Use Salted or unsalted butter?
We used salted butter in this recipe. You could also use unsalted butter and then add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter.
What Is The Best Type Of Pan To Bake Gluten-Free Brownies In?
My recommendation is to use a metal baking pan if possible. Metal pans help conduct heat better when making brownies. You can also use a glass 9x13 pan.
Again, if you have any questions about making gluten-free brownies, please let me know. I've given you instructions on making frosted gluten-free brownies, fudgy gluten-free brownies, and gluten-free cake brownies.
This easy gluten-free brownies recipe is pretty versatile, and no matter which brownie you prefer, you are going to love this recipe.
Baking for a non-gluten-free crowd? Try this recipe for Sweet Potato Brownies.
Gluten-Free Brownies
Indulge in rich, chocolaty, and cake-like Gluten-Free Brownies with this tried-and-true recipe. Forget about store-bought mixes forever.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks), melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup gluten-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in center
of oven. Grease a 13x9x2” pan; set aside. See notes below for different brownie options. - In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and cocoa.
- Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add in the flour, baking powder and baking soda.
- Optional: stir in chocolate chips if desired.
- Spread batter into the pan and bake for 28–30 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan on a wire rack. Frost if desired.
- Cut into brownies and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Always double-check that your ingredients are gluten-free and that they haven't passed the expiration date.
- If possible, use room-temperature ingredients. The ingredients mix better and coat the flour better.
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Flour for this recipe. - When measuring your gluten-free flour, spoon your flour into your measuring cup, then level, don't scoop, then level.
- Let your oven sit for 5 minutes after the preheat cycle is complete to allow the oven temperature to even out.
- Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Brownies - For this recipe, I've tested making gluten-free, dairy-free brownies with dairy-free butter, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. I haven't tried making this dairy-free using oil. I imagine it'd be even closer to a cake texture.
- For gluten-free cake brownies, pour your batter into a 9X9 square baking pan and bake for 28-35 minutes. Reducing the pan size delivers thicker GF brownies. The air pockets formed during baking in a smaller pan give these brownies an extra lift, making them more cake-like.
- If you want more of a fudgy gluten-free brownie, follow the directions below using a 13 X 9 pan or a 15 X 10 pan and add in the optional chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt and weigh down the batter slightly, delivering a more fudge-like brownie.
- Gluten-Free Brownie Mix - Did you know that you can mix the dry ingredients for gluten-free brownies and store them as a gluten-free brownie mix? Simply place your dry ingredients in a jar or a container and when you are ready to bake your GF brownies, add the wet ingredients and bake as directed. You can even add the chocolate chips to your dry gluten-free brownie mix before storing them.
- Frosted Gluten-Free Brownies - If you're like me, then you appreciate a good frosted gluten-free brownie. If you do want to frost gluten-free brownies, you can either use your favorite frosting or you can mix up the frosting from my gluten-free chocolate cake and use it.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.
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Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
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OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
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ChefAide 4 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, Cooking Baking Mixing
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Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9 x 13-Inch Oblong Cake Pans, Set of 2, Steel Cake Pans
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Rodelle Organic Baking Cocoa Powder Dutch Processed 25 Oz.
-
Rodelle Organics Baker's Extract 16oz
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Bobs Red Mill, Baking Flour 1 To 1 Gluten Free, 22 Ounce
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Did you make this gluten-free brownie recipe? Please leave a starred rating and a comment below letting me know which way you made them, what flour blend you used, and what you thought!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @glutenfreepalate on Instagram and hashtag it #glutenfreepalatebaker so we can see all the deliciousness!
Megan
Salted or unsalted butter?
Lindsay
We used salted butter in this recipe. You could also use unsalted butter and then add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the batter. Thanks for asking!
Ellen
I used the Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. I didn't have milk, but used Coconut milk. Everything else was the same as the recipe with choc chips. They came out awesome! My husband who needs gluten free ate 3 right away before even cooling off! That's a good indicator that they were great! It's hard to find gluten free recipes that taste like what we were used to before.
Thanks for the recipe!
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Ellen, we are so pleased your husband loved them. Thanks for commenting!
Peter
Just made the recipe and loved the results, however I have a question on the height of my bake. I used an 8 X 8.5 pan and needed to bake for 46 min and the middle rose quite high. The end result looked like a brownie cake, i.e. quite tall for brownies. Tasted great though. Can I reduce the baking soda or powder to get less lift when baking in an 8 X 8 pan? If so, what would your recommendations be?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Peter,
Reducing the pan size delivers thicker gf brownies. The air pockets formed during baking in a smaller pan gives these brownies an extra lift, making them more cake-like. I'm have not tested anything else you can do for a different result. But play around with the baking soda or reduce the amount of batter used in the pan. But as mentioned this is off the top of my head, not tested.
Mommalu
Made this recipe and plan to freeze for an upcoming event. I found it to be more cake-like than brownie, but it's delicious. No one will even know it's gluten free. Thanks.
Wendy Stoltz
You're welcome, Mommalu! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe. That's great to hear that it's delicious and gluten-free—perfect for your upcoming event. Your guests are in for a delightful surprise! Enjoy your event!
M Celiac
I’m looking forward to making these cakey brownies! A question: Instructions say use a square pan: 13 x 9 inches - but 13 x 9 is rectangular, not square. Shopping links are to the rectangular pan. Then your photo of the batter in pan and baked brownies shows an actual square pan (maybe 9 x 9 inches?). Which pan is right for the recipe?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi M Celiac,
Here is the excerpt from the post explaining it
Gluten-free Cake Brownies -For gluten-free cake brownies, pour your batter into a 9X9 square baking pan and bake for 28-35 minutes. Reducing the pan size delivers thicker GF brownies. The air pockets formed during baking in a smaller pan give these brownies an extra lift, making them more cake-like.
Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies - If you want more of a fudgy gluten-free brownie, follow the directions below the recipe card using a 13 X 9 pan or a 15 X 10 pan and add in the optional chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt and weigh down the batter slightly, delivering a more fudge-like brownie.