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The Perfect Gluten Free Brownies

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The PERFECT Gluten-Free Brownies – These almond flour brownies are everything I’m looking for. They’re fudgy and rich, chocolatey and delicious, all without gluten, grains, or dairy! (Paleo-friendly)

Front view of gluten-free brownie squares stacked up on a white plate

Post updated Jan 2023. Originally posted March 2015. 

It’s hard to believe we’ve been gluten-free for almost EIGHT years! Back when we were getting started, gluten-free dairy-free baking felt a bit like the wild west since there weren’t a ton of gluten-free blogs out there. (Yes, I feel 9,000 years old typing that.) At the beginning, gluten-free baking involved a lot of experimenting, a lot of mistakes, and some pretty serious flops.

That’s part of what made these gluten-free brownies feel so magical all those years ago. They were one of the first gluten-free baking recipes we just NAILED. They taste INCREDIBLE.

They were everything I was missing and craving in a traditional brownie–fudgy and rich with gorgeous crackly tops and decadently chocolatey insides. I absolutely love them. I’ve made them countless times over our gluten-free years, enjoying them plain, dressing them up for the holidays with peppermint, tossing them into homemade ice cream, building epic sundaes with dairy-free hot fudge sauce…they’re the brownies I come back to over and over again.

They’re the almond flour brownies that just won’t let you down. Here’s what you’ll need to get started…

Overhead view of a white saucepan with ingredients for gluten-free brownies on a white background Close up view of gluten-free brownies topped with sea salt

Here’s What Goes Into Our Perfect Gluten-Free Brownies Recipe:

  • ALMOND FLOUR. Finely ground, blanched almond flour (not almond meal), is better than any other gluten-free flour I’ve tried for brownies. They get that gorgeous fudgy texture I love so much (I’m not a cake-y brownie fan), and I love that the flour isn’t empty calories. Instead, it’s just ground almonds!
  • UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER. To punch up that seriously chocolate flavor we’re looking for, I add a few tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. It works wonders! I’ve made these with both traditional unsweetened cocoa powder and Dutch-processed/dark cocoa powder. Both will work!
  • BAKING POWDER + SALT. A little salt helps balance those lovely flavors–don’t skip it! Then, to get that lovely puff, I add some baking powder. If you’re strictly paleo, you’ll need to use paleo-approved baking powder (that doesn’t contain cornstarch)
  • CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Most of the chocolate flavor and quite a bit of the structure of these gluten-free brownies comes from melting chocolate chips. I use allergy-friendly semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips like these or these, but you can use your favorite. These ones are naturally-sweetened and paleo-approved, but readers have also made them with stevia-sweetened chocolate chips and more!
  • COCONUT OIL (OR BUTTER OR VEGAN BUTTER OR AVOCADO OIL!). For the fat (which helps you get that dense fudgy texture), you can make your gluten-free brownies with melted coconut oil, butter, vegan butter, or avocado oil. They will all work in this recipe!
  • EGGS + COCONUT SUGAR. Another trick, which helps you get that gorgeous crackly top, is to whisk-whisk-whisk the eggs and coconut sugar together until they’re lighter in color and smooth. Don’t skimp here since it really helps with the texture! I’ve used coconut sugar in our gluten-free brownies, which is lower on the glycemic index, but if you don’t have it or like it, feel free to substitute white sugar, brown sugar, or even something like maple sugar. It will all work.
  • VANILLA. To round off the wet ingredients, you’ll add some vanilla to the gluten-free brownie batter. It really punches up the chocolate flavor!
  • MORE CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Lastly, I like folding in another 2/3 cup of chocolate chips. They’re DELIGHTFUL in the baked brownies, like little chocolatey surprises in every bite. If you prefer, you can use chopped nuts here instead.
Overhead view of a white baking dish with gluten-free brownies ready to go into the oven
Overhead view of a white baking dish with gluten-free brownies after baking

5 Tricks For The Best Gluten-Free Brownies:

The technique isn’t fussy, but I have found that following a few ground rules really helps guarantee success. Here are my best notes after years of making and enjoying these almond flour brownies…

  1. LINE YOUR PAN WITH PARCHMENT. Lining the baking dish with parchment means your brownies will lift easily out of the pan. I highly recommend using it whenever possible so your brownies will cut neatly and won’t stick to the pan. (See the video if you need a visual)
  2. WHISK THE EGGS + SUGAR LONG ENOUGH. WHISKING THE EGGS & SUGAR. You really don’t want to rush or skip this step, since it’ll help you achieve that delightful crackly top and will give your gluten-free brownies a bit more structure. When you whisk them and lift up the whisk, the mixture should stream down pretty evenly in “ribbons” rather than in big lumpy clumps. Also, when you rub the mixture between clean fingers, you shouldn’t feel much grit from the sugar. If you’re not there yet, just keep whisking! You’ll whisk for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is *slightly* lighter in color, streams down from the whisk in a smooth line (i.e. passing the ribbon test), and doesn’t feel gritty when rubbed between your fingers.
  3. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE THE FLOUR. If you want to be sure your brownies turn out here, you MUST use almond flour. Substituting coconut flour, almond meal, or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend WILL NOT give you the same results. (Coconut flour without adjusting other ingredients = dry crumbly brownies. Gluten-free all-purpose flour will have more dry/cakey texture.)
  4. DO NOT OVER-BAKE. My trick for decadently fudgy brownies (instead of cakey brownies) is always to pull them out when the center is juuuust about set. They’ll finish setting as they cool and won’t end up too crispy or dried out. It’s the biggest secret for fudgy gluten free brownies!
  5. COOL THEM BEFORE CUTTING. Trust me, I know how tempting it is to cut into warm, gooey gluten-free brownies, but I pinky promise that they will cut better and be more set if you can wait till they cool. You’ll actually get the neatest cut if you chill them in the refrigerator, but letting them cool completely on the counter will also help a lot.
overhead view of gluten-free brownies cut into squares and topped with sea salt.
Close up overhead view of gluten-free brownie squares

FAQ + Tips For The Best Gluten-Free Brownies:

BAKING POWDER VS. BAKING SODA. I’ve made batches of these gluten-free brownies with baking soda and some with baking powder. They are not typically interchangeable, so here’s what you should know:

  • BAKING POWDER: helps puff and often yields a more even surface. It’s what I use most often! It’s not a great choice for paleo eaters, since most baking powder contains cornstarch. (You can make your own paleo baking powder if you want!) I find the brownies made with baking powder typically get that nice crackly top, and are *slightly* less dense in the middles.
  • BAKING SODA. I originally used baking soda instead of baking powder in this almond flour brownie recipe because it’s paleo-friendly. When making the brownies with baking soda, you may notice that they puff quite a bit in the oven, then settle as they cool, leaving a delicious border around the edges. You also typically don’t see the same crackly top when you make them with baking soda.

COARSE SEA SALT. I LOVE adding a little coarse sea salt to the tops of my gluten-free brownies. The tiny hint of salt wakes up the chocolate and provides a nice balance of flavors. If you’re not a salt-with-sweet fan, feel free to skip it!

ALMOND FLOUR. There are a LOT of different brands and blends of almond flour and most of them produce different results. I recommend using a very finely ground blanched almond flour rather than a coarse grind or almond meal which is made with skins-on almonds. I’ve had good luck with Bob’s Red Mill, Honeyville, Hughson, Trader Joe’s blanched almond flour, and even Target’s brand.

Try Some Mix-Ins Or Toppings!

I love making these gluten-free brownies with chocolate chips mixed in, but you can also try any of these other yummy variations:

  • CHOPPED NUTS (toast them first for extra flavor!). Almonds, walnuts, pecans… yum!
  • TOFFEE BITS. If you’re not dairy-intolerant, toffee bits are delicious mixed into brownies!
  • COARSE SEA SALT. My favorite way to finish these brownies is with a few sea salt flakes.
  • MINI MARSHMALLOWS. Give these a bit of a s’mores vibe by adding mini marshmallows to the top of the baked brownies and broil for about 1 minute. Watch carefully to avoid scorching!
  • BROWNED BUTTER. If you tolerate dairy, making these with browned butter instead of regular melted butter adds a gorgeous caramel-y note!
  • WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Swap out the extra chocolate chips for some white chocolate chips (Extra yummy with crushed candy cane on top!)
Close up overhead view of gluten-free brownies cut into squares and topped with sea salt.
Overhead view of gluten-free brownie squares on a white plate

More Yummy Ways To Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving:

SHOP OUR FAVORITE TOOLS + INGREDIENTS FOR GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES HERE:

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Front view of gluten-free brownie squares stacked up on a white plate

The PERFECT Gluten-Free Brownies


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 150 reviews

  • Author: One Lovely Life
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These intensely fudgy almond flour brownies are SO GOOD no one will ever guess they’re also gluten, dairy AND grain free. They’re everything a brownie should be! 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I use dairy free chocolate chips)
  • 5 Tablespoons coconut oil (can sub butter, avocado oil, vegan butter, ghee)
  • 2/3 cup coconut sugar (can sub white, brown, or maple sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup finely ground blanched almond flour
  • 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder*
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

To mix in:

  • 2/3 cup additional chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (can sub nuts)

Optional: coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
  2. In a small saucepan, gently melt chocolate and oil over low heat until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is slightly lighter in color and until they pass the ribbon test (when you lift the whisk the mixture should stream down evenly in “ribbons.” If you rub the mixture between your fingers, it shouldn’t be gritty.) Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients–almond flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  5. When the melted chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the egg/sugar mixture into the saucepan of melted chocolate. Stir in vanilla and mix until smooth.
  6. Stir in the dry ingredients and fold until just mixed.
  7. Fold in the additional chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on the top, if you like.
  8. Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface.
  9. Bake at 350 degrees 20-24 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is still ever so slightly underdone. (The remaining heat should set the center as it cools.) A toothpick inserted in the center should only come out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Sprinkle with coarse salt, if using, and allow brownies to cool before slicing.

Notes

*For paleo, use paleo-approved baking powder, or you can substitute baking soda. (It’s not a perfect substitution–brownies made with baking soda will spread and have edges that are slightly raised from the centers.)

Don’t over-bake. My trick for fudgy brownies is always to pull them out when the center is juuuust about set. They’ll finish setting as they cool and won’t end up too crispy or dried out.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

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552 Comments

  1. Have you ever tried making these with coconut flour instead of almond flour? Just curious because I can’t have almonds. Thanks

    1. Jo – coconut flour isn’t a 1:1 substitute for any other flour, so you’d definitely need to adjust the amount. Coconut sugar absorbs several times its own volume of liquid, so if you directly substitute it here without making other adjustments, your brownies will be dry and crumbly.

  2. I’ve been on the hunt for a healthier brownie recipe that actually tastes good for … who knows how long 😂. It’s been a real struggle to find recipes that have that fudgey consistency and a sweet flavor, while also having better-for-you ingredients. I can officially say … the hunt is over! I made these yesterday and *literally* started jumping around in my kitchen after I tried a bite! I can’t tell you how much of a struggle it’s been to get excited about a recipe, only to be disappointed later when it doesn’t work. Healthy baking is hard and you have just made it so much better! It feels like life is officially complete! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!






  3. I don’t normally wind up posting reviews for recipes but I had to for this one because these brownies were absolutely delicious! I made them this afternoon just as directed except I used raw cane sugar, vegan butter and baking powder instead of soda (I also used bobs redmill non-blanched “natural” fine almond flour). They were truly the best homemade brownies I’ve ever made or had and you can’t even tell they’re gluten free in my opinion! Wonderful recipe thank you!






    1. Diana – WOW! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I’m SO glad you loved them as much as we do! They’re one of my all-time favorite desserts EVER. 🙂

  4. I never leave comments on recipes Ive tried because Im too lazy 😂 but this is worthy. This is the BEST brownies I have ever had, I made exactly as instructed. I cant even tell that they are GF. Excellent recipe






    1. Oh my GOODNESS! You’re the best! Thank you so much for making my day!!! (And THANK YOU for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it SO MUCH!)

  5. They are the perfect brownies! Arm workout to whisk the eggs and sugar but worth it! Did baking soda and powder but next time would stick to one! Mine were thin but maybe that was the pan or riding agents. So yummy !






  6. I usually never write reviews but this brownie is truly the most delicious, moist and fudgey gluten free brownies I’ve had/baked! My only issue is I’ve done this twice now but they never seem to set – they break off a lot but still taste ultra delicious. I’m using the exact same recipe except using raw brown sugar instead of coconut sugar – could be that I need to leave it in the oven a few minutes longer? But the fudge consistency comes out perfect it’s just that I’m not able to cut it into a nice piece

    1. Saachi – I’m so glad you like the brownies! They’re my absolute favorite. One of the best tips I’ve ever heard for slicing brownies neatly is to chill them first. It usually works for me! You might also appreciate some of these tips for slicing brownies. Hope that helps!

        1. Mary – I usually keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. If they’re in the fridge, I cover the pan with wrap or transfer them to an airtight bag. For the freezer, I put them in a freezer-safe bag. 🙂

    1. Is this the nicest comment or what!? I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. It made my day!

  7. I had never made gluten free brownies before and I looked at a lot of recipes beforehand. I liked the extra tips on this one and the photos.
    I have to say I have NEVER tasted such amazing brownies before in my life and my family demolished the pan in a couple hours.
    I used Bob’s ultra fine almond flour and put a chocolate glaze icing on top made with melted chocolate chips, Becel “butter”, icing sugar and used some boiling water to thin it.
    It did take (in my oven) about 35 min and the texture was perfect. I put roasted walnuts in mine and used the baking powder and they were still very fudgey and not cake like.
    This is a recipe I will make again and again!!






  8. Best brownie recipe, ever! Just made these and they turned out perfect. I baked for 20 mins. Also I used 4 tbs instead of 5 of coconut oil then greased the pan a little generously with coconut oil. I also subbed 1/2 of a 1/3 cup (filled 1/3 cup 1/2 way with almond flour and then the other 1/2 with coconut flour). I know they are not 1:1…but I like to sub a little of the almond in many of my recipes to take down the calorie load..next time I will experiment with 1/2 almond and half coconut. Simply perfection! Thank you so much for this recipe!! Can’t wait to try some of your other recipes! 🙂






      1. I’ve already passed along this recipe to at least 5 people! Also, I forgot to add that I did use the baking powder instead of soda and they turned out perfectly chewy as a brownie should be. Thank you again!
        🙏😊

    1. You can, though it will mess with the texture a bit. I typically don’t get quite the same crackly top with liquid sweeteners. 🙂

  9. I just made these for my family two days ago, they. were. AMAZING! I dare say the best brownies I have ever had, period. Thank you for this recipe! I just put another batch in the oven right now as a father’s day present to myself, haha! I will share them…reluctantly. BTW, I know my oven always takes longer than directions say, so I baked my first batch for 30 min. The edges did puff up a lot and were very crackly, but they cooled and set perfectly! Only three brownies survived their first hour of life (we made short work of the rest) so I chilled them overnight and they were even better the next day!






    1. Aaron, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! I appreciate it so much. I’m so glad you loved these brownies as much as we do–they never last long here either! (PS – Happy Father’s Day!)

      1. Thanks, Emily!

        I’ve recently tried some subs in your recipe:

        1) Monkfruit sweetener: This works great!

        To make dairy free and sugar free I combined (1) with:

        2) Tried Lily’s dairy free and stevia sweetened dark baking chocolate
        3) Tried Trader Joe’s vegan “butter” (mostly coconut oil and cashew milk)

        I was not thrilled about 2 and 3 in my recipe. I love coconut oil but not in my baked goods. Also they came out dry this time (maybe I overcooked and/or added too much baking soda by mistake…)

        Lastly: did some research and I suspect the best combos are CACAO with baking SODA and COCOA with Baking POWDER. I’m going to experiment with both and will report back.

  10. Thanks so much for this recipe! The first batch of these that I made, I used baking soda. The texture was nice and chewy, but like other reviewers, there was a significant issue with the brownies in the center of the pan collapsing. Because the texture was so delightful, I tried a few more batches with edits and here’s what made them predictably perfect: 1) Only use baking powder in this recipe if you want the entire pan evenly baked. Baking powder and baking soda are not interchangeable. 2) Double the cocoa powder and vanilla for a deeper chocolate flavor. 3) Sprinkle some Maldon salt on top. Amazing!






    1. I haven’t made them in a mini cupcake tray before. Typically, mini muffins tend to bake around 15 min or so, but brownies may work differently. I’d start checking them in the 12-15 min range, but I haven’t tried it before.

  11. These gluten free brownies are the bomb! I’ve been gluten-free since 2010, and I’ve tried a lot of recipes, but these take the cake (pardon the pun)! My husband is a huge brownie lover, and you can’t tell the difference between these and “regular” brownies made with white flour. I love the fact that they are nutritionally better as well as gluten free. Thank you for this, and I’ll be looking out for more “better for me” recipes on your site. Based on some of the reviews here, the brownies didn’t last long, but I just want everyone to know that they freeze well also.

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