Gluten-Free Cocoa Brownies (No Choc Chips Required)
These gluten-free cocoa brownies are the ultimate 'back pocket' recipe - easy to whip up in one bowl, and made with simple pantry staples. No chocolate? No problem. Just rich cocoa flavor and chewy, fudgy texture in every bite.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time22 minutes mins
Total Time32 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brownie
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 127kcal
Preheat your oven to 180°C fan-forced (350°F).Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.
Sift in the cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, and salt until just combined. (Add in the optional coffee powder here if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 (start checking at 20 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Gluten-Free Brownie Tips:
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Want fudgier brownies? Bake closer to 20 minutes. For cakier ones, go toward 25.
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Use good cocoa powder – Dutch-process or natural both work, but a rich one will enhance flavor.
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Add-ins optional – you can mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or swirl in nut butter if desired.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp, or freeze for longer.
Optional Variations:
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Dairy-free: Use melted dairy-free butter or neutral oil (e.g. light olive oil or canola).
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Lower sugar: You can reduce sugar slightly to ¾ cup total, though it will impact the texture and fudginess.
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Double batch: Want more? Double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13-inch pan for about 30 minutes.
Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 207IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg