Ooey-gooey, super chocolatey, over-the-top Fudgy, Vegan AND Gluten-Free Brownies! They are pure dessert perfection on a plate. Just make sure you don't tell anyone that they're packed with healthy superfoods, mmm-kay?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
This post is sponsored by Cacao Bliss. All opinions are 100% mine.
When it comes to brownies, you're on one of two teams: Team Cake-y, where you value loft and crumb over chocolate density, and Team Fudgy, where the denser and richer the square, the better. I am squarely and unapologetically a member of Team Fudgy.
These melt-in-your-mouth fudgy brownies are so chocolatey you'll wonder how they can possibly hold their shape. I mean, they basically taste like brownie batter, and that's just how I like them! And because the flavor is so intensely rich, there is no need for anything fussy like frosting. They're perfect just the way they are!
Before you start thinking I'm ruining your diet, I should mention that these yummy treats are vegan, gluten-free, and packed with superfoods like cacao, turmeric, cinnamon, and flax. While I wouldn't go so far as to claim that these brownies are healthy - they're dessert, after all - they definitely have their place in a healthy, balanced diet.
If you're a chocoholic like me and have been on the hunt for the perfect vegan and gluten free brownies, I'm happy to announce your search is over. Grab your supplies and meet me in the kitchen!
Recommended Ingredients
This yummy brownie recipe requires fewer than 10 ingredients, and I can bet that you already have the bulk of them in your pantry. Best of all, this recipe is highly versatile.
Here is everything you need.
Ingredient Notes
- Almond Butter - Almond Butter is my nut butter of choice, but you can easily swap in peanut butter, cashew butter, or even hazelnut butter. If you're nut free, try tahini or sunbutter.
- Chocolate Chips - It is important to get quality chocolate. It should be high in cocoa percentage (at least 70%), bittersweet or semi-sweet, and should be made with few, high-quality ingredients. Your choice in chocolate will greatly impact the taste and texture of these browines.
- Cacao Bliss - This incredible superfood powder is a mix of 10 healthy ingredients, including cacao, turmeric, black pepper, and MCT oil. I love getting so many different health benefits from just one scoop! Read more about it below.
- Almond Flour - If you are nut free, this post has options for you.
- Flax Eggs - This is the binder of the recipe and it packs in a ton of nutrients. However, if you don't have flax seeds, feel free to replace this with equal amounts of chickpea flour egg or ½ cup applesauce. For more options, check out my complete guide to replacing eggs.
- Coconut Oil - While I recommended coconut oil, any neutral flavored oil works.
What is Cacao Bliss?
A healthy alternative to chocolate, Cacao Bliss is a satisfying nutritional supplement that you will love! With 10 powerful superfoods in one package, this organic, gluten-free, and soy-free powder has become a staple in my cooking. It's an easy way to get my chocolate fix, all without any added sugar or strange ingredients, at just 35 calories per serving!!
Aside from being wildly delicious, Cacao Bliss is a nutritional powerhouse! Here is a breakdown of the ingredients (and their health benefits!) in this amazing product:
- Raw Cacao - supports your body's natural ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range, keep you satiated and promote optimal carbohydrate metabolism.*
- Turmeric - fights temporary inflammation related to physical exercise, improves digestion, dissolves stubborn fat, and soothes occasional anxiety and stress.*
- Black Pepper - to maximize your results by increasing the "bioavailability" of the Turmeric by up to 2,000%.*
- MCT Powder - to help you feel satiated longer, making it easier for your body to release stubborn fat deposits.*
- Cinnamon - improves your body's ability to digest glucose, and reduces your desire for sugary treats.*
- Monk Fruit - helps satisfy your sweet tooth as well as sugar, with zero calories and no ill effect on your blood sugar.*
- Coconut Nectar - acts as a prebiotic and feeds the healthy gut bacteria in your lower intestine.*
- Lucuma - adds a hint of caramel-like flavor and has body-repairing properties.*
- Mesquite - a sweet and nutty superfood that doesn't cause blood sugar spikes, and helps boost your immune system.*
- Himalayan Salt - contains over 84 minerals and trace elements, while helping to balance your pH levels.*
If that weren't convincing enough, Cacao Bliss is also incredibly versatile. Stir some into your morning coffee for a homemade healthy mocha, use it for making desserts like cookies or pudding, or use it in my delectable vegan smoothie!
Seriously, just do yourself a favor and buy some. And now is your lucky day!! Use this link to get 15% off your order with the coupon code "DARLING"
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One - Make the Flax Eggs
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess paper hang over the edges. Spray parchment paper with cooking oil.
Using a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor, blend the flax seeds into a fine meal. Add 6 tablespoons of water and mix together. Let sit 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients. The flax seeds will absorb the water and get thick and gelatinous.
Step Two - Melt the Chocolate
In a medium saucepot melt coconut oil and almond butter, whisking together. Once melted, remove from heat and gently fold in ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Once the chocolate has melted, stir in the vanilla extract and flax eggs.
Step Three - Remaining Ingredients & Bake
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, Cacao Bliss, baking soda, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until the batter is evenly hydrated. Fold in the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading as evenly as possible.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until mostly set. They should be slightly underdone (remember: the key word here is fudgy). Remove brownies from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serving and Storing
Serving - I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of serving my brownies nice and warm, preferably with a cold glass of oat milk or a big scoop of vegan ice cream (or both, if it's been a particularly rough day). These fudgy gluten-free brownies are also perfectly delightful all on their own at room temperature.
Storing - If you have leftovers, your willpower is stronger than mine. That said, these vegan brownies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Defrost on the countertop before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Properly line your baking tin for a mess free bake. If your parchment paper is fighting you, simply crumple it up into a tiny ball. Now unroll it and press it into the pan. It should now do your bidding. Don't forget to use nonstick cooking spray as a backup measure. These fudgy brownies are not messing around.
- Want to add some crunch? Feel free to add in up to a cup of toasted nuts or dried fruit to customize your brownies. Walnuts may be classic, but I'm partial to pecans and almonds.
- Don't overbake! Fudgy brownies are going to look underdone when you pull them out of the oven, and that is entirely okay. Resist the urge to wait for a clean toothpick or you'll end up with dry, crumbly brownies instead.
- Short on time? Buy pre-ground flaxseed (aka flax flour) to make your flax eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flax eggs are a popular substitute for chicken eggs in vegan baking. 1 Tablespoon of Ground Flax + 3 Tablespoons Water = 1 Flax Egg. You can easily scale this recipe up as needed. Be sure to give the water and flax about 10 minutes to sit and congeal to achieve the right consistency.
Sure! Feel free to opt for another gluten free flour mix that works for you.
Great question! You can head on over to the Earth Echo website to check out all their amazing products. Use this link to get 15% off your order with the coupon code “DARLING”
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
- 3-Ingredient Vegan Pecan Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Pudding
Make sure to check out all my vegan dessert recipes for more inspiration.
Easy Gluten-Free Brwonies
Ingredients
- 2 flax eggs
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup Cacao Bliss
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Blend the flax seeds into a fine meal. Add 6 tablespoons of water and mix together. Let sit 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, Cacao Bliss, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepot melt coconut oil and almond butter, whisking together. Once melted, remove from heat and gently fold in ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Once the chocolate has melted, stir in the vanilla extract and flax eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until the batter is evenly hydrated. Fold in the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading as evenly as possible.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until mostly set. They should be slightly underdone. Remove brownies from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Properly line your baking tin for a mess free bake. If your parchment paper is fighting you, simply crumple it up into a tiny ball. Now unroll it and press it into the pan. It should now do your bidding. Don’t forget to use nonstick cooking spray as a backup measure. These fudgy brownies are not messing around.
- Want to add some crunch? Feel free to add in up to a cup of toasted nuts or dried fruit to customize your brownies. Walnuts may be classic, but I’m partial to pecans and almonds.
- Don’t overbake! Fudgy brownies are going to look underdone when you pull them out of the oven, and that is entirely okay. Resist the urge to wait for a clean toothpick or you’ll end up with dry, crumbly brownies instead.
Nutrition
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the
TD says
I meant to say that I would stick with both my usual oil (grapeseed) and my usual cacao. That said, I reiterate: YUM!!
Tracy Ross says
How is coconut oil a superfood? It's mostly saturated fat, raises bad cholesterol, and advised against by the American Heart Association among many others.
Claudia says
Hi !! Can I use Carob Powder instead Cacao Bliss?
Sarah McMinn says
Cacao Bliss is slightly sweetened with monk fruit extract so you would have to add additional sweetener to the recipe.
Kelly Vollmer says
Question I dont see how much Flax seeds ot Flax meal to use for this recipe?
Erin says
Sarah talks about it earlier in the post. Flax eggs are a popular substitute for chicken eggs in vegan baking. 1 Tablespoon of Ground Flax + 3 Tablespoons Water = 1 Flax Egg.