If you’ve ever longed for a rich, decadent brownie but couldn’t enjoy one due to dietary restrictions, this dairy free brownie recipe is the perfect solution. Gone are the days of sacrificing flavor and texture for a healthier alternative. By removing dairy from the equation, this recipe opens up a world of indulgence that’s just as satisfying and delicious as the classic treat.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate square that’s free from dairy but still packed with intense, melt-in-your-mouth cocoa goodness. Whether you’re avoiding dairy due to lactose intolerance, following a vegan lifestyle, or simply exploring dairy-free baking options, this recipe will change the way you think about dessert. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy brownies that are as rich and satisfying as their traditional counterparts—without any dairy.
Why You’ll Love These Dairy Free Brownies
Crafted with care and the best ingredients, these brownies offer everything you adore about the classic treat.
- Allergy-Friendly: Perfect for those avoiding dairy, without losing out on the chocolatey richness.
- Healthier Alternatives: Coconut oil replaces butter, and coconut sugar lends a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, from vegan to gluten-free.
- Flawless Texture: Achieve the gooey center and crackly top that make brownies irresistible.
Ingredients for Dairy Free Brownies
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips – These are essential for achieving that rich, intense chocolate flavor. If you substitute with regular chocolate chips, you risk introducing dairy into the recipe, which defeats the purpose of making dairy-free brownies. Be sure to use certified dairy-free chocolate chips for the best results.
Refined Coconut Oil – Coconut oil replaces the dairy butter in this recipe, providing both moisture and richness without the dairy content. Opting for refined coconut oil ensures there’s no strong coconut flavor, allowing the chocolate to shine. If you need an alternative, vegetable oil or canola oil can be used, but the flavor may slightly differ.
Cassava Flour – Cassava flour is the best gluten-free flour for this recipe, providing a light, airy texture without altering the flavor. You can substitute it with other gluten-free all-purpose flours, but the texture might be slightly different, so it’s important to experiment.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This adds the perfect chocolate flavor without introducing sweetness. Stick to unsweetened cocoa powder rather than sweetened cocoa mixes to keep the sweetness level in check.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (for folding into the batter) – These chips are folded into the batter at the end to give the brownies that signature gooey, melty chocolate texture. It’s essential to use dairy-free chips for this to remain a true dairy-free dessert.
How to Make Dairy Free Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the edges with coconut oil. This ensures the brownies are released cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Combine 2/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, beat the coconut sugar and eggs using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the signature crackly top.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cassava flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure the mixture is free of any lumps for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar and eggs, folding gently to combine. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Finally, stir in the additional 1/3 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. To maintain a fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake the brownies.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool fully in the pan before slicing them into squares. This patience pays off with cleaner cuts and the perfect texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Dairy Free Brownies
Making the perfect dairy free brownies is easier than you think, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking game. Whether you’re new to dairy-free baking or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you achieve brownies that are rich, fudgy, and packed with flavor.
1. Measure Accurately:
To make sure your dairy free brownies have the perfect texture, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. For flour, use the spoon-and-level method, where you spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge. This prevents the flour from being packed too tightly, which can lead to dense, dry brownies. Accurate measurements are key to achieving that light, moist texture that everyone loves in dairy free brownies.
2. Cool the Chocolate Mixture:
One important tip when making dairy free brownies is to allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs. If the chocolate is too hot, it could scramble the eggs, which would result in an uneven batter. Letting the chocolate cool down a little ensures that the mixture remains smooth and consistent, giving your dairy free brownies that perfect velvety texture.
3. Don’t Overmix:
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients for your dairy free brownies, avoid overmixing. Stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can create tough, dense brownies, and we all know that dairy free brownies should be soft and fudgy. A gentle hand will help preserve the ideal crumb and texture.
4. Test Early:
It’s important not to overbake your dairy free brownies. Check the brownies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can make your dairy free brownies dry, so keep an eye on the clock to ensure you get that perfect fudgy consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can slip up. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into warm brownies may result in a gooey mess. Let them set completely.
- Using Low-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality, dairy-free chocolate for the best flavor.
- Overbaking: This can lead to dry brownies. Keep an eye on the timer and your toothpick test.
Variations to Try for Dairy Free Brownies
Make these brownies uniquely yours with creative additions:
- Nut Lovers: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne or chili powder complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Zesty Touch: Fold in orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Serving Suggestions
Take your brownies to the next level with these serving ideas:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair warm brownies with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
- Drizzle with Ganache: Melt dairy-free chocolate with a splash of almond milk for a luscious topping.
- Layered Parfait: Crumble brownies into a glass with coconut yogurt and berries for a fancy treat.
How to Store Dairy Free Brownies
These brownies are so delicious, that they might not last long once you’ve made them, but if you need to store them for later, there are a few simple and effective methods to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature:
If you plan to enjoy your brownies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Place the brownies in an airtight container to protect them from air exposure, which could dry them out. Make sure the container is sealed well, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Under these conditions, your brownies will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Be sure to avoid storing them near heat sources like ovens or stoves, as heat can cause the brownies to dry out more quickly.
Refrigeration:
If you want to extend the freshness of your brownies, refrigeration is the way to go. After allowing the brownies to cool completely, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can refrigerate them for up to a week without sacrificing much of their texture or flavor. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause them to firm up slightly, but once they come to room temperature or are warmed up, they will return to their delicious, fudgy state. If you like them warm, a quick reheating in the microwave will bring back the gooey texture.
FAQs About Dairy Free Brownies
Are all brownie mixes dairy-free?
No, many store-bought mixes contain milk powder or butter. Always check labels or opt for this homemade recipe to ensure it’s dairy-free.
Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil?
Yes, olive oil works as a substitute and adds a slightly fruity flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
What makes brownies dairy-free?
Replacing butter and milk with alternatives like coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate keeps the recipe free of dairy while maintaining richness.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute cassava flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour for a similar texture.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Dairy free brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 2/3 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup refined coconut oil
- 1 1/3 cups coconut sugar
- 2/3 cup cassava flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup additional dairy-free dark chocolate chips to fold into the batter
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the edges with coconut oil to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- Combine 2/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round, until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Eggs
- In a large mixing bowl, beat coconut sugar and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates the signature crackly top.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cassava flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, making sure there are no lumps.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar and eggs. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then mix in the additional 1/3 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for clean cuts and the perfect texture.