With my daughter’s gluten sensitive, I’ve tested out a lot of gluten free recipes- and a lot of gluten free brownies. The problem is, I’m a classically trained baker and I like to bake like it. I like flour and finely ground sugar and pure butter and I love the results. This leaves me with a bias towards old school baking. So many “great” gluten free recipes, make my baker’s heart quite sad. However, I will say that Paleo friendly treats made with almond flours or cassava flours really do give a great result. These gluten free brownies are my go-to brownie recipe and what I often make for guests or bring to parties. I know they’re simple to make, give a great result, and can please any gluten free party guest (as well as my daughter) I hope you love them too.
Related: How to bake healthier: Nine essential baking alternatives
Why these ingredients work for mental clarity and energy:
- Almond Flour
A great source of magnesium and healthy fats—both crucial for calming the nervous system and supporting steady energy levels. Almonds are also rich in vitamin E, which plays a role in cognitive health. - Dark Chocolate
Naturally rich in flavonoids and mood-boosting compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine. High-quality chocolate can increase serotonin levels and improve blood flow to the brain. - Coconut Oil
A quick-burning fat that fuels the brain and stabilizes blood sugar. Coconut oil is metabolized efficiently for energy without the crash. - Eggs
Packed with choline and B vitamins, eggs are essential for neurotransmitter function and mood regulation. They also provide complete protein for lasting satiety. - Coconut Sugar
A more stable sweetener that won’t spike blood sugar as dramatically. It also contains trace minerals like zinc and iron. - Dutch cocoa Powder
A natural source of polyphenols that may reduce inflammation and support cognitive performance. - Walnuts
- A standout brain food. Rich in omega-3s and polyphenols that support cognition and help reduce symptoms of depression.
Related: The Quiet Mind Kitchen: Cooking for better mental health
Are gluten-free brownies healthy?
Guys, I really hate the word “healthy”, since it is so misused and overused. I’ve shared more on my thoughts on that in this post. However, Gluten-free brownies can be healthy, depending on the ingredients used. Many store-bought or traditional versions swap out wheat flour but still contain refined sugars and oils. However, homemade versions—like the almond flour brownies above—are made with real, nutrient-dense ingredients that support blood sugar balance, brain health, and energy. Ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and dark chocolate provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals that help reduce inflammation and support mood and focus. More information on how to choose quality ingredients for your recipes can be found here. So yes, gluten-free brownies can be a more nourishing option—especially when made with whole food swaps.
Related: How to bake healthier: 9 essential baking swaps
How are brownies gluten-free?
Brownies are considered gluten-free when they’re made without wheat, barley, or rye—grains that contain the protein gluten. Instead, gluten-free brownies use alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free flour blends. These swaps allow people with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or those choosing to avoid gluten for inflammation or mental health reasons to still enjoy dessert—without compromising on texture or flavor.
Can a gluten-free flour blend be used as a substitute?
Yes, a gluten-free flour blend can often be used as a substitute for regular flour in brownie recipes—but results may vary depending on the blend. Look for one labeled “1:1” or “cup-for-cup” to get the best texture. Keep in mind: different blends contain different ingredients (like rice flour, tapioca starch, or xanthan gum), which may affect taste and density. While almond flour adds protein, fiber, and healthy fats, a flour blend is more neutral and closer to traditional wheat-based brownies in taste. Either can work—it just depends on your nutritional goals and preference for texture.
Related: Do I need to go gluten free for my mental health?
What is the secret to gluten-free baking?
The secret to great gluten-free baking is balancing moisture, structure, and flavor. Since gluten gives baked goods their elasticity and chew, gluten-free recipes often need a mix of:
- Moisture-rich ingredients (like eggs, oil, or yogurt),
- Binding agents (like xanthan gum, psyllium husk, or flaxseed),
- And flours with enough structure and flavor (like almond flour or oat flour).
Another tip? Don’t over bake! Baked goods made with gluten free flour blends can dry out quickly, so pull them from the oven when they’re just barely set for the best texture. Because almonds are rich in fatty acids, they don’t actually dry out like tradition gluten free flour blends.
Check outwore of my favorite gluten free recipes here: Gluten free recipes
How long can you store these Gluten Free Brownies?
Like I mentioned above, the fatty acids present in the almond flour help to keep these brownies very moist. This allows for these brownies to last longer on the counter than your old school traditional brownies- No dried out crumbly brownies after a day or 2. These brownies will last
How to make The Best Gluten Free Brownies:
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (can sub butter, avocado oil, or ghee)
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar (can sub brown, or maple sugar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup finely ground almond flour
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder*
- 1/4 tsp salt
To mix in:
- 2/3 cup additional chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Optional: coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a small saucepan, gently melt chocolate and oil over low heat until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is slightly lighter in color and passes the ribbon test.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Start toasting walnuts if desired
- Stir the egg/sugar mixture into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Add vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the remaining chocolate chips and walnuts (see note) reserve some for sprinkling on the top
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–24 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, if using, and allow to cool before slicing.
Note: Walnuts can be toasted at 300* for about 5 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
The Best Gluten Free Brownies (Paleo, Gluten free, Dairy free)
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 8×8 ni baking pan
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil can sub butter, avocado oil, ghee
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar can sub white, brown, or maple sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup finely ground blanched almond flour
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder*
- 1/4 tsp salt
- To mix in:
- 2/3 cup additional chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted (optional)
- Optional: coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is slightly lighter in color, and passes the ribbon test. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients–almond flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- 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.
- Work at toasting the walnuts if desired.
- Stir in the dry ingredients and fold until just mixed.
- Fold in the additional chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on the top, if you like.
- Pour batter into your prepared pan
- Bake at 350 degrees 20-24 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should only come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt, if using, and allow brownies to cool before slicing.
Notes
*This post may contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do not recommend any products that I have not personally vetted.*
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