Fudgy Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies

These decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies are truly irresistible. They have a crisp exterior and a luxuriously fudgy centre. This easy, reliable gluten-free brownie recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers and will quickly become a favourite.

cut brownies on a white bench with two small bowls of chocolate chips in the corner.

Why we love this recipe

With only a few straightforward steps you can bake brownies with an intense chocolate flavour and a reliably fudgy texture. These gluten-free brownies are dense and moist rather than cakey, delivering exactly the texture many people look for in a brownie.

Many recipes add nuts, but for the pure fudgy experience I prefer leaving them out. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, chopped walnuts or macadamias can be stirred into the batter before baking.

Ingredients in this recipe

ingredients in this recipe on a white background.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and the full method.

  • Dark cooking chocolate – choose a good quality dark chocolate for best flavour.
  • Unsalted butter – contributes to richness and a smooth texture.
  • Light brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
  • Eggs – provide structure and richness; large eggs are recommended.
  • Vanilla extract – use pure vanilla for the best aroma.
  • Corn flour (cornstarch) and rice flour – these gluten-free flours create the ideal brownie texture. If you prefer a different gluten-free flour blend, ensure it is suitable for baking.
  • White and milk chocolate chips – optional, but add extra pockets of melty chocolate throughout the brownie.

Step-by-step instructions

Start by preheating your oven and preparing a brownie tin lined with baking paper.

Steps showing melting chocolate and preparing batter.
Brownie batter and ready-to-bake tray.
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 27cm x 18cm (11″ x 7″) brownie tin with baking paper.
  2. Place the dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth, then remove from the heat. (You can also melt gently in short bursts in a microwave, stirring frequently.)
  3. Stir the brown sugar into the melted chocolate and butter until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  5. Sift the rice flour and corn flour together, then fold them into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, mixing gently so the batter stays even and smooth.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spread to an even thickness, and bake in the centre of the oven for around 40 minutes.
  8. To test for doneness, insert a very thin skewer or toothpick into the centre. For fudgy brownies you do not want the skewer to come out completely clean — it should have a little sticky batter attached. The top should be slightly risen and the edges set while the centre remains soft.
  9. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before cutting so the texture sets and slices hold together.
Up close shot of cooked and sliced brownies.

Tips for success and FAQs

For the richest flavour use a high-quality dark cooking chocolate, ideally around 70% cocoa if you prefer an intense chocolate taste.

How do I know when the brownies are cooked?
Brownies should be a little sticky on a thin skewer when removed from the oven. If the skewer comes out clean the brownies will be overbaked and more cake-like. Check from 30 minutes onward and then every five minutes until the desired texture is achieved.

How should I store them?
Once completely cool, store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Wrap cooled brownies tightly in cling film and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More delicious recipes to try

  • Chocolate Tiffin
  • Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
  • Chocolate Popcorn Bars
  • Chilli Chocolate Clusters
  • Homemade Chocolate Freckles
  • Full collection of chocolate recipes available from the same author

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies are excellent with tea or coffee, and they make a simple, satisfying snack. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic contrast of warm and cold — the melting ice cream and warm brownie make a delightful dessert.

Enjoy!
Alex

Originally published August 2018. Updated with new photos and additional information; the recipe itself remains unchanged.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies — Recipe Card

Summary: Crisp top, fudgy centre — a simple gluten-free brownie recipe that delivers intense chocolate flavour.

Prep time: 20 minutes • Cook time: 40 minutes • Total: 1 hour • Serves: 12

Ingredients

  • 125 gm (4.4 oz) dark cooking chocolate
  • 150 gm (2/3 cup) unsalted butter
  • 270 gm (1 1/3 cup) light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 130 gm (4.5 oz) white chocolate chips
  • 100 gm (3.5 oz) milk chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 50 gm (1/3 cup + 2 tsp) rice flour
  • 50 gm (1/3 cup + 2 tsp) corn flour (cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 27cm x 18cm (11″ x 7″) brownie tin with baking paper.
  2. Melt chocolate and butter together over a pan of gently simmering water or in short bursts in a microwave, stirring until smooth.
  3. Stir brown sugar into the melted chocolate and butter.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth.
  5. Sift rice flour and corn flour together, then fold into the chocolate mixture until combined.
  6. Stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla, then pour the batter into the prepared tin.
  7. Bake for about 40 minutes. Test with a thin skewer — it should come out slightly sticky for a fudgy centre.
  8. Cool completely in the tin before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Use a good quality dark cooking chocolate; approximately 70% cocoa yields a rich chocolate flavour.
  2. Choose finely milled rice flour to avoid any gritty texture; sift if unsure.
  3. Ensure corn flour is gluten-free if required; some products vary by brand and region.
  4. We recommend weighing ingredients for the most consistent baking results.

Nutrition estimate (per serve)

Calories: 344 kcal • Carbohydrates: 41 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 19 g • Saturated fat: 11 g • Sugar: 31 g

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.