The ultimate treat for chocoholics and gluten-free eaters alike, these Flourless Fudgy Brownies are rich, moist, and deeply satisfying. Made with almond meal instead of flour, they bring a subtle nuttiness that complements the dark chocolate perfectly.
One bowl and a handful of pantry staples are all it takes to whip up this delicious dessert. The combination of rice flour and almond meal ensures the brownies stay dense and gooey in the best way. They’re simple to make, hard to mess up, and even harder to resist!
Full Recipe:
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1 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet melts
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85 g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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3/4 cup brown sugar (or white sugar)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 large eggs (55–60g each)
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2/3 cup almond meal or almond flour
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1/3 cup rice flour
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
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In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and salt. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
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Stir in vanilla and sugar, followed by the eggs. Mix until smooth.
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Add almond meal and rice flour. Stir until fully combined.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out moist but not wet.
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Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing. For neater slices, refrigerate and slice cold.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 16 pieces
Why Flourless Brownies Are More Than Just a Gluten-Free Option
When people think of brownies, they often imagine dense, chocolaty squares with a crisp top and rich, fudgy interior. Now imagine achieving all that without a single grain of flour. That’s the beauty of flourless brownies — they’re not just a gluten-free alternative; they’re a powerful contender in their own right. These brownies aren’t about cutting back or compromising — they’re about amplifying flavor and texture in ways traditional recipes can’t.
Flourless brownies are often seen through a dietary lens — gluten-free, paleo-friendly, lower in carbs. But once you take your first bite of a good flourless brownie, you’ll realize it’s not just about dietary needs. It’s about achieving a level of indulgence that’s deep, rich, and texturally satisfying. With a shorter list of ingredients and an emphasis on high-quality chocolate and natural binders like eggs and nut meals, flourless brownies bring chocolate to the forefront like never before.
The Role of Almond Meal in Creating Fudgy Perfection
Almond meal (or almond flour) is at the heart of this flourless brownie recipe. Unlike wheat flour, almond meal doesn’t contribute much structure — and that’s a good thing here. Instead, it adds moisture, richness, and a subtle nuttiness that enhances the deep chocolate flavor. Its natural oils keep the texture moist and prevent the brownies from drying out.
The slight graininess of almond meal (especially if you’re using meal made from whole almonds with skin) provides a rustic, homemade feel. For those who prefer a smoother texture, almond flour made from blanched almonds works beautifully too. Either way, you get a brownie that’s rich without being heavy, dense but not stodgy.
What’s more, almond meal adds a slight protein boost and healthy fats, making these brownies feel a bit more wholesome — even if they’re still a dessert!
How Rice Flour Lends Structure Without Compromising Texture
Adding a touch of rice flour to this brownie recipe creates just the right amount of structure to keep them from falling apart while still maintaining their signature gooey center. Rice flour is light and neutral, allowing the chocolate and almond flavors to shine without interference. It’s commonly used in gluten-free baking for precisely this reason — it provides support without the density that some other flours (like coconut or oat flour) can bring.
The result is a brownie that holds its shape when cut but still melts in your mouth. It also helps with the creation of that iconic brownie crust — the thin, crackly top layer that crunches just slightly before giving way to the soft center.
One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
One of the best parts of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a mixer, multiple bowls, or complicated techniques. Everything comes together in a single bowl, starting with melting butter and chocolate — a process that already fills the kitchen with a dreamy aroma. From there, it’s a matter of stirring in a few ingredients and popping the pan into the oven.
The low-fuss nature of this recipe makes it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up on a weeknight or prep quickly for a dinner party. Because there’s no worry about over-mixing or gluten development, it’s very forgiving — a rare trait in the baking world.
The Secret to That Crackly Brownie Top
If you’ve ever bitten into a brownie and fallen in love with that paper-thin, glossy crust on top, you’ll be happy to know this recipe delivers. The key is the melted sugar and egg combo — when mixed well, it creates a meringue-like layer that bakes into that sought-after crackle.
While many think flour is essential to this effect, the truth is that it’s all about how you combine the ingredients. Stirring the sugar into warm melted chocolate and butter, then incorporating the eggs until fully emulsified, is what sets the stage for a beautiful top crust. And when done right, it gives you that delightful contrast between crunch and fudgy melt.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for the Best Brownies
Another bonus? These brownies actually get better with time. Fresh out of the oven, they’re warm and gooey — perfect if you can’t wait. But if you let them cool fully, refrigerate them, and slice them the next day, you’ll find they firm up beautifully and develop an even deeper chocolate flavor.
For neat cuts, chill them before slicing. Once cut, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for 5 days. Want to keep them longer? They freeze perfectly — just wrap individual squares in parchment and seal them in a zip-top bag. Defrost at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a warm treat.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Brownie Game
While these brownies are absolutely fantastic on their own, you can easily dress them up for a special occasion. Here are a few ways to serve them:
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With a scoop of vanilla or coconut milk ice cream: A warm brownie with cold ice cream is an unbeatable combo.
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Drizzled with chocolate or salted caramel sauce: For an ultra-decadent dessert.
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Topped with fresh berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or cherries pair beautifully with the rich chocolate.
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Sprinkled with sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
These brownies also pair wonderfully with a strong espresso or a glass of red wine — especially something bold like a Zinfandel or a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Perfect for Gluten-Free Entertaining (and Everyone Else, Too)
One of the most beautiful things about this recipe is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. Often, gluten-free desserts have a reputation for being dry, crumbly, or overly dense. Not so here. These brownies are so rich, moist, and satisfying that no one will miss the flour. In fact, most people won’t even realize they’re gluten-free unless you tell them.
This makes them the ideal treat for gatherings where you might be serving a mix of dietary needs. They’re naturally gluten-free without requiring specialty ingredients that are hard to find or expensive. Just basic pantry staples and a little time.
They also happen to be vegetarian, and can even be made dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensuring the chocolate is dairy-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Though this recipe is fairly straightforward, here are a few tips to make sure your brownies turn out perfect every time:
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Don’t skip the cooling step. Cutting while warm will lead to a sticky mess — refrigerate first for cleaner slices.
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Use high-quality chocolate. Because chocolate is the star, its quality matters. Look for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars with at least 60% cocoa.
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Measure your ingredients properly. Especially the almond meal and rice flour — packing them in can make the brownies too dense.
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Don’t overbake. A toothpick should come out moist, not dry. Slight underbaking ensures maximum fudginess.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Flourless Fudgy Brownies are a revelation for chocolate lovers, gluten-free eaters, and home bakers of all skill levels. Their rich texture, intense chocolate flavor, and simple preparation make them a reliable go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, preparing a weeknight indulgence, or surprising someone with dietary restrictions, this recipe offers something for everyone.
Beyond being a dessert, they represent the beauty of minimalism in baking — a reminder that with just a few quality ingredients, you can create something extraordinary. These brownies are more than just gluten-free; they’re irresistibly delicious. And once you’ve tried them, they’re likely to become a permanent fixture in your baking rotation.