Easy Dairy Free Brownies

If you’re a brownie fan like me, you’ll love these dairy free fudge brownies – they never disappoint!

But when I first set out to create vegan and non dairy brownies, I wanted something easy, with simple ingredients that didn't compromise on flavor. The result? A batch of brownies so decadent, you'd never guess they're dairy free! They're thick, super fudgy, chewy, and have a rich chocolate flavor in every bite. You'll love this dairy free chocolate brownie recipe.

Why you'll love these homemade dairy-free brownies

• No unusual or hard-to-find ingredients. You won't find any dates, tofu, flax seeds or black beans here—just pantry staples!
• Unmatched chocolate flavor. The combination of blooming the cocoa powder with hot coffee and adding melted chocolate takes these brownies to the next level.
• Perfect texture. Dense, fudgy, and chewy—exactly how brownies should be.
• Dairy Free and Vegan. These brownies are both dairy free and vegan, making them a perfect treat for anyone with dietary restrictions or those following a plant-based lifestyle.
• Versatile for any occasion. Whether it’s for dessert, a party, or just because, these brownies are always a hit.

Ingredients for dairy free brownies

• Flour - I use all purpose flour.
• Salt - It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Baking powder - It helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them the perfect texture.
• Hot strong black coffee (or hot water) - It intensifies the chocolate flavor by blooming the cocoa. Check out my post here to learn more about blooming cocoa and how it can enhance your recipes.
• Vegetable oil - I prefer using light vegetable oil rather than olive oil or coconut oil, because it has a milder flavor. It really keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the chocolate taste.
• Sugar - I use regular, granulated sugar, but you could use brown sugar, if you prefer.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - I prefer Dutch process cocoa powder.
• Vanilla - I add a little bit of pure vanilla extract.
• Dark chocolate (or bittersweet/semisweet) -  I melt it into the batter for extra richness.  
• Walnuts - I love how they add a crunchy texture. Feel free to omit them, if you prefer.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

Equipment you'll need

• mixing bowls
• microwave safe bowl
• whisk
• silicone spatula
• 9x9 inch baking pan ( or an 8x8 inch for thicker brownies)
• parchment paper

How to make easy dairy free brownies

step-by-step instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Place the hot coffee, oil, sugar, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the cocoa powder is well incorporated.

Step 3: Take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in the vanilla and the chopped chocolate.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.  

Step 5: Fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts.

Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread the mixture evenly. Then bake.

Top Tips for Success

• Bloom your cocoa powder. Mixing cocoa powder with hot coffee or water intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a deeper and richer taste.  
• Dissolve the sugar. Dissolving the sugar in the warm wet ingredients helps create a shiny, top layer and ensures the brownies are fudgy rather than cakey.  
• Don't overmix. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense or tough brownies, so stir just until combined.  
• Cool completely. Let the brownies cool in the pan to set properly before cutting, so they don't fall apart.
• Use quality chocolate. High-quality chocolate enhances the flavor and guarantees a luxurious, rich chocolate flavor.  
• Weigh ingredients with a digital scale. That way you'll get consistent results.
• Don't overbake. Overbaking brownies will make them dry and crumbly. 
• Line your pan with parchment paper. Leave about 2 – 2 ½ inches (5-6 cm) overhang on the sides for easy lifting of the brownies without breaking them.

Recipe Notes

Substitutions
Replace the walnuts with your favorite nuts, like pecans or almonds, or leave them out entirely. 

Storage Tips & Freezing Instructions  

These brownies are super fudgy when stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for about a week. 

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then put in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to about 3 months. To thaw, just put them in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations  

• Top with frosting. This dairy free chocolate frosting is amazing and so easy to make!
• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. Swirl some peanut butter into the batter before baking.
• Make espresso brownies. Add espresso powder to the batter for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
• Instead of chocolate bars, you can use dairy free chocolate chips.