There’s something special about biting into a rich, gooey brownie bar that’s both gluten-free and vegan. But, making these sweet treats can feel tricky when you’re trying to avoid gluten and animal products. The good news? These gluten-free vegan brownie bars with dark chocolate ganache hit all the right notes — dense, fudgy, and topped with a luscious layer of dark chocolate ganache. This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s also super easy to make.
Why Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Bars?
If you’re new to the gluten-free or vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering why you should make brownie bars that check both boxes. Well, the answer is simple: dietary restrictions don’t have to mean flavor restrictions. Gluten-free baked goods can sometimes be dry or crumbly, but with the right ingredients, you can create a chewy, decadent treat that’ll fool even the most die-hard traditional brownie fan.
Plus, these bars are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a dessert without compromising their dietary needs or ethical choices. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making a batch for yourself, they hit that chocolatey sweet spot every time.
How to Make the Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Bars
The trick to mastering these brownie bars is in the balance of ingredients. You’ll want to make sure that your brownies are moist but not too dense, sweet but not overwhelming, and, of course, topped with a glossy layer of dark chocolate ganache. Here’s everything you’ll need and a few tips on how to make sure your brownies come out perfect every time.
Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Bars with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.
Dark Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour over the dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the ganache evenly over the top.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
What Makes These Brownie Bars Gluten-Free?
The magic behind these gluten-free vegan brownie bars is in the flour. Instead of traditional wheat flour, which contains gluten, we’re using gluten-free all-purpose flour. These flours are often made from a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, which creates a texture that’s very similar to regular flour. It keeps the brownies soft and chewy without compromising on taste.
One thing to keep in mind: gluten-free flour blends can vary a lot from brand to brand. Some include xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure that gluten provides. If your flour blend doesn’t have xanthan gum, you might want to add a pinch to your brownie mix to help hold everything together.
Helpful Hint:
If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend that doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour for better texture.
Why Use Coconut Sugar?
We’re swapping out regular white sugar for coconut sugar in this recipe. Not only is it a natural sweetener, but coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it won’t cause as much of a spike in your blood sugar. The flavor is also slightly richer, with a hint of caramel that pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate.
If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, feel free to use any other sweetener like maple syrup or brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly depending on the sweetener you use.
The Importance of Dark Chocolate Ganache
The real showstopper in these gluten-free vegan brownie bars is the dark chocolate ganache. It’s rich, silky, and adds an extra layer of indulgence to these already delicious brownies. We’re using dairy-free dark chocolate chips and coconut milk to create a ganache that’s totally plant-based but just as decadent as any traditional ganache.
Be sure to let the ganache cool before spreading it over the brownies, and make sure the brownies are fully cooled as well. This will ensure that the ganache sets properly and creates a beautiful, shiny layer on top.
How to Store Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Bars
These brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to get that perfect fudgy texture.
Helpful Hint:
For longer storage, wrap individual brownie bars in parchment paper and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Storage and Serving Tips for Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Bars
| Storage Method | Duration | Serving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Best served at room temperature for a fudgier texture. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 7 days | Let the brownies sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw brownies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before serving. |
Can I Make These Brownies Sugar-Free?
If you’re looking to make these gluten-free vegan brownie bars sugar-free, you can substitute the coconut sugar for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Just be sure to check the conversion ratio, as these sweeteners can vary in how they compare to regular sugar in sweetness and texture.
Keep in mind that going sugar-free might affect the final texture of your brownies, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Common Substitutes for This Recipe
One of the best things about vegan baking is the flexibility in ingredient swaps. Here are some common substitutes you can use in these brownies:
- Almond Milk: Use any other plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
- Coconut Oil: If you don’t have coconut oil, feel free to use any neutral oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap for semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
These gluten-free vegan brownie bars with dark chocolate ganache are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a rich, chocolatey dessert without gluten or animal products. They’re easy to make, highly customizable, and can satisfy any sweet tooth while adhering to various dietary needs. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or just treating yourself, these brownies hit all the right notes with their fudgy texture and indulgent ganache topping.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors, mix-ins, or plant-based ingredients to make the recipe your own. With the tips and FAQs provided, you’re well on your way to mastering the perfect vegan brownie bar. Enjoy baking, and savor every delicious bite!
