These flourless brownies are an indulgent treat and, as an added bonus, they’re naturally gluten-free!
You know I’m firmly in the fudgy camp when it comes to brownies. Firmly. Don’t try feeding me a cake-y brownie. I won’t eat it.
OK that’s a lie. I’ll eat it but I won’t enjoy it. Much.
And today I’m bringing you the ultimate in fudgy brownies. Eating one of these flourless brownies is almost like eating a piece of fudge. And bonus! They’re gluten-free!
Did you see the crackly top? It’s to die for. It’s very reminiscent of the brownies you make from a box mix, but obviously these are a kajillion times better.
I’m not a brownie snob but nothing beats a brownie made entirely from scratch, right?
Normally I like my brownies with frosting or nuts or M&Ms or something just to jazz them up a bit. But I kept these really simple to emphasize just how chocolate-y they are. If you want a more loaded brownie, try this peanut butter cream cheese variation.
But if you just want to enjoy pure, unadulterated dark chocolate-y goodness, then these flourless brownies are for you.
How to melt chocolate in the microwave
When you melt chocolate in the microwave (as you do for these brownies), be sure to stop the microwave every 30 seconds or so to stir. I cannot emphasize this enough.
(Note: if you’re melting white chocolate, you should stop more like every 10 to 15 seconds but we can discuss that another time.)
Stopping to stir prevents the chocolate from scorching, and if you’ve ever scorched chocolate you know just what a tragedy it is. When you melt your chocolate properly, it will look just like the second pic up there ↑↑.
I encourage you to use good chocolate in these brownies.
You can substitute chocolate chips but the end result won’t be nearly as good because chocolate chips have all kinds of additives that prevent them from melting properly.
Make a batch of these flourless brownies today, then HIDE THEM because you will not want to share. I can just about guarantee it.
A few more chocolatey desserts
Heavenly Hash Cake
Raspberry Brownies
Chocolate Coconut Bars
PS,if you make these brownies–or any IBK recipes–let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below. And post a pic on Insta too—tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see! For more recipes and fun, like us on Facebook and follow along on Pinterest!
These flourless brownies are gluten-free and exceptionally decadent!
- 8 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter cut into several chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
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Combine the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
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Beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until very thick. Add the vanilla, espresso powder, and salt and beat to combine. Gradually beat in the chocolate-butter mixture until fully incorporated. Fold in the cocoa powder with a rubber spatula.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 32 minutes, until the center just barely jiggles if you tap the side of the pan. Set pan on a wire rack and cool completely before slicing and serving.
Adapted from How to Bake Everything
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
They look seriously addictive & I love that they are gluten free as I am always on the lookout for gf recipes for my husband and a friend who is coming to visit soon so this is perfect timing 🙂 Thanks for sharing xx
Kelsie says
Thank you, Miriam!
David @ Spiced says
Those are some killer looking brownies, Kelsie! And like you, I fall on the fudgier side of things when it comes to brownie preferences. Or maybe somewhere in between? Either way, I would nom these brownies like it’s nobody’s business…especially with that glass of cold milk there! Love the recipe, my friend, and that crackly top…wow.
Kelsie says
Thanks, David!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
I’m like drooling over these puppies! Can’t deny I wouldn’t eat the whole pan? 🙂 YUM!!
Kelsie says
Oh I know that feeling all too well. Thank you, Kim!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Look at that beautiful crackly top!!! And they look so chocolately!! I don’t think it’s too early to start the day with one or three of these, do you 😉 ?? Happy weekend, Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Of course not! It’s never too early for chocolate 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Well this is a treat no-one could resist! Love these, Kelsie!!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Annie!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
I don’t like cakey brownies either Kelsie. Looks like these are definitely my type of brownies! You’re determined to keep me out of my swimsuit this year aren’t you?!
Kelsie says
Haha! We’ll both just be in the t-shirt at the beach club :). Thanks, Mary Ann!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Ohhh! I am actually making a brownie trifle for a neighborhood party on Saturday! And I need a good brownie recipe!!!! And and annnd lookie here!!!! JACK POT! I am so making these! It’s like you read my mind, girl! Thank you!!! 😉 Cheers, Kelsie – to a wonderful weekend!
Kelsie says
Aww thanks, Chey! Have fun at the party!
Milena Perrine says
I’ve never had flourless brownies, only flourless cake and now I just have to try this recipe. Love the touch of espresso and do not worry – I will not need to hide them, I will eat them all myself. It will only take me a day. No one will ever know:)
Kelsie says
That’s the best way–just gobble them down fast enough and no one is the wiser :). Thanks, Milena!
shashi at savory spin says
I love love love flourless goodies… I am not sure if it’s cos I have mental issues and think that as they are flourless they are not so so bad for me, or of they really do leave me feeling less weighed down… either way, here you give just another reason to love flourless goodies! Gosh that crackly top is insane! And, I agree with Milena, these wouldn’t last long in my house!
Kelsie says
Haha! I fully convince myself that gluten-free means healthy :). Thanks, Shashi!
Christina says
Whelp, sounds like you and I camp in the same fudgy place! Yes to fudgy brownies, they are the best! And your recipe looks and sounds utterly mouthwatering! I have a cheat day coming up so guess who’s making this recipe! 😉
Kelsie says
The total best right? Thanks, Christina!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
Mmmm only fudgy brownies are allowed at our house!! Otherwise isn’t it just chocolate cake? And I’m all about that crackly top!! Chocolate heaven 🙂
Kelsie says
Exactly! And if it’s cake then call it cake! Thanks, Kelly!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
These look absolutely perfect and so, so yummy! The tops looks spot on!
Kelsie says
Thank you Amy!
hummingbirdthyme says
Totally kindred spirits, Kelsie, in the Fudgy all the way Camp! These look seriously amazing. I’m addicted already! Totally making these as soon as I can! Thanks for the recipe!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Laura!
grace says
a chocolate-lover’s brownie, for sure!
Kelsie says
It is!
Abby Kosmenko says
These were great. Chocolaty and dense. They did not however get that crinkly top.
Would definitely make again.
Kelsie says
I’m glad you liked them, Abby!