Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies are super easy to make. They are made with cocoa powder and oil, so are the perfect chewy brownies, and can easily be made into gluten free brownies. They are made by hand in a bowl, no electric mixer required!
Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies
Hi! Just popping in to share this recipe for Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies with you! These are super easy to make, don't require a mixer, and are super rich and chewy. They can easily be made into gluten free dairy free brownies with just a quick sub of the flour. I have made them a whole bunch this week - they come together super quickly. They are made in a loaf pan, so yield 8 small brownies. I love these, and I hope you do too! There are a bunch more small batch baking recipes coming your way!
Why these are the best Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies
- Small Batch - These are made in a 9"x5" loaf pan, so yield 8 perfect brownie squares!
- Dairy Free - These Dairy Free Brownies are oil based rather than butter based and are made with cocoa rather than chocolate, so are super chewy, super rich, and dairy free.
- Gluten Free if needed - I tested these brownies with a Gluten Free Cup4Cup flour blend, and we almost couldn't tell the difference between the brownies made with all-purpose flour and the Gluten Free Brownies!
- No Mixer required - Because these are small batch, they can just be made in a bowl with a whisk or a handheld electric mixer. I used a whisk but either work!
- Perfect Crinkly Top - These brownies have a perfect crinkly top which comes from whipping the sugar together with the egg before adding in the rest of the ingredients. I topped mine with some chopped chocolate, but you can also just leave them plain and finish with some flaky sea salt.
- Super Chewy - These Small Batch Brownies are cocoa based, which makes them super chewy and delicious. I love both chewy and fudgy brownies, but these chewy ones are extra good!
Small Batch Brownies with Oil
The ingredient list in these Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies is pretty straight forward - using things you probably already have in your cupboard!
- Sugar - Brown sugar makes brownies fudgy, while white makes them chewy. I went for a 1:2 ratio of brown to white for these brownies.
- Egg - Provides texture and chew. Whipping the egg with the sugar until light and thick also gives that perfect crinkly brownie top!
- Dutch Cocoa Powder - I used Double Dutch cocoa powder, which is actually a mixture of Dutch cocoa powder and Black cocoa powder. You can use whatever you have on hand though because there's no leavening in the recipe! Read more about this in the FAQ section.
- Flour - I tested these both with all-purpose flour and Gluten Free flour, and both works great, so you can make these Small Batch Brownies gluten free super easily!
- Espresso Powder - I added just a little. It really helps bring through the flavour of the chocolate. You can leave it out, or use the super fine instant coffee too.
- Salt - I used both Kosher salt in the brownies and finished the brownies with flaky sea salt. It really helps to cut through the chocolate. Always salt your brownies!
- Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste - Vanilla also helps make these super flavourful. You can use either Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract.
How to make Small Batch Brownies
These Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies come together super quickly - in less time than it takes to preheat the oven. There are only a few steps to get these ready to go, which is why I love the recipe!
- Whisk together the Egg and Sugar - This step is critical for getting that crinkly top on the brownies and really makes a difference to the final outcome. I used a whisk, but you can just as easily use a handheld electric mixer.
- Add the olive oil and Vanilla -Oil and vanilla goes in, and then given a good mix to combine.
- Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, and espresso powder -It is important to do this step in a separate bowl just to make sure that you don't have any lumps in the final mixture.
- Transfer to the prepared pan - Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. It will look super thin and maybe feel like a loaf pan is a weird choice of pan. Don't worry - it puffs up and the baked brownie isn't super thick.
- Top with Chocolate - If desired, sprinkle the top of the brownie with some chopped dairy free chocolate. This step is optional!
- Bake until done - The brownie needs about 20 minutes in the oven. It will puff up a little, and you will know it is done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. 20-22 minutes is about how long you will need.
- Slice and Enjoy! Leave the brownie to cool, then remove from the loaf pan using the parchment paper sling. Slice into pieces and enjoy!
Cocoa Powder vs Chocolate Brownies
Brownies are typically either made with either cocoa powder or melted chocolate, or a mixture of both. Brownies made with melted chocolate tend to be more on the fudgy side, while cocoa brownies are generally chewier. Using cocoa powder in these Small Batch Brownies meant it was super easy to keep them dairy free, and also meant I was able to control the fat content in the brownies, which has a big impact on texture. I used ultra Dutch process cocoa to make these. You can use a Dutch process cocoa, or half black cocoa and dutch cocoa, or also just regular cocoa. You can read more about cocoa in the FAQ section. These brownies are dark, rich, and super chewy.
Can Brownies be made Gluten Free?
Yes! These can be Small Batch, Dairy Free, Gluten Free Brownies! I tested the recipe with both All-purpose flour and a cup4cup Gluten Free Flour (I used Bob's Red Mill) and it worked perfectly. It worked so well we almost couldn't tell the difference between the ones made with Gluten Free Flour and the All-purpose flour. It worked great in this application because the brownies don't rely on the flour for structure - they are perfectly fudgy and chewy.
What is the best loaf pan to use for Small Batch recipes?
I use a 9"x5" (23cmx13cm) loaf pan. These are the 'larger' loaf pans (as opposed to the smaller 1lb capacity pans). I tested this in both a 1-¼ lb pan from USA pan, or also this enamel loaf pan is a similar size and works well. If you have a ⅛ size sheet pan, that would work great too.
What is the best way to line a loaf pan?
I like to spray my loaf pan with some nonstick cooking spray, then fit it with a parchment paper 'sling' which hangs over the edges. I then clip the parchment into place using binder clips so that it doesn't flap around when I'm spreading in the mixture. The parchment sling also makes it super easy to remove the baked brownies when done.
Can I use regular cocoa powder in this recipe?
If you can't find Dutch process cocoa powder or Black cocoa powder, you can use whatever you have on hand. Because this recipe doesn't have any leavening agent, the cocoa powder that you use doesn't make a difference to the final outcome. Dutch cocoa powder has gone through an alkalising process, whereas regular cocoa has not. In recipes with leavening agents, the cocoa powder used matters. Recipes using regular cocoa powder is slightly acidic so can react with baking soda, whereas dutch process is alkaline so needs baking powder to provide leavening. However this recipe doesn't have baking powder or soda, so you can use whatever cocoa you have!
Do I have to use chocolate on the top of the brownies?
You don't - it's totally optional. You can either sprinkle a little chocolate on the top, just before baking, or you can leave these plain. Make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure the chocolate is dairy free if you want to keep these strictly dairy free. I used chopped 72% chocolate.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you wanted to make a larger batch of these, spread the batter into an 8" square pan. You may need to adjust the baking time a little too - start checking after 20 minutes.
Can I leave out the espresso powder?
Yep! There's just a wee bit in there to bring out the flavour of the chocolate. Either leave it out or use the finely ground instant coffee.
What is the best way to cleanly slice the brownies?
I use a super sharp knife. You can warm it under some hot water if you like and then dry it off, but as long as it is sharp you should be fine. I like to give the blade a wipe between cuts to keep it clean.
Can these be made egg free?
Yes! I haven't tested it, but people have had success using Bob's Red Mill Egg replacer in these. If you try another egg substitute I would love if you can leave a comment so I can recommend to others!
❤️ Made this recipe and love it? ❤️
I would LOVE for you to leave me a review and star rating below to let me know how you liked it! Also, please make sure to tag me on Instagram!
Answers to your baking questions
Over the years, many of you have asked me questions about:
- baking in grams
- adjusting oven temperatures
- what kind of salt to use
- and many more!
I've curated and answered them all for your easy reference in this frequently asked questions post!
Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 Brownies 1x
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Small Batch Dairy Free Brownies are super easy to make. They are made with cocoa powder and oil, so are the perfect chewy brownies, and can easily be made into gluten free brownies. They are made by hand in a bowl, no electric mixer required!
Ingredients
- 50g brown sugar (light or dark is fine)
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 60g neutral oil
- 35g Dutch Process Cocoa (or you can use half black cocoa, half Dutch Process cocoa)
- 60g flour (all-purpose or Gluten Free blend)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp espresso powder, optional
- 20g chopped dark chocolate, optional
- Flaky Sea Salt for finishing, optional
Instructions
- Prepare your pan. Preheat the oven to 350°f / 180°c. Grease and line a 9”x5” (23x13cm) or similar size loaf pan with parchment paper, extending the paper over the side of the tin to give you a sling to use to remove the brownie when cooked.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and egg. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture has thickened and lightened in colour (alternatively use a handheld mixer). Add the vanilla and oil and mix to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a small bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and espresso powder. Mix to combine. Add to the wet ingredients and fold in with a spatula until just combined.
- Bake the Brownie. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, and spread in with a spoon or spatula. Top with the chopped chocolate. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until the brownie is set around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes then use the parchment paper to remove from the pan and allow to cool completely.
- Cut and serve. Slice using a sharp knife, wiping between slices to ensure clean cuts. Finish with flaky sea salt if desired. Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container.
Comments
Abby says
This was a treat I discovered in lockdown, and brought yummy chewy comfort to difficult days. Still such an easy, quick, delicious treat when I want one.
Ariana says
Legit the best brownies I’ve ever had in my life, they are incredible! So happy I found this recipe 😛
Sona says
I would give 10 stars if I could. This recipe is perfectly portioned for my 2 person household. And the results are decadent with gorgeous crinkly tops and such deep flavor. Chocolate lovers dream.
Starlit Rogers says
Can you replace the vegetable oil with plat butter? If you can what are the measurements? My husband and I are OBSESSED with these! Beyond five stars!!
Erin Clarkson says
I haven't tried it sorry!
Jess says
These brownies are so amazing! Also love that they are made with olive oil and not coconut because ain’t nobody got time for melting/cleaning that off spoons etc haha. I have made these with both wheat flour and GF (Edmonds plain) flour and both results were great! GF was best the next day/fully cooled imo.
Cat says
Perfect texture for me. No notes. Outstanding (and I’m a picking b*tch when it comes to brownies, especially DF ones). Thank you!!!
Olivia says
I love a dairy free recipe 🙂 Even better is a dairy free recipe that doesn't taste dairy-free! Not lacking in anything, these were so tasty and I adore the small batch size
Joyce kakas says
It would be EXTREMELY useful if you gave recipe ingredient amounts in cups, tablespoons , etc. Many of us do not have scales to weigh stuff in grams. I will quickly skip over gram recipes cause I don’t like to waste time.
Erin Clarkson says
If you don't like to waste time, a scale would be a very worthwhile investment 🙂
Mae says
The best brownie recipe I've tried! I've made this and brought to so many shared lunches and people always love it and asked for the recipe.
Thank you for an amazing brownie, Erin! 😊
leona says
I made 3 batches of these using Orgran vegan egg replacer. An egg is usually 1tsp powder and 2 tbsp water. I used 2 tsp of powder as after whisking the sugar and "egg" with just 1 there was little change. I dont think it thickened much, I certainly had no cracking on the tops. I wonder if its worth trying with aquafaba? I made 1 with Bakels gf mix, this was the driest and baked the best. The second I made with a mix of freshly milled wheat and toasted malted wheat. The 3rd with freshly milled buckwheat. The latter was the wettest and probably needed longer baking as it was quite oily and really not baked in the middle. that said, the buckwheat was my favourite. I'd say using vegan egg replacer and gf flour worked the best though. love the small recipe format so I could try 3 different ones!
leona kadir says
if you want to veganize them then I recommend aquafaba. I tried that and vegan egg replacer and there was no comparison. 3 tbsp of aquafaba for the 1 egg. winner!
Gina says
These are my go-to if we need a sweet treat in the evening as they are so delicious and easy to whip up not least because they use so many staple ingredients.
I LOVE that the recipe comes in grams, finally some accurate baking.
Karley says
Just made these for the umpteenth time with my four year old. He loves making them (and licking the bowl and spoon at the end of course) and knows the ingredients off by heart. Best brownie recipe ever.
Sian says
I have been on the search for a delicious dairy free brownie for so long and these tick all the boxes! They are so delicious and easy to make, they are on repeat rotation for us now.
Holly says
Have made these many times and they always turn out so delicious. The edges are perfectly crunchy and the inside is soft. yum yum yum!!
Marianne says
I really appreciate your commitment to small-batch recipes. I'm single and while I could definitely eat a big pan of brownies, sometimes I want more variety without innundating my coworkers with my surplus.
Jean E says
This was such an easy quick recipe to scratch that brownie itch! Made in a loaf pan, perfect size.
Kate says
Fantastic recipe! Really, really, really tasty brownies, easy to make & work perfectly everytime.
Renae says
Recently became friends with someone that has a major dairy allergy and have made these a few times. Great brownie - I add different toppings to keep interesting but amazing by themselves. Even subbed the flour for GF and was the best allergy friendly brownie I have ever had.
LaurenC says
I made these today, and it is the best brownie recipe I’ve ever made! It fit perfectly into a little heart shaped Le Creuset skillet and baked up so fudgy and moist! I used black cocoa, then skipped adding the chocolate and instead drizzled it with melted ruby chocolate once cooled. The perfect little Valentine treat for my little niece and nephew. Your recipes always come out perfectly- thanks to the accuracy of measuring!!! ❤️
Allison Michalak says
The grams measurments throws me off. 50g? 60g?
Erin Clarkson says
Yes, those are gram measurements that you measure on a scale 🙂
Taylor Story says
These are amazing! I ran out of olive oil so I subbed vegetable oil-still delicious! The perfect chewy brownie
Tina K says
Hi Erin! The olive oil in the recipe is not available where I live(I am from India). Can I use 60g coconut oil instead? Thanks!
Erin Clarkson says
Hi! Any olive oil will work! Or anything neutral like vegetable oil!
Barbara says
What does "g" stand for? Can you translate this to once.
Erin Clarkson says
It means grams 🙂
Megan says
Quick, easy, and stupidly tasty. I used a chia egg and a bit of baking powder to make it vegan. A solid 15/10 👏
Nusrath Ahamed says
This just came out of my oven and it smells sooooooo good! I added some rainbow sprinkles on top for pretties, and I can hardly wait till it cools down so I can dig in. 😀
Karley says
Just made these in my 8x8 brownie pan by doubling the recipe as stated, but as well as chopped chocolate on top, I swirled cherry conserve just before baking. Topped with the flakey sea salt, whipped cream, shaved chocolate and fresh cherries, these were the most amazing ‘Black Forest’ Brownies.
This is always our go-to brownie recipe.
Rebecca says
I've been doing baking for work but one of my coworkers is dairy free. Thought I'd try out this recipe and it was an absolute hit. The dairy free coworker was over the moon and thought they were top tier. All the rest of the stuff had nothing but good things to say as well. Highly recommend making these.
Julia says
Delicious, but no cat hair and my nails aren't beautiful. I should really think about knocking off a star for that.
Eva says
Yum yum yum sooooo good! I used 3 tbsp aquafaba in place of the egg and they turned out perfect - even with gluten free flour. Will definitely be making these again!
Samira says
10x better than the non-dairy free brownies that I made last week that had a more involved process too. A winner in my book 😭
Amy says
Really easy recipe and delicious brownies! Will be making a larger batch next time as they didn't last long. I added Walnuts too 😀
Karishma Dedhia says
Replacement for egg plz
Erin Clarkson says
I don't have one sorry!
M says
These are amazing! Do you know if they would freeze well? Thanks!
Erin Clarkson says
I havne't tried it but I think they would!
Shelley says
Will these freeze ok?
Erin Clarkson says
Yes they should do!
Beth Howell says
Wow! These brownies turned out so much better than expected. It took a little time converting the grams to Tablespoons, but when it was finished, we decided to eat DESSERT first before our dinner. Only modification I used was two small espresso shots instead of powder.
Thank you for sharing our new family favorite!
Anni says
Amazing rich chocolatey brownies! I used gluten free flour and they were perfect. Thanks for the recipe.😊
Tracy Conrad says
My husband needs gluten free, and my daughter needs dairy free. I made these the first time, but I didn't have "fancy" cocoa powder or espresso powder. I made them anyway, and they were good enough. Then, I went out and bought the Dutch Processed cocoa powder and the espresso powder. Both times I used Gluten Free Flour Blend. Let me tell you - Even though you CAN use the regular cocoa and omit the espresso powder, DON'T!!! The flavor and smoothness of the second batch was out of this world. Great, great, great recipe for all - But, GO FANCY!
Hayley says
Simple but delicious recipe! This is our new favorite for brownies.
Luna says
Hats off to you for this amazing non-dairy recipe!
I made a small batch brownie recipe I found on YouTube Shorts and it was pretty terrible. Thankfully I came across your recipe and wow is it a million times better.
I used avocado oil instead of olive oil since I only have strong tasting olive oil. It worked perfectly. I baked for a total of 22 mins. Love that it’s baked in a loaf pan, makes it so easy and quick to prepare.
My husband said it was a bit too sweet for him but I thought it was just enough. I’ll try it with less sugar next time to see how it turns out but I know it’ll be just as good.
I’m not even a big fan of brownies but this has gotten me on the bandwagon. Thank you!
Shermaine says
Hi Luna! Did you managed to try a batch with less sugar? Is the texture still the same?
Alyssia says
Have made these SO many times now and they're absolutely delicious and super easy to whip up quickly. Making them GF is a breeze as well, you can't even taste the difference. YUM
Amy says
These were so quick and easy to make! You’d never know they were dairy free! Love they make just the perfect about too!
Sarah says
Such a delicious recipe! As newly dairy & soy free, courtesy of my darling baby, I needed to find a recipe to satisfy my chocolate cravings (most chocolate containing soy 😭). This hit the spot and was the perfect chewy chocolate brownie.
Claudia says
I love this brownie recipe. It’s so easy and I also love it makes a small little one in the loaf pan. Very convenient and also super Delicious. My second favourite recipe on Cloudy Kitchen!
Kim says
I made these for my daughter's 2nd birthday party (third time using this recipe) and they are just the absolute best brownies! Everyone raved about them, and I had several people ask for the recipe afterwards. Another wonderful recipe, thank you!
Erin Clarkson says
Yay I am so happy you loved!
Sarah says
Loved this brownie recipe soooo much. So chewy. How can I make a big batch of these? Would I just double or triple it?
Richard Clarkson says
Hi! I made it last night and doubled it in an 8" pan, so you can scale around that!