Chenée Today

  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Shop
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Chocolate

    Dairy Free Brownies

    Jan 19, 2023 by Chenée Lewis

    5.3K shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE VIDEO PIN ADD US AS A TRUSTED SITE ON GOOGLE

    Easy dairy free brownies recipe from scratch! These are the best dairy free brownies with oil and cocoa powder with healthy option as well! If you like these, you'll love my Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, my Dairy Free Banana Bread, and my Vegan Coconut Cake Recipe!

    dairy free brownies stacked on a tray

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Easy Dairy Free Brownies Recipe

    This dairy free brownies recipe is my new obsession! Just like my Chocolate Walnut Brownies, they're super fudgy and moist with a crackly top, and those big chocolate chunks are so gooey! I make them all the time and they're a hit with everyone! If you're a chocolate lover, this easy recipe will be one of your go-to dairy free desserts!

    Jump to:
    • Easy Dairy Free Brownies Recipe
    • Dairy Free Brownies From Scratch
    • Which box brownies are dairy free?
    • Dairy Free Brownies Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Best Dairy Free Brownies Instructions
    • Healthy Dairy Free Brownies with Oil
    • Dairy Free Brownies With Cocoa Powder
    • Best Dairy Free Brownie Mix
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Top tip
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Dairy Free Brownies From Scratch

    I actually don't add milk to most brownies other than my Condensed Milk Brownies, but my typical brownie recipes do contain dairy in the butter and chocolate chips. This fudgy brownies recipe uses vegetable oil and dairy-free chocolate chunks as an easy swap that keeps that amazing flavor and texture!

    If you are a fan of brownies made from a box mix, you'll love how fun it is to make these easy dairy free brownies from scratch! They've got those chewy edges and that crinkly top that all the best fudge brownies have (or add my Chocolate Fudge Frosting from my Matilda's Chocolate Cake for even more chocolatey goodness)! You can also add the cream cheese frosting recipe from my Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

    dairy free gooey brownies

    Which box brownies are dairy free?

    Do store bought brownies have dairy? Actually many of them don't! Depending on the brand you buy, many store bought brownie mixes are made without milk or butter. And then the ingredients you add (oil, eggs, and water) don't add any dairy either! But if you're sensitive to dairy, definitely check the label for any traces of milk in the batter or in the chocolate chips.

    Dairy Free Brownies Ingredients

    You can find the full measurements and details in the recipe card below, but here are the simple ingredients you'll need to make these dairy free gooey brownies!

    dairy free brownies ingredients
    • vegetable oil - feel free to make these dairy free brownies with oil like olive oil, or neutral oils like canola or avocado oil!
    • eggs - make sure your eggs are room temperature to help them mix well into the other ingredients and allow the brownies to bake evenly.
    • vanilla extract - always grab a good-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • granulated sugar & brown sugar - this combination of sugars adds the right amount of sweetness and chewy richness to these brownies! You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
    • all-purpose flour - always measure your flour by weight or by using the spoon and level method.
    • unsweetened cocoa powder - natural cocoa powder is what gives these dairy free brownies their fudgy flavor and texture! I like the Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, but use whatever variety you prefer.
    • espresso powder - I love how the coffee flavor of espresso powder enhances the rich chocolate flavor in these dairy-free brownies!
    • salt - very important to offset the sweetness and boost flavor!
    • dairy-free chocolate chips - I like using Enjoy Life Mega Chunks, but any dairy free chocolate chips you like will work! I love the dark chocolate flavor that they add to these brownies!
    dairy free brownies coconut oil

    Equipment

    The main tool you'll need for these brownies is a 9x9 baking pan and parchment paper to bake them up. Otherwise, you'll just need some basic mixing tools like a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a rubber spatula!

    Best Dairy Free Brownies Instructions

    You can find detailed instructions below in the recipe card, but here are the basic steps to make these dairy free brownies: mix up the batter, bake, and enjoy!

    dairy free brownies step 1

    Whisk together your wet ingredients: oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, until smooth.

    dairy free brownies step 2

    Sift in your dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, and salt, into the bowl and fold until just combined.

    dairy free brownies step 3

    Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks.

    dairy free brownies step 4

    Pour your brownie batter into your prepared pan, add extra chocolate hips on top, and bake!

    Hint: for gooey brownies, be sure not to overbake! They'll continue to set up as they cool. But if you like your brownies a little more done on the edges, you can bake them until the top of the brownies looks set in the center.

    Healthy Dairy Free Brownies with Oil

    With some easy substitutions, you can make healthy dairy free brownies with coconut oil, coconut sugar, and egg substitutes!

    • Coconut Oil - you can feel free to substitute coconut oil or avocado oil for other types of vegetable oil in this recipe.
    • Sugar - you can make this recipe with unprocessed sugar by using coconut sugar or your favorite no-calorie sweetener!
    • Egg Substitutes - you can use Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer or a flax egg to make vegan brownies!

    Dairy Free Brownies With Cocoa Powder

    These dairy-free brownies with cocoa powder are so good! First off, they've got this amazing, intense chocolate flavor that just hits the spot. It's like a burst of pure chocolate goodness in every bite. And let me tell you about the texture! They're so moist and fudgy, like biting into a heavenly chocolate cloud.

    They're easy to make too. No fussing with melted chocolate, just mix in that cocoa powder, and voila! You've got yourself a batch of irresistible treats. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!

    And if you love Biscoff cookie butter, you can use dairy free butter to make these into a dairy-free version of Biscoff Brownies! And for another yummy brownie recipe, try my 2 Bite Brownies or my Pinecone Brownie Recipe!

    best dairy free brownie mix

    Best Dairy Free Brownie Mix

    If you want brownies without the dairy but don't want to make them from scratch, the best dairy free brownie mix I've tried is Duncan Hines Fudge Brownie Mix! It contains no dairy and requires no milk to prepare it!

    Storage

    You can store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze them, let your brownies cool completely. After that, if they've already been cut into individual brownies, then wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in the freezer to freeze solid. Then once they're frozen, place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. 

    dairy free brownies coconut oil

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Ghirardelli brownies dairy free?

    Most of the Ghirardelli brownie mixes I've seen contain chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or chocolate syrup that all contain dairy.

    How do I make a small batch of this recipe?

    You can just cut this recipe in half and bake it in a 9x5 loaf pan instead of a square pan!

    What other dairy free recipes can I try?

    Youll love my Oat Milk Pancakes if you're looking for a delicious dairy-free pancakes recipe! Or check out my Vegan Coconut Cake for a dairy-free and egg free treat! And if you love brownies, use this recipe as the base for my S'mores Brownies or my Raspberry Chocolate Brownies!

    And if you're in the mood for more dairy free treats, try my Pumpkin Banana Muffins or my Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio! They're both delicious and always a hit with vegans and anyone avoiding dairy!

    What is the best non dairy brownie mix?

    If you aren't in the mood to make dairy free brownies from scratch, you've got options! When it comes to the best non-dairy brownie mix, one popular choice is the King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Brownie Mix. Not only is it gluten-free, but it's also dairy-free, making it a winner for folks with multiple dietary needs. These brownies come out moist, rich, and packed with deep chocolate flavor.

    Another solid option is Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Brownie Mix. It checks the non-dairy and gluten-free boxes, producing fudgy and indulgent brownies that'll have you drooling.

    dairy free brownies mix

    Top tip

    To get clean cuts on your brownies, let them cool completely and chill for a bit before cutting.

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    📖 Recipe

    dairy free brownies stacked on a tray

    Best Dairy Free Brownies Recipe - Easy and Fudgy!

    5 from 47 votes
    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Easy dairy free brownies recipe from scratch! These are the best dairy free brownies with oil and cocoa powder with healthy option as well!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 16 brownies
    Calories: 178kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 9x9 baking pan
    • whisk
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • parchment paper
    • cooling rack
    • rubber spatula
    • food scale

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup vegetable oil
    • 3 large eggs - room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup brown sugar - packed
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour - - measured by weight with a kitchen scale or with the spoon-and-level method
    • ½ teaspoon espresso powder - optional; alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of strong coffee
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup dairy free chocolate chips - or chocolate chunks; ; plus more for topping
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9" baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugars until combined.
    • Add in eggs and vanilla extract and beat for one minute until smooth and thickened.
    • Sift cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, and salt into the bowl and fold with rubber spatula until just combined.
    • Fold in chocolate chips.
    • Add batter to prepared pan and smooth to the edges. Top with more chocolate chips.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until center is set – take out at 25 for more gooey brownies.
    • Cool in pan for 20 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Last Step!Click here to leave a review and a star rating! It helps spread the word and allows me to keep sharing free recipes! 🥰

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 brownie | Calories: 178 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 0.004 g | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 164 mg | Potassium: 101 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 25 g | Vitamin A: 51 IU | Calcium: 38 mg | Iron: 2 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Chenée Lewis

    More Chocolate

    • Close-up of a slice of chocolate chip pecan pie on a white plate, with a fork cutting through gooey brown sugar filling, melted chocolate chips, and toasted pecans.
      Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie
    • Chocolate pecan pie bars sliced on parchment paper with rich filling and a crisp shortbread crust.
      Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
    • Close-up of chocolate mousse cake slice highlighting airy mousse filling and soft chocolate cake layers, a smooth and decadent chocolate dessert.
      Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse
    • Stack of golden brown kitchen sink cookies packed with pretzels, potato chips, and candy pieces for the ultimate everything-but-the-kitchen-sink dessert.
      Kitchen Sink Cookies
    5.3K shares

    Comments

      Let Me Know What You Think! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. TAYLER ROSS says

      June 08, 2023 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      I made these brownies for my son who has a dairy allergy and he LOVED them! My other kiddos did too- thanks so much for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        June 25, 2023 at 12:17 pm

        You're very welcome! I'm glad they liked them!

        Reply
    2. Kim says

      June 08, 2023 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      These were so moist and tasty. You'd never believe they were dairy free, because there was nothing missing from the flavor!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        June 20, 2023 at 7:55 pm

        I totally agree! They just taste like fudgy, delicious brownies!

        Reply
    3. Nikki says

      June 08, 2023 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Wow, these chocolatey, fudgy, gooey and amazing brownies are calling my name. Don't even miss the dairy.

      Reply
    4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      June 08, 2023 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much! The flavors are perfect and I can’t wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
    5. Dannii says

      April 24, 2023 at 2:47 am

      5 stars
      These were so fudgy and delicious. 10/10 brownies.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 25, 2023 at 1:20 am

        Yay! So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    6. Ieva says

      April 24, 2023 at 1:47 am

      5 stars
      Made these for my lactose-intolerant mum, who was visiting over the weekend, and they were absolutely delicious! Fudgy, gooey and rich - everything you want from a good brownie!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 09, 2023 at 4:22 pm

        Yay! So glad you both liked them!

        Reply
    7. Lauren George says

      April 23, 2023 at 11:53 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome brownies with that amazing crackly surface. I love the tips and tricks to set me up for success.

      Reply
    8. Casey says

      April 23, 2023 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      How yummy! So much delicious chocolate flavor!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 01, 2023 at 12:45 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    9. Kim says

      April 23, 2023 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      These were so moist and delicious and had the perfect texture. My daughter wants to make them next weekend for her friends.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 24, 2023 at 11:38 pm

        What a fun weekend activity! So glad you all liked them!

        Reply
    10. Dana says

      February 22, 2023 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      These are, or shall I say were since they didn't last long, absolutely delicious! I never make brownies but decided to on a whim and well, it's gonna be happening a lot now thanks to these lol

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 03, 2023 at 3:51 pm

        Hahaha great! So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    11. Stephanie says

      February 22, 2023 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I enjoyed making these for my sister who is lactose intolerant so this was a perfect solution. They also had a good flavor and texture when I tried them. You can't even tell they are dairy free.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 15, 2023 at 2:14 pm

        You really can't! So glad you like them!

        Reply
    12. Stephanie says

      February 22, 2023 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      OOH so chocolatey and ooey gooey! Absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 03, 2023 at 2:41 pm

        Thank you! They're so yummy!

        Reply
    13. Dannii says

      February 22, 2023 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      These brownies were incredible, and you would never know they were dairy free.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 03, 2023 at 3:54 pm

        Yay! That's the goal! 😊

        Reply
    14. Megan says

      February 22, 2023 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      I have a couple friends who are dairy-free and they LOVED these! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 22, 2023 at 11:50 am

        So glad they were a hit! Thanks!

        Reply
    15. Ned says

      February 22, 2023 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      Dairy free brownies! You couldn't even tell they were dairy free! So yum! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        March 02, 2023 at 12:53 pm

        Thank you! they're my favorite dairy free recipe!

        Reply
    16. Dannii says

      February 02, 2023 at 5:23 am

      5 stars
      These brownies look so light and fluffy. Even better that they are dairy free.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 07, 2023 at 11:50 pm

        Thank you! I love this recipe!

        Reply
    17. Sara Welch says

      February 02, 2023 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      Whipped up a batch of these this afternoon and they did not disappoint! Quick, easy and delicious; exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth, indeed!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 20, 2023 at 10:40 pm

        Wonderful! So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    18. Traci says

      February 01, 2023 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! So rich and gorgeous - it's hard to believe these are dairy-free brownies. Thanks for sharing another winner!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 06, 2023 at 7:48 pm

        So glad you like them! 🙂

        Reply
    19. Jill says

      February 01, 2023 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Great flavor and texture in these brownies. So glad I don't have to sacrifice flavor when giving up dairy!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 02, 2023 at 12:43 am

        Absolutely! I'm so glad you like them!

        Reply
    20. Vanessa says

      February 01, 2023 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I made them with avocado oil and they were absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 02, 2023 at 12:44 am

        Wonderful! So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking and cooking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Trending Recipes

    • boursin cheese, tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a pan
      Boursin Pasta - Tiktok Viral Recipe
    • creamy espresso martini
      Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys
    • Matilda's Chocolate Cake with a slice removed, displaying the thick layers and creamy frosting, on a backdrop of a white marble surface.
      Matilda's Chocolate Cake
    • protein mug cake topped with chocolate chips
      Protein Mug Cake

    Spring Recipes

    • drizzing icing on peach cobbler pound cake with canned peaches recipe
      Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
    • Spoon scooping southern baked mac and cheese.
      Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
    • a fork cutting into vegan olive oil cake
      Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio
    • lemon sour cream pound cake
      Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake
    • ricotta lemon pasta in a pot
      Ricotta Lemon Pasta
    • a slice of strawberry crunch cheesecake
      Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

    My Cookbooks

    Cover of The Very Best of Chenée Today cookbook by Chenée Lewis.
    Sweet Summertime Cookbook - recipe book of summer desserts and summer recipes!
    Cover of Your Fall Baking Game Plan by Chenée Lewis

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Chenée
    Shop my Favorite Tools
    Disclosure Policy
    Privacy Policy
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Contact

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Subscribe

    Cookbook

    See all my cookbooks here!

    As Seen In

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


    Copyright © 2025 Chenée Today, LLC. All rights reserved.

    5.3K shares
    • Facebook
    • Flipboard
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Threads

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe!
    I can't wait to make this again!
    This recipe was a big hit! Five stars!
    This is my new go-to from now on! Loved it!

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required