Name: Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt; ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 31 reviews

There is nothing quite like a rich, fudgy brownie that also happens to be gluten-free, and that is exactly what makes this Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe a real winner in my kitchen. This dessert blends deep chocolate flavor with a moist, tender crumb, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice texture or taste when baking without gluten. Every bite is a perfect balance of gooeyness and slight crunch from melted chocolate chips, making it an irresistible treat that’s sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and any gluten-sensitive friends or family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of four brown bars stacked and scattered on top of a white marbled surface covered with white parchment paper. Each bar has a crumbly texture with visible dark chocolate chips embedded in them, adding a slightly shiny and rough look. The bars look thick, about two layers high with a textured surface made of small crumbs and chunks. Some crumbs are scattered around the bars, enhancing the crumbly appearance. The focus is on the front bar with others blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient serves a crucial purpose, from creating the tender crumb to enhancing that luscious chocolate flavor. These carefully chosen staples are easy to find and make the difference between an ordinary brownie and a standout Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe.

Unsalted butter: ¾ cup brings rich creaminess and helps create a moist texture.
Semisweet chocolate chips: 1¾ cups (divided) for the perfect balance of melted chunks and pockets of chocolate surprise.
Pure vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon enhances the chocolate notes with subtle warmth.
All-purpose gluten-free flour: 1 cup provides structure without compromising the cake’s tenderness.
Baking powder: 1½ teaspoons ensures a tender rise and the perfect crumb.
Kosher salt: ¾ teaspoon (divided) — a pinch to bring out flavors and a sprinkle to finish.
Large eggs: 3, help bind everything together and add richness.
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup sweetens delicately while contributing to the tender crumb.
Sour cream: ½ cup adds moisture and a slight tang that deepens the overall taste.

How to Make Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Set the oven and prep pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Using a large sheet that covers the bottom and sides ensures easy removal after baking. Cutting slits in each corner helps it lay flat for perfect coverage—this small step makes cleaning up and cutting the brownies much simpler.

Step 2: Make the chocolate mixture

Gently melt the butter, 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the butter has fully melted and the chocolate chips have mostly dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy chocolate blend. Set this mixture aside to cool to room temperature—this step is key so the eggs won’t cook when combined later.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Combining these ingredients first promotes an even distribution, which prevents clumps and ensures a consistent texture throughout your brownie cake batter.

Step 4: Whip the eggs and sugar

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until thick and pale yellow, about three minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, a hand whisk works too; it just takes a little more effort. This step incorporates air into your batter, creating a lightness that balances the dense chocolate richness.

Step 5: Combine everything

Begin by adding half of the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar, folding carefully to blend without deflating the batter. Add the remainder of the chocolate mixture and mix again until fully incorporated. Stir in the sour cream, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and uniform. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and the last ¾ cup of chocolate chips for that extra burst of molten chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer your pan into the preheated oven and bake at 350°F until the top is beginning to crack and the center no longer jiggles when you gently move the pan. This should take about 40 minutes, but start checking at 35 minutes because ovens vary. The cracks on top are a classic sign of a perfect brownie crust that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy interior.

Step 7: Cool and cut

Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for at least an hour. Cooling helps the texture to set and makes cutting neater. When ready to serve, lift the brownie cake from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 25 small squares. I like small pieces because of their thickness, but feel free to make larger slices if you prefer a heftier bite. Either way, these are pure joy from the first bite to the last crumb.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a stack of four chocolate brownies with a rough, crumbly top layer, showing a dense and slightly moist texture inside. Each brownie layer has a rich dark brown color with small cracks on the surface, highlighting a homemade look. The background is softly blurred with a warm tone, making the brownies stand out. The image is shot on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an elegant touch. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the chocolate flavor beautifully and add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Side Dishes

This brownie cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong black coffee or espresso. These accompaniments balance the sweetness and deepen the indulgence, turning your simple dessert into a memorable experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try layering slices with alternating layers of whipped cream and fresh raspberries to make a brownie parfait. Another fun idea is to cut out shapes from the brownie squares using cookie cutters for festive occasions. Presentation can be playful and still keep all the exact flavors of this delightful Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains the moist texture while preserving the intense chocolate flavor. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator can extend its freshness for up to one week.

Freezing

This Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen brownies can keep well for up to three months without losing their decadent texture. When you want a sweet treat, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently.

Reheating

To bring life back to your stored brownie cake, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. A brief reheat brings out the gooey richness and melts any chocolate chips inside, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Absolutely! This Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe uses gluten-free flour and carefully avoids any gluten-containing ingredients, making it safe and delicious for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute without altering the texture or flavor much. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

What type of gluten-free flour works best?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum usually works best for this recipe, providing the right structure and moisture for a tender yet sturdy brownie cake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While the recipe calls for butter and sour cream, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil for butter and a dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but still yield a delicious brownie.

How do I know when the brownie cake is done baking?

The top should develop small cracks and no longer jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Using these signs ensures your Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe is perfectly baked with a fudgy center and slightly crisp edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances indulgence with dietary needs, this Gluten-Free Brownie Cake Recipe is all you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser with every bit of that classic brownie goodness, plus the reassurance that it’s safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for every occasion where chocolate happiness is on the menu.