• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frosting
    • Fruit Desserts
    • Muffins
    • One Bowl Desserts
    • Pies & Tarts
  • About Me
  • Food Photography
    • Work with Me
    • Classes and Workshops
  • Shop

Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Bars & Brownies

Oct 3, 2022

Decadent Dairy Free Brownies with Frosting

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
Jump to Recipe

This post might have affiliate links, please check out my full disclosure policy.

This no-butter chocolate brownie recipe results in an ooey-gooey, decadent, and SUPER fudgy batch of the BEST Dairy Free Brownies, complete with a delicious brownie frosting. The rich, chocolatey brownie batter comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze!

A plate stacked with brownies.

I love baking with butter, and as a trained pastry chef, I do so often, but I also enjoy creating chocolate desserts without butter for my dairy-free and lactose intolerant or kosher and chocolate-loving friends!

The satiny smooth brownie batter yields a pan of thick, insanely moist, and fudgy brownies with the perfect amount of “chew.” The centers are delightfully soft, silky, and tender, and the whole thing is topped with a decadent dairy free chocolate frosting!

These brownies are adapted from my one bowl brownie recipe, that is a huge hit whenever I bring it to our friends. The topping is adapted from my original brownie frosting recipe. If you want to go the dairy route you can also try these brownies with cream cheese frosting, or red velvet brownies!

If you can’t believe it’s not butter, you better believe it! These dairy-free brownies are the real deal. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake!

Best non dairy substitutes for baking

Butter– My favorite non dairy butter substitute to use is Earth Balance. I buy it in the baking sticks and not in the tub so that I can measure easily. I like it because it is vegan and doesn’t have the chemicals that margarine has in it.

Chocolate Chips- I always buy my non dairy (or pareve if you keep kosher) chocolate chips from Trader Joes. They have so many options for chips, triangles, chunks, you name it. Plus they are cheaper than anything I can find in another store, so stock up!

Enjoy life is another non dairy chocolate brand I like to use if I can’t get to Trader Joes.

Milk-I use rice milk most of the time in replace of milk, or coconut cream in replace of creamer. You can use soy milk too if you prefer, I just like the rice milk!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • It is a dairy-free variation of my original brownie recipe which I tested SIX times for perfection. They’re SERIOUSLY perfect.
  • So much chocolate! The brownies are made with dairy-free chocolate chips and cocoa powder for next-level chocolatey flavor.
  • These are perfect if you keep kosher and need a delicious non dairy dessert to eat at after a meat meal.
  • You dont need to feel left out of chocolatey goodness if you are lactose intolerant!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for dairy free brownies.
Ingredients for brownies
Ingredients for dairy free brownie frosting
Ingredients for brownie frosting.

For the brownies:

  • Vegan butter – Use unsalted. I use the Earth Balance sticks.
  • Dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips – With the popularity of plant-based diets, there are several really good milk and dairy-free chocolate chips on the shelves. Like I said I like Trader Joes, or Enjoy life. You can also try Lilys!
  • Granulated sugar – Sugar sweetens and combines with the egg for the structure.
  • Eggs – Room temperature eggs help make a dense, fudgy brownie with a firm surface.
  • Vanilla extract – Boosts the sweet and creamy flavors.
  • Flour – Just enough to add structure to the batter without making the brownies cakey.
  • Cocoa powder – The second layer of deep chocolate flavor!
  • Salt – Enhances the flavor.

For the Brownie Frosting (optional):

  • Unsalted Dairy Free Butter – Makes up the creamy base of this recipe and gives the frosting its rich buttery flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder – Gives the brownie icing its chocolate taste and natural brown coloring.
  • Confectioners Sugar – This fine sugar blends in easily with the rest of the ingredients making it thick and smooth.
  • Rice or Soy Milk – Helps thin out the frosting to the perfect consistency while keeping it creamy.

HOW TO MAKE Dairy Free Brownies

Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line an 8″x 8″ baking pan with parchment paper. To keep the parchment paper in place, clamp it to the sides of the pan with binder clips. Alternately, you can coat the baking pan with nonstick baking spray.

Melt dairy-free butter and chocolate: Add the vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and blended. Set the mixture aside to cool for 3-5 minutes.

Whip eggs and sugar: Add the eggs to the bowl and whip vigorously by hand with a whisk, or use a hand mixer with the whisk attached. Add the sugar, and continue whipping for 3 full minutes. Finally, mix in the vanilla with a flexible spatula.

Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the bowl, and mix until combined.Be careful not to overmix!

Bake and cool: Pour the batter into the lined baking pan, remove the clips, and bake until firm and fudgy (25 minutes). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Enjoy!

Make the frosting: Add the vegan butter to a microwavable safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave until no solids remain.

Mix the frosting: To the melted butter, add the cocoa powder and whisk until it’s incorporated well. Then, add the powdered sugar and rice milk and whisk until a smooth frosting is formed.

Frost: Use it to frost cooled brownies immediately. The frosting will harden on the top as it sets leaving a creamy texture underneath.

Melted vegan butter and chocolate in a glass bowl.
Melt the vegan butter with the chocolate.
Brownie batter in a glass bowl.
Combine the rest of the ingredients.
Dairy free brownie batter in a pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake in an 8×8 pan.

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • Measure flour precisely – If you don’t have a kitchen scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Never scoop the flour with your measuring cup.
  • Use the right pan for baking brownies – I suggest baking dairy-free brownies in a glass or light-colored metal baking pan. Avoid darker metal pans, as they tend to get too hot and burn the bottom of the brownies.
  • Use binder clips – This is a great baking hack to keep the parchment paper from sliding around while pouring in the batter, but don’t forget to remove the clips before the pan goes into the oven!
  • Cool before cutting – The brownies must cool completely. You can stick them in the freezer for 30 minutes after they initially cool down. This makes it much easier to cut into 16 tidy squares.

Best way to cut brownies

The best way to cut brownies is to cut them cold and with a large sharp knife. After the brownies have cooled, stick them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.

Using a large chefs knife slice the brownies in half, wipe off the knife with a napkin or towel and then cut in half again on each side wiping in between each cut.

Turn the brownies and cut them the same way, ending up with 16 individual brownies.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing: Wrap the whole pan or single slices tightly in plastic wrap and keep stored on the counter for 3 days.

Freezing: These dairy-free brownies freeze nicely double-wrapped in plastic or tin foil for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

A brownie topped with frosting on a brown piece of parchment paper.

FAQ

Can I double the recipe?

Sure! I suggest using a 9″x13″ baking pan and adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use oil instead of vegan butter?

I’ve only tested this recipe with vegan butter, but in most instances, you can swap neutral-tasting oil with butter, using 3/4 of the amount of oil as you would butter. So, for example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you would use 3/4 cup oil instead.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yup! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and you’re all set!

WAYS TO ENJOY

Feel free to customize with fun mix-ins. You can fold them directly into the batter, scatter them over the top before baking, or both!

  • Chopped nuts – Walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.
  • Crushed Oreos – Yes, they’re dairy-free!
  • Other dairy-free options – Mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped pretzels, etc.

More Brownies recipes!

  • Banana Bread brownies layered onto a parchment lined plate.
    Moist and Easy Banana Bread Brownies
  • A close up of the inside fudgy center of a banana brownie.
    Fudgy and Rich Banana Brownies
  • Birthday brownies stacked on top of each other on a plate.
    Easy Decadent Birthday Brownies
  • A closeup of the texture of a brownie.
    Fudgy Homemade Cosmic Brownies
A brownie topped with frosting on a brown piece of parchment paper.

Decadent Dairy Free Brownies with Frosting

This no-butter chocolate brownie recipe results in an ooey-gooey, decadent, and SUPER fudgy batch of the BEST Dairy Free Brownies, complete with a delicious brownie frosting. The rich, chocolatey brownie batter comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher, Vegan
Keyword: dairy free brownies, dairy free chocolate brownies, gooey chocolate dairy free brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Making the frosting: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 266kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter such as Earth Balance 113g
  • 6 oz dairy free semi sweet chocolate chips about 1 heaping cup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup flour 60g
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder 25g
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the dairy free frosting

  • 1/4 cup unsalted vegan butter, melted 56 g
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder 35g
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 227g
  • 3 tbsp rice milk or soy

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray. Clamp down the sides of the pan with clips to hold the parchment paper in place.
  • In a microwave safe bowl combine the 1/2 cup vegan butter and 6 oz dairy free chocolate. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted. Up to 90 seconds total. Let the chocolate cool for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add in 3 eggs and whip using a whisk or the whisk attachment for 1 minute.
  • Add the 1 cup sugar and whip again for 3 full minutes.
  • Switch to a spatula and add in 1 teaspoon vanilla mix until combined. Next add in the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Mix until combined.
  • Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and bake for 25 minutes for super fudgy brownies. Cool!

Make the frosting

  • In a large microwavable safe bowl melt the vegan butter 30 seconds at a time until fully melted. Add in the ⅓ cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
  • Add in the 2 cups of confectioners sugar and 3 tbsp milk. Whisk until smooth and frost cooled brownies right away otherwise it will harden.

Notes

My favorite dairy free butter to use is Earth Balance.
My favorite dairy free chocolate chips are from Trader Joes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Decadent Dairy Free Brownies with Frosting
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 266 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 152mg7%
Potassium 66mg2%
Carbohydrates 39g13%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 32g36%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 45IU1%
Calcium 24mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I love when you share my recipes!!

20 shares

Filed Under: Bars & Brownies, One Bowl Desserts Tagged With: Chocolate, dairy free

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

Do you love this recipe? If so, I would be so grateful if you left a star rating with your comment! Star ratings help other people find my recipes so they can make them too. Thank you for your support!

XO, Sam

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

As Featured In:

Logo images of media places Sam Adler has been featured in
Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

samadlerphotography

👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on th 👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on the couch with this in my lap. No sharing allowed! Those 3 spoons are all mine 😂😂 

🍾🥂HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🥂
.
.
.
#newyearseve #2023goals #cookieskillet #skilletcookie #giantchocolatechipcookie #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookiephotography #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotographer #foodstylist #foodstylists #castironbaking #castironskillet #castiron @lodgecastiron
Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @ta Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @taylorswift theme has got to be my fave (see my last reel for the explanation of each cookie!) but I have so much fun every year making these! Which one is your fave?! 

#cookieboxes #cookiebox #cookiegifts #cookiegiftbox #holidaycookies #taylorswift #TaylorSwiftcookies #homemadecookies #customcookies #cookiedecorating #cookiesofinstagram #cookiedesign #cookiephotography #holidaycookiebox #holidaygiftsets #holidaygifts #ediblegifts #swiftie #swiftiesforever #taylornation @taylornation
ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylors ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylorswift themed!! 
1. “Like a rainbow with all of the colors” sprinkle cookies 
2. “Lover” heart sugar cookies 
3. “Lavender Haze” shortbread (made with lavender and a pearly shimmer powder)
4. “Midnight” cookies AKA my chocolate brownie cookies 
5. “Red lip classic” sugar cookies 
6. More midnight cookies- (dusted with powdered sugar to look like the midnight cloudy sky)
7. “Bejeweled” sugar cookies (Navy bc black fondant was out of stock)
8. @taylorswift famous chai cookies 

Merry Christmas if you’re celebrating and hope you have a happy New Year’s Day!
.
.
.

#cookiebox #taylorswift #taylorswiftcookies #holidaycookiebox #swifties #swiftie #swiftieforever #holidaycookies #cookieseason #cookiedecorating #cookiebox #cookieboxes #taylorswiftlover #taylorswiftlyrics #taylorswiftvideo #sugarcookies #shortbread #browniecookies #christmascookies #christmascookiebox #lavenderhaze
#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels like a perfect night and you’re not weepin in a party bathroom. IYKYK
.
.
Also here’s to wishing me getting those tix!
.
.
.
#swiftie #swifties #happybirthday #taylorswift #taylorswifttickets #birthdaycake #birthdaycakes #birthdaycandles #caramelcake #carameldripcake #caramelbirthdaycake #cakephotography #cakephotography📷 #cakedecorating #cakedesign #cakesofinstagram #cakepic #cakepictures
I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 

.
.
.
#gingersnaps #gingersnapcookies #gingersnap #christmascookies #christmascookie #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #cookierecipes #tinyhands #holidaybaking #cookieseason  #cookiesofinstagram #cookiegram #cookielover
Load more please Follow me on Instagram!

Categories

Archives

Privacy Policy  | Disclosure Policy

 

Support by Foodie Digital

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Web Stories
  • Privacy Policy

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure Policy

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

Copyright © 2023 Samantha Adler | Frosting & Fettuccine | Support by Foodie Digital

20 shares