• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Green Smoothie Gourmet
  • HOME
  • Recipe Index
  • Dessert Recipes +
  • Breads & Muffins Recipes +
  • FREE Chocolate Course
  • Cookbooks
    • 4-Ingredient Smoothies & Juices Cookbook
    • Crazy Healthy 4 Ingredient Recipes Cookbook
  • About +
    • My Amazon Store
    • 10 Steps to Instagram Growth 2021
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • ALL Recipes
  • Baked & Chilled Desserts
  • Drinks & Smoothies
  • Ice Cream & Pops
  • Entrees & Sides
  • 4 Ingredient Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Brownies & Bars » Easy Gluten Free Brownies

    Easy Gluten Free Brownies

    Mar 28, 2019 · Updated: Apr 19, 2021 by Dee Dine · Affliate links disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe

    Easy chocolate gluten free brownies with buckwheat groats have three delicious layers including a fudgy middle layer, and chocolate ganache top, full of protein, magnesium and fiber. This small batch recipe is no-bake, dairy-free and vegan.
    Three gluten-free chocolate buckwheat flourless brownies stacked and on a white board with a vessel of milk in the background and a shot glass full of raw buckwheat groats to the right.

    Easy Gluten Free Brownies

    These easy chocolate gluten-free brownies are showcasing buckwheat groats! The layers also include a fudgy coconut butter middle layer and a chocolate ganache top. A creamy fudgy gluten free brainstorm! Just like dark chocolate, buckwheat groats are a nutritional wonder and boost brain-power. They are a seed, really, so gluten-free. A wonderful flourless direction to take with a dessert, don't you think? Let me tell you about my gluten free buckwheat brownies.

    These Easy Gluten Free Brownies are:

    1. easy to make
    2. high in protein and fiber
    3. vegan, gluten free, dairy free
    4. have 3 rich fudgy layers
    5. are full of whole ingredients
    6. are filing and nutritious
    7. plant-based and allergy-friendly

    How Do You Make Gluten Free Brownies

    Well, buckwheat groats are key here, but before we dive into the recipe, would you like to sign up for my free chocolate course?

    Okay, so let's go on and discuss how to make these brownies gluten free...

    What Is Gluten?

    Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, that is sued to keep elasticity in food. While people with dietary concerns such as celiac disease need to avoid gluten, there are health benefits for all of us. Here are a few.

    Benefits to Avoiding Gluten in Brownies

    1. Improves digestion
    2. Improves heart health
    3. Boosts energy
    4. Boosts immunity

    These are only some benefits to avoiding gluten, and buckwheat groats is only one of many pseudo-grains that work well in gluten-free recipes to replace flour. Quinoa is also one, and more can be found in this Healthline article.

    Buckwheat Groats Are Great in Gluten Free Brownies

    So let me tell you all about buckwheat groats. Buckwheat groats are a super healthy pseudo-cereal - not related to wheat and devoid of gluten. Buckwheat in fact is a seed. And when soaked and processed into a recipe, they provide the structure of flour. Perfect for a vegan gluten-free recipe.

    Three gluten-free chocolate buckwheat vegan flourless brownies stacked and on a white board with a vessel of milk in the background and a shot glass full of raw buckwheat groats to the right

    What are the Other Benefits of Eating Buckwheat

    Buckwheat is the primary nutritional force behind this healthy brownie recipe.

    Buckwheat is not a grain, it is a fruit seed. And it is high in protein and fiber. In fact, they are more nutritious than most grains, contributing magnesium which is supportive of mood and sleep. As well as folate, zinc and vitamin B6.

    Specifically, one cup of groats contributes about a whooping 24gms of protein, 5 gms of fiber and only 1 gm of fat. Studies show the groat is also healthy for the heart and blood sugar control, show prebiotic and anti-inflammatory potential.

    Have I convinced you yet?

    How Do You Cook Buckwheat?

    In this recipe, you eat the buckwheat groats raw. I soak it and blend it smooth along with walnuts and cacao or cocoa powder and dates.

    You can cook buckwheat groats however. Just boil it into a  kind of oatmeal. It tastes kind of nutty when cooked.

    Use Buckwheat Groats in Gluten Free Brownies

    In this recipe, the groats add structure to the base. I blended them raw, but also allowed many to remain unbroken down for added crunch and texture to the chew.

    There is a bit of prep regarding buckwheat - at minimum you need to rinse it thoroughly because it has a coating that protects it from predators and that can taste bitter and interfere slightly with some digestions.

    If you want to prep further, you can soak the raw buckwheat groats for about six hours in clear water to reduce the phytic acids found in buckwheat as well as grains. For some, this improves digestion; for others, it is inconsequential because actually phytic acids have a plus-side too, being considered an anti-inflammatory. Read more about the phytic acid controversy here!

    What If You Can't Find Buckwheat Groats?

    I know what you are going to say. Buckwheat groats aren't that easy to find in the grocery store. And you are right. But I order them online from Amazon, with the most budget price from Anthony's. Before the pandemic, I would find buckwheat groats loose in the bulk section of  Whole Foods.

    But if you don't have access to buckwheat groats, you can swap them out for oats, or if you don't mind more nuts, crushed almonds and walnuts. Or a mix of them.

    More About This Gluten Free Brownie Recipe

    Moving back to the subject of the recipe. Let's start by talking about the brownie base, shall we?

    Three gluten-free chocolate buckwheat flourless brownies stacked and on a white board with a vessel of milk in the background and a shot glass full of raw buckwheat groats to the right
    The base of this flourless brownie also features walnuts, a nut that is high in protein and a wonderful boost to cognitive abilities as well as a strong anti-inflammatory. Walnuts, with the buckwheat groats and cacao, create a marvelous pedestal for the other two layers - a fudgy middle also made healthy with the use of cacao powder and coconut butter, and a simple frosting of chocolate, avocado oil, and nut butter.

    This recipe is already gluten-free - want to make it nut-free as well? Use sunflower butter in the frosting instead of almond butter.

    How to Make Homemade Coconut Butter

    The other ingredient I love in this recipe is coconut butter. I mix it with cacao or cocoa and maple syrup for the middle layer. And believe me, that middle layer is SWOON-city. I spoon it out of the blender. I'm lucky I have any left to spread as the middle layer.

    Best thing is, the coconut butter you use is inexpensive when you make it at home. Yes, they sell jars called coconut manna, but too expensive. Just make it.

    Do do that, you'll need to buy a bag of shredded unsweetened coconut and blend it in a high speed blender for a few minutes. If you need 1 cup of coconut butter, be sure to blend up twice that of the shredded coconut. Pro tip - make sure the shredded coconut is finely shredded (not flakes) and fresh.

    Here I made only four portions using a 4-inch by 4-inch pan, but you can double the recipe and use a loaf pan (4-inch by 8-inch) if you want more pieces. These brownies store very nicely frozen; we kept our smaller portions refrigerated since they were gone in a day, used mostly for an energizing afternoon snack.

    If you like easy chocolate desserts, you will love these recipes:

    • Chocolate Crunch Bars
    • Chocolate Covered Chocolate Chickpea Clusters

    Try More Of My Brownies Here

    Sweet Potato Brownies
    No Bake Fudge Brownies
    Pumpkin Brownies
    Healthy Mocha Brownies
    Brownie Bites
    No Bake Brownies
    Cake like Brownies

    If you feel like saving the recipe or sharing on Pinterest, use the image below:

    A stack of healthy flourless brownies on a white table.

    I invite you to keep up with me on: Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Food Gawker | Twitter

    Don’t miss a thing, subscribe here to get recipes delivered to your inbox!

    Easy Gluten Free Brownies

    Created by Dee Dine
    Easy gluten free brownies with buckwheat groats in three delicious layers including a fudgy middle layer, and chocolate ganache top, full of protein, magnesium and fiber. This small batch recipe is no-bake, dairy-free and vegan. Or double the recipe, use a loaf pan, and make 8 brownies.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Cuisine vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    Buckwheat Groat Base

    • ⅓ cup buckwheat groats (Soak in water overnight with dates, and rinse th e next day when you are ready to make the recipe.)
    • ¼ cup walnuts
    • 1 tbsp cacao powder
    • 3 tbsp water (more water if base is crumbly; you want it a bit sticky, enough to press into pan.)
    • 1 medjool date (soaked at least 2 hours if it is not soft and juicy OR boil for 2 minutes)

    Fudge Middle

    • ¼ cup coconut butter
    • 2 tbsps maple syrup
    • 1 tbsp cacao powder

    Frosting Top

    • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
    • 1 tbsp avocado oil (Can substitute refined coconut oil or omit)
    • 1 tbsp nut butter (Or sunflower butter to make recipe nut-free)

    Useful Equipment

    • 4-inch by 8-inch loaf pan
    • 4-cup food processor
    • 4-inch square pan with removable bottom
    • 4-inch square parchment paper

    Instructions
     

    Prep

    • Pour the buckwheat groats and dates into a container, and submerged with clear water. Rinse the groats and dates the next day before blending. This is to remove the slimy coating that is there to protect them in nature from predators, but which makes the taste bitter if you don't rinse it off.
    • Line a 4-inch by 4-inch square pan with parchment or double recipe and line a loaf pan instead.

    Make Base

    • In a food processor, blend up ingredients until you have a pressable texture. Add more water if it is crumbly.
    • Press into the pan. And refrigerate while you make the middle layer.

    Make Middle

    • In a 2-cup measuring cup, stir together the melted coconut butter, maple syrup and cacao powder until evenly distributed. If you double the recipe, put all ingredients into a food processor.
    • Pour the mixture over the chilled base and return the pan to the refrigerator while you make the frosting. If you want the middle to harden faster, you can freeze it.

    Make Frosting

    • In a pyrex measuring cup, microwave the dark chocolate chips at 60-seconds and stir until melted. You can microwave another 15 seconds if needed.
    • Into the melted chocolate chips, stir in the avocado oil and almond butter and keep stirring until evenly combined. Pour over the hardened middle layer and refrigerate until the top is hard enough to cut.
    • Cut the bars, store in the refrigerator for about a week or longer in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword brownie bars, gluten-free brownie, no-bake
    Leave a ReviewLet us know what you think of my recipe!
    « 6 Comfort Food Lunchbox Recipes
    Chocolate Jicama Recipe for a Smoothie »

    Let's Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Feel Great in 2022

    1. Blender Ginger Shots
    2. Blender Ginger Juice
    3. Blender Celery Juice
    4. Blender Turmeric Shots
    5. Blender Ginger Shots
    6. Benefits of Lemon Water
    7. Cauliflower Smoothie
    8. Making Smoothies, from Smoothie Cubes
    9. The Best Green Smoothie

    My Two Cookbooks

    4-Ingredient Dessert Cookbook 4-Ingredient Smoothie CookBook

    About the Author

    Dee Dine is founder of Green Smoothie Gourmet, a plant based recipe blog, and author of two recent cookbooks, Crazy Healthy with 4 Ingredients and the immunity-boosting smoothie /juice/wellness shot book, 4-Ingredient Smoothies + Juices . On this blog you'll find incredibly healthy easy recipes with hidden veggies for anyone wanting to eat healthier, regardless of diet. Dee has graduate degrees in sciences and journalism, is editor at The Feedfeed and a nutritional expert at WikiHow. More about Dee Dine here.

    Do You Like Healthy Recipe Videos?

    Look for my recipes with videos and subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Izzy

      July 17, 2019 at 5:59 am

      Hi Dee,

      These look lovely!! But I was wondering, how bitter the base bit is usuing walnuts and raw cocao powder (and with only 1 date)?

      Thank you,
      Izzy

      Reply
      • Dee Dine

        July 17, 2019 at 6:02 am

        Hi Izzy, you can taste-test right after processing and add a bit of maple syrup at that point which is easier than soaking another date. But we don't find it bitter at all, and my teens love them this way. Thanks for stopping by! Dee xx

        Reply
    2. Bianca Zapatka

      May 08, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! 😍
      Would love to try it! Great recipe, Dee! ❤️
      Lots of love,
      Bianca

      Reply
      • Dee Dine

        May 09, 2019 at 11:33 am

        Thank you Bianca, we can't stop making them over here. They are so easy, they have replaced our old favorite! Take care, Dee

        Reply
    3. Ela

      May 05, 2019 at 2:40 pm

      Wow, they look ultra fudgy! I am sure they taste very chocolaty and delicious. 🙂 Love that they are vegan and gluten-free. Going to pin them now! 🙂

      Reply
      • Dee Dine

        May 06, 2019 at 6:33 pm

        That's terrific, glad you like them Ela!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Start Here

    To get you started, check out my:
    Healthy Desserts
    Chocolate Desserts
    Detox Drinks
    Simple Smoothies
    Smoothie 101 Guide.
    Dairy Free Ice Cream

    Visit me on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok
    cover for my 4-ingredient book
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Hello and Welcome!

    picture of dee dine.I'm Dee, and I make healthy dessert recipes that often include hidden veggies. All are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free. Visit me on Instagram where I always post new recipes first!

    logos where green smoothie gourmet is featured

    Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved. Green Smoothie Gourmet · Log in
    Design by BDW | Privacy Policy | Disclosure & Copyright