Easy Gluten-Free Blonde Brownies

These chewy gluten-free blonde brownies are buttery, simple to make, and totally foolproof. Perfect for busy families craving simple dessert recipes gluten free!

I stumbled into making these blonde brownies during one particularly chaotic Tuesday. The kids were hangry, I had zero chocolate chips, and honestly? I just needed a win.

These golden beauties came together in one bowl, baked up perfectly chewy, and disappeared before they even cooled. Now they’re my secret weapon for last-minute potlucks and “I deserve dessert” evenings.

What I love most is how blonde brownies feel fancy but are ridiculously forgiving. No finicky chocolate to seize, no complicated layering—just pure buttery, brown sugar bliss. And since they’re naturally gluten-free when made with the right flour, they’re perfect for families navigating dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease, which affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. Having simple dessert recipes gluten free on hand makes life so much sweeter for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (222g) gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer mixed with 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8″ square baking pan and set it aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly for perfect blonde brownies every time.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with both sugars until the mixture looks smooth and slightly fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Add your prepared egg replacer and vanilla, then beat until everything’s nicely combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix—you want these simple gluten free baking treats to stay tender!

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Here’s the hardest part: let them cool completely before cutting into bars. I know, I know—the waiting is torture! But it’s worth it for clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture.

Substitutions & Swaps

Let’s talk flexibility, because best easy gluten free desserts should work with what you’ve got on hand.

Flour: Any good-quality gluten-free flour blend works beautifully for these brownies. I’ve tested King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 with excellent results. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon yourself.

Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use your favorite vegan butter substitute in the same amount. Just make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar.

Egg Replacer: These brownies were designed with Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer, but you can also use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) or 2 regular eggs if you’re not avoiding them.

Sugar: Swap half the granulated sugar for coconut sugar if you want a deeper caramel flavor. The texture stays perfect in these simple dessert recipes gluten free.

Want to jazz them up? Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or white chocolate chunks before baking. My kids love when I swirl in a few spoonfuls of nut butter on top before popping them in the oven.

Troubleshooting Tips

Brownies came out cakey instead of chewy? You might’ve overbaked them slightly. Remember, these blonde brownies continue cooking a bit as they cool, so pull them when they’re just set in the center. The edges should be golden, but the middle can look slightly underdone.

Batter seems too thick? That’s actually perfect! Blonde brownies have a denser batter than cake. If it seems impossibly thick, your butter might not have been soft enough. Make sure it’s truly room temperature—you should be able to press your finger into it easily.

Bars are crumbly when you cut them? Two things: make sure you let them cool completely (patience, friend!), and check that your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum. This binder is essential for holding simple gluten free baking projects together.

Top is cracking? This happens sometimes with gluten-free treats and doesn’t affect taste at all! If it bothers you, try reducing your oven temp by 25°F and baking a few minutes longer for these best easy gluten free desserts.

Storage & Meal Prep

These blonde brownies actually improve after a day! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I like to layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

For longer storage, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual bars, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then toss them all in a freezer-safe bag. Pull one out whenever you need a quick treat—they thaw in about 30 minutes on the counter.

Pro tip: I often double this recipe and freeze half. It’s the same amount of work but gives you simple dessert recipes gluten free ready to go for unexpected guests or those emergency dessert situations we all know too well.

Want to meal prep for the week? Bake these brownies on Sunday and portion them into grab-and-go containers. They make perfect lunchbox treats or afternoon pick-me-ups when you need something sweet to power through your day.

Serving Suggestions

Blonde brownies are delicious straight from the pan (no judgment here!), but there are so many fun ways to serve them.

Warm one up for 10 seconds in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm, chewy blonde brownies and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely heavenly.

For a fancier presentation, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. They’re perfect alongside coffee for brunch or as a simple gluten free baking contribution to potlucks.

I love packing these in school lunches or taking them on road trips. They travel well, don’t make a mess, and give everyone a little happiness boost. Pair them with fresh berries for a more balanced snack, or serve them with warm milk before bedtime for a cozy treat.

Looking for more best easy gluten free desserts to round out your recipe collection? These brownies pair beautifully with fresh fruit or your favorite hot beverage.

Variations for Every Craving

S’mores Blonde Brownies: Press mini marshmallows and chocolate chips into the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows if you’re feeling fancy!

Butterscotch Bliss: Fold in ¾ cup butterscotch chips for extra richness. These brownies become even more decadent with that caramelly sweetness.

Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. The crunch adds wonderful texture to these simple dessert recipes gluten free.

Birthday Cake Style: Mix in ½ cup rainbow sprinkles and top with vanilla frosting once cooled. Kids go absolutely wild for this version of simple gluten free baking!

Maple Pecan: Replace ¼ cup of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and add ½ cup toasted pecans. The maple flavor makes these blonde brownies taste like autumn in a pan.

Dairy-Free & Vegan: Use vegan butter and stick with the egg replacer as written. These best easy gluten free desserts work perfectly for multiple dietary needs at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Gluten-Free Goodness

If you loved how easy these blonde brownies came together, you’ll want to check out my Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos for a savory option that’s just as family-friendly. And when you’re ready to level up your gluten-free bread game, my Easy Protein Gluten-Free Bread Recipe is an absolute game-changer for sandwiches and toast.

Living gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing the treats you love. With a few simple swaps and reliable recipes like these simple gluten free baking favorites, you can enjoy everything from breakfast to dessert without worry.

The best part? Once you nail these blonde brownies, you’ll have the confidence to tackle any gluten-free recipe that comes your way. And trust me, your family will be requesting these best easy gluten free desserts on repeat.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing about blonde brownies: they’re proof that gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and one bowl, you can create something that tastes absolutely incredible.

I hope these become a staple in your home like they have in mine. There’s something special about pulling a pan of golden, buttery simple dessert recipes gluten free from the oven and knowing everyone can enjoy them together—no special accommodations, no separate batches, just pure deliciousness.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely amazing, and you’re about to become everyone’s favorite person. Because honestly? Nothing says love quite like homemade blonde brownies fresh from the oven.

Happy baking, friend!