Decadent Eggless Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Chocolate Brownies are a classic dessert adored by people of all ages. After all, who can resist the allure of rich, chocolatey goodness? In this article, we present a simple yet delectable version of the traditional brownie: an Eggless Brownie crafted with cocoa powder and dark chocolate. By substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, this recipe offers a wholesome twist. It’s also egg-free, easy to prepare, and just as satisfying as its conventional counterpart.

eggless brownie cut into rectangles, stacked on top of each other and served on a white plate.

Why This Eggless Brownie Recipe Works

Brownies have long been cherished as a beloved American treat, known for their deep chocolate flavor and irresistible dense texture that lies somewhere between a cookie and a cake. They are soft and moist on the inside, often featuring a rich bite and that signature delicate, crackly top.

While traditional recipes typically rely on eggs and refined flour, this version takes a more wholesome approach. Inspired by the fudgy style of brownies, it is made without eggs or all-purpose flour.

Instead, we use whole wheat flour, full-fat milk, butter, cocoa powder, and rich dark chocolate to create a brownie that is moist, soft, and bursting with flavor without feeling overly heavy.

The whole wheat flour adds a subtle nuttiness and helps maintain a tender crumb. I’ve used Christopher brand dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate for deep chocolate notes, while Callebaut chocolate chips are mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top for soft, melty bites in every piece.

Feel free to use any high-quality brand of dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It’s best to choose couverture chocolate over compound chocolate, as couverture contains more cocoa butter, resulting in a richer taste and smoother texture. However, if you only have compound chocolate, it can still be used, though the flavor and mouthfeel may differ slightly.

A key trick for achieving that classic glossy crust is to melt the sugar into the hot milk-butter mixture. This small extra step makes a significant difference, giving the brownies their elegant sheen without the need for frosting.

This recipe is an enhanced version of one I previously shared. After training as a pastry chef and gaining more experience with eggless baking, I revisited my original recipe to make it fudgier, softer, and richer in flavor. If you’ve tried the earlier version, I believe you’ll enjoy this updated one even more.

It’s a straightforward, no-fuss recipe made with everyday pantry staples. There’s no all-purpose flour or eggs, yet the brownies turn out chocolaty, soft, and deeply satisfying.

eggless brownie ingredients in measuring cups and bowls placed on a tray.

Key Ingredients at a Glance

  • Whole wheat flour: Provides structure and a light nutty flavor, making the brownies more wholesome while keeping the texture soft and tender.
  • Baking powder: Adds a slight lift to the batter, balancing the dense texture without making the brownies cakey.
  • Dark cocoa powder: Contributes a deep, rich chocolate taste. I’ve used Christopher brand, but any good-quality cocoa will suffice.
  • Dark chocolate: Adds extra moisture and makes the brownies fudgier while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, moist crumb. Melted butter contributes to the dense, fudgy texture.
  • Full-fat milk: Acts as a liquid and replaces eggs in this recipe, binding everything together and ensuring the brownies remain soft and moist.
  • Sugar (raw or white): Sweetens the brownies and is crucial for forming that shiny, crackly crust when melted into the hot milk-butter mix.
  • Vanilla extract (optional): A small amount enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
  • Callebaut chocolate chips: Added for an extra chocolatey bite in every piece, they melt just enough to create gooey pockets of chocolate on top.

If you enjoy chocolate-based eggless desserts, here are a few more recipes you might like:

How to Make Eggless Brownies

Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature.

Preparation

  1. Grease a 7 x 2 inches square baking pan with softened butter or oil if preferred.
  2. Measure all the ingredients and keep them ready:
    • ½ cup whole wheat flour (atta), leveled – 60 grams
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder, leveled – 22 grams
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips – 40 grams
    • 60 grams unsalted butter, softened and at room temperature
  3. In a sieve, combine ½ cup whole wheat flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Sift this flour mixture and set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 180° C (355° F) for 15 minutes. For convection ovens, preheat at 170° C (340° F).
  6. Note: If using stone-ground or roller-milled whole wheat flour, sift it twice with the baking powder.

Make Cocoa Butter Mixture

  1. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of whole or full-fat milk on low to medium flame until hot but not boiling.
  2. Once hot, lower the heat and add ⅓ cup sugar (65 grams).
  3. Add 60 grams of unsalted butter (softened at room temperature).
  4. Next, add ¼ cup leveled cocoa powder.
  5. Whisk continuously until the sugar and cocoa powder dissolve completely, creating a smooth and glossy mixture.
  6. Turn off the heat and add ¼ cup (40 grams) of dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, mixing well.

Make Brownie Batter

  1. Add the hot cocoa and chocolate mixture to the sifted flour mixture in the bowl. Also, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
  2. With a spatula or whisk, gently mix both the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. The batter should have a medium consistency; if it appears too thick, add a few tablespoons of hot milk. If too thin, add a few tablespoons of flour.
  4. Note: The amount of milk required may vary based on the quality of whole wheat flour, so keep some hot milk handy.

  5. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan.
  6. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles.
  7. Top the batter with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips.

Bake Chocolate Brownie

  1. Bake in the preheated oven at 180° C (355° F) for about 28 to 35 minutes. For convection ovens, bake at 170° C (340° F).
  2. Keep the pan on the center rack and avoid opening the oven door until the brownies are almost done. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  3. Be cautious not to overbake, as this will dry out the brownies.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, you can either lift them out of the pan or slice them directly in the tray for easy serving.

Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for later. In cooler weather, they can stay fresh at room temperature for a day or two.

When serving, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar for a charming touch. You can also drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top, or indulge by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

top shot of eggless brownie.

Expert Tips

  1. Measure accurately: Use leveled cups or a scale to avoid dryness.
  2. Use good quality chocolate: Opt for rich dark cocoa and couverture chocolate for better taste.
  3. Melt sugar into the butter-milk mix: This helps form the signature shiny top.
  4. Stick to full-fat whole milk: It adds richness and moisture.
  5. Mix gently: Stir just until combined to prevent dense brownies.
  6. Don’t skip the chocolate chips: They add richness and should be placed on top for visibility.
  7. Preheat the oven and line the pan: Essential for even baking and easy removal.
  8. Bake just right: A skewer should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  9. Cool before slicing: Allow to cool completely for neat slices.

FAQs

What are the substitutes for eggs in a Chocolate Brownie made at home?

Common substitutes include full-fat milk, yogurt, mashed banana, or applesauce. Each adds moisture and helps bind the batter. In this recipe, full-fat milk is used for softness and moisture.

Can I replace the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the milk slightly. However, I recommend trying the brownies with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

What can I use in place of butter?

You can replace the butter with 3.5 to 4 tablespoons of oil.

Is it possible to bake these Eggless Brownies in a microwave?

I wouldn’t recommend using a microwave unless it has convection mode. If it does, preheat and bake at 170° C (340° F).

Can I flavor this Chocolate Brownie with nuts?

Absolutely! You can add walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a nutty variation.

My Chocolate Brownie turned dry. What could be the reason?

Overbaking is the likely cause. Always check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the brownie is ready.

This Eggless Brownies Recipe was first published in August 2016.

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