No brownie cupcakes are a decadent, flourless dessert that combines the rich taste of brownies with the convenience and portion control of cupcakes — without the need for traditional flour. These cupcakes have a moist, dense, fudgy interior and a glossy top, just like classic brownies, but they bake up beautifully in a muffin tin for easy serving and storage.
This naturally gluten-free recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers, busy bakers, and anyone looking for a quick, fail-proof dessert that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Makes 10 to 12 brownie cupcakes.
- One cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Half cup unsalted butter
- Two large eggs
- Two thirds cup granulated sugar
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One quarter teaspoon salt
- One third cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or sea salt flakes
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 18 to 22 minutes
- Cool time: 15 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
- Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and slightly thickened, about two minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 4: Combine and Add Cocoa Powder
- Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Brownie Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Add any desired toppings such as nuts or extra chocolate.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are shiny and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic brownie experience.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
- Top with whipped cream and berries for an elevated presentation.
- Enjoy as an after-school snack or make-ahead dessert for parties.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Cupcake (based on 12 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 13 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Cholesterol | 55 milligrams |
| Sodium | 90 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 23 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugars | 17 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
Key Benefits:
- Naturally gluten-free with no flour required.
- Rich in antioxidants from dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Smaller portion size than traditional brownies helps with portion control.
- Customizable with low-sugar or dairy-free chocolate if needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overbake. The brownies should remain moist in the center.
- Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding to eggs to avoid curdling.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for a deeper flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five days.
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop small dollops of peanut butter onto the batter before baking and swirl with a toothpick.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Espresso Brownie Cupcakes: Mix in one teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and chocolate.
No brownie cupcakes are the ideal solution when you need a quick, indulgent dessert that’s easy to portion, naturally gluten-free, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you are baking for a crowd, a special celebration, or just a personal chocolate craving, these cupcake-style brownies deliver rich, fudgy perfection every time.