Gluten Free Scary Cute Monster Brownies

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Gluten Free Flour: I use King Arthur Measure for Measure in this recipe but have made the brownies countless times with my own gluten free flour blend. This blend already contains xanthan gum. You can easily swap this out for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. If you make your own blend, please add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for the 80 grams of flour we use in this recipe

Chocolate for Brownies: I use 64% dark chocolate chips in this recipe but any high-quality dark chocolate (60% or darker) will work.

Cocoa Powder: I use Dutch processed cocoa powder in my baking such as Valrhona Cocoa Powder or Cacao Barry Extra Brute. The dutch-process cocoa powder creates what some people consider a richer, fudgier flavor in baked goods.

Dark Dipping Chocolate: While I normally temper my own chocolate, for this recipe I use Ghiradelli Melting Wafers. Melting Chocolate does not require tempering which makes it perfect for dipping and coating.

Googly Eyes: Monster Eyes can be found in the cake decorating aisle of your local craft store. I used two different sizes of eyes. Please make sure they are gluten-free.

Chocolate Jimmies: To give the Gluten Free Monster Brownies their fuzzy look, I use Chocolate Jimmies. Which are located in the cake decorating aisle of your local craft store but also in the baking aisle of many grocery stores. I use Betty Crocker Chocolate Sprinkles which are gluten-free.

How to make Gluten Free Brownies

I highly recommend using a stand mixer to mix the eggs since it can become very tiring to mix them by hand with an electric hand mixer.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F and arrange the wire rack in the oven in the middle. Line an 8x8inch baking pan (9×9 will work too but the gluten free halloween brownies will be thinner) with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhangs so you can remove the brownies easily.

Step 2: Place the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and carefully melt them in the microwave until the butter is melted. The carry-over heat will melt the chocolate.

Step 3: Combine the eggs (can be cold), both sugars, salt, vanilla extract, and instant espresso in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high until extremely thick and triple the volume, about 8 minutes.

Step 4: While the eggs are whipped, combine the gluten-free flour and cocoa powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: With a heat-proof spatula or small whisk combine the melted butter-chocolate mixture. The butter and the chocolate should be “emulsified” which means they should have a smooth liquid texture. If there are still some visible chunks of chocolate, stick the bowl in your microwave for 10-15 seconds or until melted.

Step 6: When the eggs look pale, fluffy, and thick, reduce the speed of your mixer to low and add the WARM melted chocolate-butter mixture. Mix until combined. I recommend stopping your mixer and scraping down the sides to make sure everything is combined well.

Step 7: Once the wet ingredients are combined, turn the speed of your mixer to SLOW and add the dry ingredients all at once. Carefully mix until roughly combined. Turn off the mixer and with a flexible spatula fold in the flour cocoa mixture. Make sure to get the bottom of the pan.

Step 8: Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared pan. Use a small offset or on the back of a spoon to smooth out the brownie batter evenly.

Step 9: Bake the brownies for 24-26 minutes at 350F. These gluten-free brownies should have a crackly top and should feel firm. Please remember baking time depends on your oven.

Step 10: Remove the gluten-free brownies from the oven, place them on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge to set up for several hours.

How to check your brownies for doneness

You can check the doneness of brownies by sticking a toothpick in the center of your pan of brownies. There should be a few moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick when you remove it from the brownies. If the toothpick is clean with no crumbs sticking to it, your brownies are underdone and if your toothpick looks very wet, the brownies still need time. For the perfect fudge brownies, you would like to have some moist crumbs sticking to your toothpick.

How to make Gluten Free Scary Cute Monster Brownies

Start out with a clean work space and give yourself enough room for your melted chocolate, decorations, a small sheet tray to decorate, and a separate tray for your finished monsters.

Cut your brownies: I cut my pan of brownies into 16 pieces.

Melt your Chocolate: melt your chocolate as directed on its package. I like to use a microwave-safe bowl and check frequently. Melting chocolate melts quickly and you do not want to burn it. It should not take more than 2-3 minutes to melt it completely. Once melted make sure to give it a good stir with a clean, dry spatula.

Set up your station: you will need a fork, a small offset knife or butterknife, a small plate/tray lined with parchment paper and some sprinkles (this is where we will decorate the monsters), and a separate sheet tray lined with parchment paper (this is where the decorated monster will go to set up.

Dip your brownies: work with one brownie at a time. Add one cut brownie to your bowl of melted chocolate and with a fork turn it around to make sure it is completely enrobed in chocolate. Use your fork to fish it out and tap the fork on the side of the bowl. Swipe the bottom of the fork along the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.

Sprinkle the sides: Since it is almost impossible to sprinkle the sides of the brownies once you set them on the small tray, try to add some sprinkles to the sides while holding the chocolate-covered brownie on your fork.

Add the eyes and more sprinkles: Place the brownie on the small tray and add the eyes and sprinkle with additional chocolate sprinkles. Allow to set up for a few minutes before transferring to another sheet tray to make room for the next brownie.

Repeat with all your brownies. Allow your decorated brownies to set up completely before serving. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. I do not recommend refrigerating them.

Video how to decorate Gluten Free Scary Cute Monster Brownies

I understand it's a lot easier to see someone actually decorate the brownies. Check out this video of how I assemble the Spooky Brownies.

FAQ for Scary Cute Monster Brownies