Irresistibly Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies: The Ultimate Dairy-Free Double Chocolate Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these Olive Oil Brownies, a truly rich and fudgy twist on a beloved classic. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a revelation, offering an incredibly moist texture and a subtle, sophisticated flavor profile, all thanks to the magic of olive oil. If you’ve been searching for a dairy-free dessert that doesn’t compromise on decadent taste or a perfectly crackly top, your quest ends here. These dense, intensely chocolatey brownies are destined to become your new go-to recipe.

Rich and fudgy olive oil brownies with a delightful crackly top.

Using olive oil as a substitute for butter isn’t just a clever trick; it fundamentally changes the brownie’s character for the better. It imparts a unique richness and a depth of moisture that butter simply can’t replicate, resulting in a brownie that is both incredibly tender and satisfyingly dense. This recipe essentially transforms my cherished, lifelong brownie recipe into a fantastic dairy-free option. Just remember to opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to ensure these treats are suitable for everyone with dairy sensitivities or dietary preferences.

The type of olive oil you choose can subtly influence the final flavor. While extra virgin olive oil can introduce a hint of fruitiness or a peppery note, which some find delightful and complex, a light olive oil is generally recommended for a more neutral flavor profile. This allows the deep cocoa notes to shine through without any competing tastes. Light olive oil provides all the desired texture and richness without an overt olive flavor, making it an excellent, almost undetectable, replacement for traditional fats in baking. Whether you prefer a nuanced background flavor or pure chocolate indulgence, there’s an olive oil for your perfect brownie.

Essential Ingredients for Olive Oil Brownies

Crafting these delectable brownies requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. You’ll find the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise measurements.

Unsweetened Chocolate: This is the backbone of your brownie’s deep chocolate flavor. Melting it down provides the rich base.
Olive Oil: The star ingredient! A light olive oil is best for a more neutral flavor, allowing the chocolate to be the hero. Extra virgin olive oil can be used if you enjoy a subtle, fruity undertone.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and contributing to that desirable crackly top.
Eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and add to the richness and moistness of the brownies.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the brownies.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure without making the brownies cakey. Remember not to overmix!
Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, adding pockets of molten chocolate. For an even richer, darker brownie, feel free to use dark chocolate chips. Ensure they are dairy-free if needed.

The perfect texture of a freshly baked olive oil brownie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Olive Oil Brownies

These olive oil brownies are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal equipment and coming together in just one bowl. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Alternatively, grease the pan thoroughly. This preparation is key to preventing sticking and ensuring clean slices.
Combine Chocolate and Olive Oil: In a large bowl, mix together the melted unsweetened chocolate and your chosen olive oil. Stir until these two ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth. This creates the rich base for your brownies.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Beat these ingredients together vigorously until they are really well combined and the mixture is uniform and glossy. This step is important for achieving a smooth batter and a consistent texture.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix just until the flour is incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be extremely careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can develop gluten and lead to tougher, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Once the dry ingredients are just combined, gently fold in your chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for approximately 25 minutes. The key is to avoid overbaking. When you insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but not wet batter. Remember, the brownies will continue to set as they cool in the warm pan.
Cool Completely: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Cooling is crucial for achieving that dense, fudgy consistency and clean, neat cuts.

That’s it! These are such an easy one-bowl brownie recipe you can make in just minutes for a quick yet impressive dessert.

A stack of rich, homemade olive oil brownies.

Expert Brownie Baking Tips for the Fudgiest Results

Achieving truly perfect brownies is an art, but these simple tips will guide you to fudgy, delicious success every time. Follow these recommendations to elevate your olive oil brownies from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Do Not Overbake Your Brownies: This is arguably the most critical rule for fudgy brownies. When testing for doneness with a toothpick or skewer, you want it to come out with moist crumbs attached, not perfectly clean. A clean toothpick indicates your brownies are 100% cooked, which means they’ll likely be dry and cakey once cooled. Brownies continue to cook from residual heat after being removed from the oven, so pulling them out when slightly underdone ensures they’re perfectly fudgy by the time you serve them. Look for edges that are set and a center that might still have a slight jiggle.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When adding the flour, mix only until the last streaks of white flour disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to a tough, chewy, and less desirable cake-like texture. A gentle hand and quick mixing are all that’s needed for the final dry ingredients.
Keep it Simple with a Spatula: For brownies, there’s generally no need to drag out heavy kitchen equipment like electric mixers. A simple bowl and a sturdy rubber spatula are often all you need. This low-tech approach helps prevent overmixing and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ensure They Are Truly Dairy-Free: If you’re aiming for a dairy-free dessert, it’s essential to double-check all your ingredients. While unsweetened chocolate often contains no milk products, always read the label to be certain. The most important step is to choose chocolate chips specifically labeled as “dairy-free.” Many brands offer excellent dairy-free chocolate chip options today.
Cool Completely for Best Texture and Slicing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to brownies. Allowing them to cool completely in the pan is crucial. This cooling period allows the brownies to set, firm up, and become incredibly dense and fudgy. Attempting to slice them while warm will result in crumbly, messy pieces. For perfectly clean cuts, you can even chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before slicing.
Enhance Flavor with Add-ins: While these brownies are spectacular on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), a swirl of peanut butter, or a dash of espresso powder can also add delightful complexity.
Storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and fudgy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Your Olive Oil Brownies

These fudgy olive oil brownies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (dairy-free, of course, if you’re keeping it vegan!), a dollop of whipped coconut cream, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a lovely contrast, enhancing the chocolate’s depth. They’re also perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these olive oil brownies, you’ll love exploring other delightful variations from our collection. Brownies are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Brownie Pizza
S’mores Brownies
Cosmic Brownies
Mudslide Brownies
Homemade Brownies
M&M Brownies

5 from 1 vote

Double Chocolate Olive Oil Brownies

By
Erin Sellin

Olive Oil Brownies – Rich and fudgy double chocolate brownies made with extra light olive oil. They are dense, chocolate-y and have the perfect crackly top!

Prep:
5 mins

Cook:
25 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
12

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Ingredients

2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 whole large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line an 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix together melted chocolate and olive oil until smooth and well-blended.
Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Mix in flour and salt until just incorporated and no white streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Bake for about 25 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not raw batter. Do not over bake.
Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan before slicing for the best fudgy texture and clean cuts.

Notes

To ensure these brownies are dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips for both the unsweetened chocolate and the chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12

Calories:
365

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