Skip to content

Chocolate brownies

These gluten-free gooey brownies are a National Trust favourite. Follow the recipe to make the perfect bake every time.

  • 15 minutes prep. time
  • 18–20 minutes cooking time
  • Serves 10
  • Cakes, bakes & desserts
Sliced chocolate brownies, some on a plate and some on a baking tray next to a hot drink
These gooey brownies will leave you wanting more | © National Trust Images/ William Shaw

Ingredients

  • 175g soft margarine
  • 65g cocoa powder
  • 300g caster sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 115g gluten free self-raising flour

Method

Top tip

Keep an eye on the brownies towards the end of cooking: you want to take them out of the oven when the centre is still a little soft with a slight wobble. They will firm up a little as they cool so by taking out a little before a traditional cake, you can keep that yummy gooey texture.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Line a 20cm/8in shallow square cake tin with a large square of non-stick baking paper, snipping the paper diagonally into the corners of the tin and pressing the paper down so that the base and sides of the tin are lined.

Step 2

Heat the margarine in a medium-sized saucepan over a low heat, stirring until just melted. Mix in the cocoa and stir until dissolved.

Step 3

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the sugar. Lightly beat the eggs, vanilla and salt together. Beat half the egg mixture into the cocoa then beat in the remaining mixture until smooth. Mix in the gluten free flour and beat until smooth.

Step 4

Pour the brownie mixture into the lined tin, spread into an even layer then bake for 18–20 minutes or until well risen, lightly cracked around the edges and the centre has a slight wobble.

Step 5

Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes then mark into 10bars and leave to cool completely. Lift the brownies out of the tin, holding the paper, then cut into bars and peel off the paper.

Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding

Recipes

From tried and tested classic bakes to healthy dishes the whole family can enjoy, find inspiration for your next meal.

You might also be interested in

Preparing fresh vegetables for the restaurant at Knightshayes Court, Tiverton, Devon

Food 

We believe in sourcing sustainable food wherever possible and use local and seasonal produce in our cafés. Discover why this is important and have a go at some of our recipes at home.

Looking down on shortbread biscuits topped with rhubarb compote and mixed yogurt and cream, drizzled with red wine syrup. A cupful of cream and yogurt is to the right, and shortbread biscuits cool on a rack to the back.

Cakes, bakes and desserts 

We love food and we've got some great recipes to prove it. Here are some of our favourite cakes, bakes and dessert recipes from our chefs and local experts.

A flapjack on a plate made using a recipe from our Cookbook
Recipe
Recipe

Flapjacks 

Treat yourself to these tasty flapjacks, with whole oats and syrup making an energy-boosting snack or afternoon treat.

Plate of pre-cut Bakewell slices with pot of raspberry jam to dip in
Recipe
Recipe

Bakewell slice 

Whether you fancy a cheeky afternoon snack or something a little more indulgent for dessert, this delicious Bakewell slice is perfect for any occasion.