Finding a Halloween treat that’s spooky, delicious, AND safe for your gluten-free friends can feel like a real trick. π
You want to whip up something fun and festive, but so many recipes are complicated or just don’t taste as good as their gluten-filled cousins. You definitely don’t want anyone at the party to feel left out of the fun! π»
I’ve got the perfect solution for you! These Gluten-Free Mummy Brownie Bites are my go-to for any spooky celebration. They are shockingly fudgy, super easy for kids to help decorate, and they always disappear from the platter first. Let’s get baking! π«
Why You’ll Love This Recipe π½οΈ
- Incredibly Fudgy Texture: I’ve tested this recipe countless times to make sure we get a dense, moist, and chewy brownie. It rivals any traditional recipe out there!
- Perfectly Inclusive: This is such a safe and delicious treat for friends and family with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It ensures everyone gets to enjoy the Halloween fun together.
- Fun & Easy to Decorate: All you need is a simple drizzle of white chocolate and some candy eyes to bring these adorable mummies to life. It’s a wonderful activity to do with kids!
- Gourmet, Not Basic: This isn’t just a gluten-free mix with some frosting. We’re making a from-scratch recipe designed to have superior flavor and texture that everyone will crave.
Ingredient & Equipment Notes π½οΈ
A Closer Look at Our Ingredients π¨βπ³
The key to this recipe is a good gluten-free flour. I recommend using a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. These special blends contain an ingredient called xanthan gum, which provides the structure and chewiness that gluten usually creates. My favorites are Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure.
Chef’s Tip: For the most accurate and consistent results, I highly recommend weighing your flour with a kitchen scale instead of using measuring cups. This simple step prevents a dry, crumbly brownie and guarantees fudgy perfection every time.
I also call for Dutch-process cocoa powder. This type of cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavor and a gorgeous dark color. It really helps create that rich, classic “brownie” taste and look we’re going for.
The Tools for the Job π¨βπ³
The size of your pan is so important for brownies! You will need an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Using this size ensures your brownies come out thick and fudgy. If you use a larger pan, like a 9×13, they will be too thin and will likely over-bake.
Chef’s Tip: For super easy removal and cleanup, you have to try a parchment paper “sling.” Just cut a strip of parchment paper that fits the bottom of the pan and goes up two of the sides. This lets you lift the entire block of brownies out at once after they’ve cooled!
Ingredients & Equipment Summary Table π¨βπ³
Item | Key Consideration |
---|---|
Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour | Must contain xanthan gum for structure. |
Dutch-Process Cocoa | Provides deep, rich flavor and dark color. |
8×8 Inch Baking Pan | Essential for achieving thick, fudgy brownies. |
Parchment Paper | Use a “sling” for easy removal. |
Pro-Tips for Success π½οΈ
The Secret to a Fudgy (Not Cakey) Texture π¨βπ³
The secret to a fudgy brownie (not a cakey one) is using the right ratio of fat to flour and very little leavening. Our recipe uses plenty of melted butter and avoids leaveners like baking powder to create a perfectly dense and moist texture. Just remember not to over-mix the batter once you add the flour, as this can make the brownies tough.
Mastering the Mummy Drizzle π¨βπ³
For those clean, distinct “bandages,” you have to let your brownies cool completely before you start decorating. I melt my white chocolate wafers until they are perfectly smooth. You can use a piping bag with a small round tip for very precise lines, or just use a fork to drizzle thin lines back and forth. You have to work quickly before the chocolate sets!
Note: White chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly for drizzling. For the best results, I strongly suggest using white chocolate melting wafers or a high-quality white chocolate bar that you chop up yourself.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings π½οΈ
These Mummy Brownie Bites are the true star of any Halloween party platter! I love to serve them alongside:
- A big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (or a dairy-free version).
- Other fun, gluten-free treats like spooky fruit skewers with melon and berries.
- A tall glass of cold milk or a warm, comforting mug of apple cider.
Note: You can easily bake the brownies a day ahead. I store them, uncut and undecorated, in an airtight container at room temperature. Then, I just decorate them a few hours before serving so they look their best.
Recipe FAQs π½οΈ
Can I make these brownies dairy-free? π¨βπ³
Yes, absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick, like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Melt. You’ll also need to use a dairy-free white chocolate for the mummy drizzle. Make sure your chocolate chips and candy eyes are certified dairy-free, too.
How do I store the finished mummy brownies? π¨βπ³
I find they stay freshest when stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 3 days. Storing them in the refrigerator can unfortunately dry them out and make them less fudgy.
My white chocolate seized up and got clumpy. What happened? π¨βπ³
Oh no! This is a common problem. It usually happens if the chocolate gets too hot or if even a tiny drop of water gets into it while melting. To avoid this, melt it very gently. You can use a microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or melt it in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler).
Fudgy Gluten-Free Mummy Brownie Bites (Easy & Spooky!)
The most delicious and fudgy gluten-free brownies, decorated like adorable mummies for the perfect Halloween treat everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients π¨βπ³
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For Decoration:
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate melting wafers (or dairy-free white chocolate)
- 32 candy eyeballs
Instructions π¨βπ³
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with a parchment paper “sling” and lightly grease it.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
- Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before using the parchment sling to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and decorating (about 2 hours).
- Decorate the Mummies: Cut the cooled brownies into 16 squares. Melt the white chocolate wafers according to package directions. Use a fork or a small piping bag to drizzle thin lines of white chocolate back and forth over each brownie to create “bandages.”
- Add Eyes: While the white chocolate is still wet, press two candy eyeballs onto each brownie. Let the chocolate set completely before serving. Enjoy!
Notes π¨βπ³
- Flour Measurement: For best results, weigh your flour. If you must use cups, fluff the flour first, then spoon it into the cup and level it off.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter sticks and certified dairy-free chocolate chips, white chocolate, and candy eyes.
- Storage: Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion π½οΈ
We hope you have a blast makingβand eating!βthese Spooky Gluten-Free Mummy Brownie Bites. They’re my favorite proof that gluten-free treats can be incredibly fun, creative, and absolutely delicious for everyone. β€οΈ
If you make this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you would please leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how they turned out for you! Happy Halloween! π
Sources & References π
- King Arthur Baking. (2021). “What Does Xanthan Gum Do in Gluten-Free Baking?”
- Serious Eats. (2023). “All About Dutch-Process Cocoa.”
- Sally’s Baking Addiction. (2024). “Baking Basics: How to Melt Chocolate.”
- The Kitchn. (2022). “The Best Way to Store Brownies So They Stay Fudgy and Fresh.”
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. (n.d.). “Baking Tips & Tricks: Seizing.”