Craving a rich, fudgy chocolate treat—but without butter? You’re in for a sweet surprise! Chef Sofia here, and I’m excited to share a simple, satisfying recipe that checks all the boxes: delicious, dairy-free, and ready in under 30 minutes. Say hello to your new go-to: Easy Brownie Recipe Without Butter.
Whether you’re avoiding dairy or just looking for a lighter option, these brownies offer all the satisfaction of classic chocolate bakes—no butter, no stress.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Butter-Free Brownies
- Made with simple pantry staples
- No dairy, perfect for plant-based or vegan diets
- Ultra-chocolatey with a soft, moist texture
- Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate-covered almonds for variety
- Great for last-minute dessert needs
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the chewy base
- 1 cup granulated sugar – classic sweetness
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – deep chocolate flavor
- ½ tsp kosher salt – flavor balance
- 1 tsp baking soda – the lift
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – for richness
- 1 tsp white vinegar – reacts with soda for rise
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – no butter, no problem
- ½ cup brewed coffee or water – enhances chocolate depth
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) – add crunch and texture
Optional Topping:
- 1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
How to Make These Easy No-Butter Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray an 8×8-inch pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add vanilla, vinegar, oil, and brewed coffee (or water). Mix until thick and smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan. Sprinkle walnuts if using.
- Bake 17–19 minutes. Toothpick should have crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool completely before adding toppings or slicing.
- For flair, dust with the sugar-cocoa mixture.

Want more ultra-simple sweets? Try these super simple peanut butter cookies—no butter needed there, either!
Pro Tips from Chef Sofia
- Use strong coffee to intensify the cocoa flavor (it won’t taste like coffee).
- For a shiny crust, add 2 tablespoons extra sugar to your mix.
- Don’t overbake! Trust the toothpick and keep that fudgy texture.
- Cool completely before slicing for neat, clean brownie edges.
Flavor Twists & Swaps
These brownies are super customizable. Try these fun ideas:
- Swap oil with coconut or avocado oil
- Use oat or almond milk instead of coffee for a caffeine-free version
- Add chocolate chips, or go bold with chocolate-covered peanuts
- Make gluten-free with a 1:1 GF flour blend
- Or try banana bread cookies for a fruity, buttery-free snack
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days
- Chill for a denser, fudgier texture
- Freeze in individual squares for up to 1 month
- Reheat gently in microwave for a just-baked feel
FAQs About Easy Brownie Recipe Without Butter
Are these brownies vegan?
Yes! They’re 100% dairy-free and eggless, making them plant-based friendly.
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Absolutely. Water works great, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor subtly.
What if I want more chocolate richness?
Add in some dark chocolate chips or stir in chocolate budino mix for a silky surprise!
What can I use instead of butter in brownies?
You can use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even mashed avocado or applesauce.
Can you make brownies without butter?
Yes! Brownies can be made with oil or other butter alternatives for a moist, fudgy texture.
Is it better to make brownies with oil or butter?
Butter adds richness, but oil makes brownies extra moist and keeps them soft longer.
How to make 3 ingredients brownies?
Mix 1 cup Nutella, 2 eggs, and ½ cup flour. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes—done!
More Chocolate Treats You’ll Love
If you’re a chocolate lover, bookmark these for later:
- Glazed chocolate treats for a donut fix
- Chocolatey snacks with a crunch
- Unique cookie options without butter
- Need a chocolate break? Indulge in rich and creamy chocolate desserts like budino!
Wrap-Up: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
These no-butter brownies are more than just a backup when you’re out of dairy. They’re moist, indulgent, and endlessly flexible—perfect for busy bakers, new cooks, or anyone who wants to treat themselves and still feel great after.
Don’t forget to try variations, add your twist, and tag us @BestQuicklyRecipes when you bake! And if you’re craving even more goodies, check out all our delicious chocolate bakes anytime.
Happy baking!