Back in 2019, when American Girl announced their girl of the year, the allergy community was abuzz. The new character, Blaire Wilson, just happened to be dairy free. This special diet doll is no longer available, but a few things have lived on since her reign. They include two children’s books, Blaire and Blaire Cooks Up a Plan. The latter weaves three dairy-free recipes into the story line, including Eli’s Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Brownies. These rich, fudgy brownies have become a favorite in my home.
American Girl Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Brownies of the Year
This chocolate chip brownies recipe is not only dairy-free, it’s also egg-free and vegan. But it’s still a very indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy. We have a few notes on the recipe below, and have also added some FAQs.
The Taste & Texture
These brownies are dense and have a rich chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet. They have a fudgy, almost creamy center with a crisp, flaky exterior and a crunchy crust. While the center is soft, the brownies hold their shape when cut. Since trying them, my family has declared that this is their new favorite brownie recipe.
Baking Note
The original recipe said to bake the brownies for just 30 to 35 minutes, but ours took a full 40 minutes. I would begin checking them at 35 minutes to see if they look set. The toothpick test works pretty well, but you might see some melted chocolate from the chocolate chips when testing.
Kids Can Bake Tips
Katherine is now a teen, so she can make this whole recipe on her own, but we still like to bake together. Younger kids can help grease the pan, measure and mix the ingredients, and pour the batter. Adults or older kids who are kitchen savvy can step in to handle the baking process.
Recipe FAQs
We originally posted this recipe for vegan and dairy-free chocolate chip brownies back in 2019. We’ve since received some questions, so I’m including answers here.
What Type of Oil Do You Use?
The original American Girl recipe uses vegetable oil. I use extra-light olive oil (not extra virgin), but your favorite baking oil should work just fine. If you opt to use coconut oil, make sure your other ingredients are brought to room temperature first.
Which Type of Cocoa Power Should I Use?
Both Dutch-Processed and Natural Unsweetened work fine. There is enough sweetener in the recipe that the natural bitterness of natural cocoa doesn’t overpower the taste.
Is It Really 2 Tablespoons of Baking Powder?
Yes, it is! These are rich, dense brownies. They use extra leavener to help bake through. properly. However, I do have a new option in the recipe that uses less sugar and less leavener, if preferred.
Special Diet Notes: American Girl Chocolate Chip Brownies
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup plain or unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (the book recommends Enjoy Life chocolate chips)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, maples syrup, milk beverage, and vanilla.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and level it out.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Have an adult remove the pan from the oven.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
More for the Dairy-Free American Girl
Book One: Blaire – A Milk Allergy Mom and Daughter Review
Book Two: Blaire Cooks Up a Plan – Our Full Review
American Girl Bistros Give Food Allergic Guests the Full Experience
