Flourless Blondies Recipe: Gluten-Free Blondie Bars

Flourless blondies are decadently gooey while still being made from whole-food ingredients. Using creamy cashew butter, a touch of coconut flour, eggs, and dark chocolate chips, these bars deliver the familiar, buttery caramel flavor of traditional blondies without any wheat flour. They’re easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for anyone who wants a slightly healthier dessert that still feels indulgent.

Enjoy these flourless blondies any time of year. They bake up gooey and chewy with the ideal balance of sweet and salty when finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars are great for dessert, snack boxes, or bringing to potlucks when you want to serve something that feels indulgent but uses fewer processed ingredients.

Why Flourless Blondies?

Choosing a flourless approach highlights whole ingredients and minimizes refined, processed components. The base of cashew butter provides creaminess and healthy fats while eggs add structure and a slight cake-like texture. A small amount of coconut flour helps absorb moisture and give the bars body without adding gluten. The result is a dense, moist blondie that’s satisfying and naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free ingredients.

Other Ingredients Needed

• Brown or coconut sugar: contributes sweetness and a rich caramel-like flavor.
• Baking soda: a pinch helps the bars rise and develop a light crumb.
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips: add melty pockets of chocolate — optional but recommended.
• Sea salt: balances the sweetness when sprinkled on top.

Make These Flourless Blondies Your Own

• Chocolate swap: Use semi-sweet, milk, white, or butterscotch chips depending on preference.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds provide crunch and contrast.
• Nut butter variations: Almond or peanut butter can substitute for cashew butter — expect a slightly different flavor profile.
• Swirls & layers: Swirl in extra nut butter or melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
• Fruit or coconut: Stir in dried cranberries or unsweetened shredded coconut for texture and brightness.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth if you prefer spiced blondies.

How to Make Flourless Blondies

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray or line an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix It Up

In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients and dry ingredients until evenly mixed. The batter should be a bit thinner than typical cookie dough but still cohesive. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to fully incorporate any thick nut butter pockets.

Batter Up!

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, pressing slightly to smooth the surface so it cooks uniformly.

Top with Chocolate (Optional)

Scatter additional chocolate chips across the top for a glossy, melty finish after baking.

Baking

Bake at 350°F for 16–19 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and begin to turn a light golden brown while the center remains slightly soft — that’s the gooey texture you want.

Cool and Slice

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired, then slice into squares and serve. Cooling fully helps achieve clean slices and prevents crumbly pieces.

Baking Tips for Making Flourless Blondies

• Pan preparation: Use either nonstick spray or parchment paper; parchment makes lifting the whole slab easier.
• Adjust for pan size: If using a larger or smaller pan, reduce or increase bake time accordingly — a thinner layer will bake faster.
• Don’t overbake: For the best gooey center, remove the blondies as soon as the edges are set and the middle is just slightly jiggly.
• Cool before cutting: Letting them rest prevents crumbling and improves texture.

How do you know when blondies are done?

They’re done when the edges are golden and pulling slightly away from the pan. For extra assurance, use a toothpick in the center — it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The center will continue to set as the bars cool.

How do I store blondies?

Store cooled blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For room-temperature storage, keep them in a cool, dark place for a couple of days, but refrigeration lengthens freshness.

Can I freeze blondies?

Yes. Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove excess air and freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a minute.