If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things plant-based, this Vegan Brownies Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. These brownies come out rich, fudgy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor—all without using any dairy or eggs. It’s a lovely way to indulge in a classic treat while sticking to vegan ingredients, making your dessert both delicious and compassionate. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up using pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of fudgy texture, rich chocolate taste, and satisfying sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure, ensuring your brownies have that ideal bite.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate depth and a dark, rich color.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a caramel-like undertone and keeps things wholesome.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Works as a vegan binder and adds moisture without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Brings richness and fudginess while keeping things plant-based.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips: For little bursts of melty chocolate goodness throughout.
How to Make Vegan Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to make sure your brownies don’t stick and come out cleanly after baking. Setting this up first makes the whole process smooth and stress-free!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the cocoa powder and leavening are evenly distributed, creating a consistent texture throughout the brownies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract directly into your dry ingredients. These bring moisture, flavor, and richness that make these brownies wonderfully fudgy without eggs or dairy.
Step 4: Combine to a Smooth Batter
Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This step is key to avoid dry flour spots and ensure every bite is perfectly moist and chocolatey.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips to sprinkle in pockets of gooey melted chocolate for that extra special touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye out for the magic toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting neat squares a breeze. Then slice into pieces and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Vegan Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch and visual appeal. For a show-stopping treat, drizzle melted vegan chocolate or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with fresh berries or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the richness. A cup of plant-based milk or herbal tea complements the deep chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your brownies as layered dessert bars with vegan whipped cream and sliced strawberries, or cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter for parties. They also make a fantastic filling for vegan ice cream sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly moist and fresh, making for a perfect quick snack or dessert anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brownies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm brownie, reheat a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This revives their fudgy, fresh-baked goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the coconut sugar with regular sugar?
Absolutely! Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar can be swapped in the same amount, though coconut sugar adds a bit of caramel richness that’s lovely in vegan brownies.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
Mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even silken tofu make good egg replacements and keep the brownies moist. Just be aware those will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can work well to make the brownies gluten free.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut add beautiful texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips before baking.
Why are my vegan brownies crumbly?
Crumbly brownies usually mean the batter was overmixed or there’s not enough moisture. Make sure to measure ingredients carefully and mix until just combined for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Brownies Recipe is a true gem for anyone craving a luscious chocolate treat without any dairy or eggs. It’s simple to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and results in brownies that feel indulgent yet wholesome. Give this recipe a try and share it with friends—you might just discover your new favorite plant-based dessert!
Print
Vegan Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 9-12 brownies (depending on cut size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Deliciously rich and fudgy vegan brownies made without eggs or dairy. These plant-based brownies combine cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and coconut oil to create a moist, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they are a guilt-free indulgence suitable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture.
- Mix Batter: Stir the ingredients until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, ensuring even texture throughout.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently incorporate the dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate goodness.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 8×8-inch pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for easy slicing.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious vegan brownies!
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Make sure the coconut oil is melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the batter prematurely.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
