Vegan brownies are a decadent, plant-based alternative to traditional brownies that offer the same rich, fudgy, and chocolatey goodness.
What Makes Vegan Brownies Special?
Vegan brownies replace traditional ingredients like eggs and dairy with plant-based substitutes. Despite these swaps, they maintain their signature moist and chewy texture. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make brownies that are every bit as indulgent as their non-vegan counterparts.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Vegan Brownies
- Choose high-quality cocoa: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brownies tough. Stir just until combined.
- Check for doneness carefully: Vegan brownies can appear undercooked even when they’re ready. Slightly underbaked brownies yield the best fudgy texture.
- Let them cool: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them set and avoids crumbling.
Variations to Try
1. Nutty Delights
Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch.
2. Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop dollops of peanut butter onto the batter and swirl with a knife for a nutty twist.
3. Espresso Infusion
Mix 1-2 tsp of instant espresso powder into the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free treat.
5. Healthier Brownies
Use whole wheat flour and replace sugar with maple syrup or dates for a healthier version.
How to Serve Vegan Brownies
- On Their Own: Enjoy them as-is for a classic dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Topped with Berries: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
- As a Sundae: Layer brownies with ice cream, whipped coconut cream, and chocolate sauce for a show-stopping dessert.
How to Store Vegan Brownies
Room Temperature:
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer:
Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make these brownies without oil?
Yes! Substitute the oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado for a lower-fat option.
2. What’s the best egg substitute for brownies?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water (flax egg) works well. Use 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg. Silken tofu and aquafaba are also great options.
3. Why are my brownies too dry?
Dry brownies may result from overbaking. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
4. Can I make these brownies sugar-free?
Yes! Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Just ensure the substitute measures the same as sugar.
5. Are all dark chocolates vegan?
Not all dark chocolates are vegan. Check the label to ensure they don’t contain milk or other animal-derived ingredients.
Vegan Brownies
Vegan brownies are a decadent, plant-based alternative to traditional brownies that offer the same rich, fudgy, and chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (Domino is my go-to!)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (or 5 tablespoons applesauce - your call!)
- 5 tablespoons water (for the flaxseed only)
- ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola work great)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (sift it if it's clumpy for extra smoothness)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free works too!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your preference!)
Instructions
- Prep the Flax (or Skip It): In a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed and water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. If you're using applesauce, skip this step! (Some folks find a slight flaxseed flavor, but I never notice it. Applesauce keeps things simple though, and the texture is still amazing.)
- Preheat & Combine: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Wet & Wild: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir.
- Bring it Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Chocolate Chip Bliss: Stir in those delicious chocolate chips.
- Bake & Cool: Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (with a few moist crumbs is okay).
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and devouring!
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 225Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 68mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 2gSugar 22gProtein 2g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Vegan brownies are proof that plant-based desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. With this recipe, tips, and variations, you’ll have no trouble creating a dessert that wows vegans and non-vegans alike. Happy baking!
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