Vegan Brownies
Vegan brownies are indulgent, chocolatey treats that capture the essence of traditional brownies while being completely plant-based. These fudgy delights are perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth while being mindful of dietary restrictions. The magic comes from using simple ingredients that create rich flavors and textures, ensuring that even non-vegans will enjoy every bite.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a spontaneous baking session one rainy afternoon. With a few pantry staples on hand, I discovered that making decadent vegan brownies was both easy and incredibly rewarding. They became a go-to dessert, cherished not just for their taste but for their comforting, homely vibe. Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute dessert or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is here to rescue your day!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep these brownies in just 20 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich cocoa flavor with a chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Dark and fudgy, they look as good as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, snacks, or midnight cravings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan and dairy-free, with substitutions for gluten-free needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds: Used as an egg replacement, providing binding and moisture.
- 1 cup oat milk: A delicious dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (I used Earth Balance): Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the chewy texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the brownies; for gluten-free, use a blend like almond or gluten-free flour.
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor—go for unsweetened for full control over sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly while maintaining a fudgy texture.
- 1 1/4 cups non-dairy chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli® non-dairy dark chocolate premium baking chips): For that melty, chocolatey goodness—the star of this recipe!
How to Make Vegan Brownies
- Prepare the Flax Egg: In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of oat milk. Stir well and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients. This mixture will thicken and act as a binder, just like eggs.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This will ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Melt the Vegan Butter: Heat 1/2 cup of vegan butter gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or use the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the melted vegan butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Then, mix in the chia seed mixture and 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of non-dairy chocolate chips into the thick batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
- Transfer to the Baking Pan: Gently pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to even it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top for added chocolatey goodness.
- Bake: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 37-42 minutes. They’re done when the edges look set but the center feels slightly underdone (this yields a fudgy texture). A gentle poke in the center should keep its form without sinking.
- Cool & Set: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 15-30 minutes. Afterward, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan and let them cool for another 30-60 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week; just make sure the container is sealed well. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months—just wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh its fudginess!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your brownies fudgy and light.
- If your kitchen is warm, let the melted vegan butter cool slightly before combining with the sugars to prevent separation.
- For added flavor, try mixing in a tablespoon of strong coffee or espresso with the wet ingredients for a deeper chocolate taste.
- Ensure your baking pan is properly prepared so that the brownies come out easily. Use parchment paper for easy lifting.
- For extra texture, top with nuts or serve with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
These vegan brownies are not just a wonderful treat; they’re a true crowd-pleaser that even your non-vegan friends will adore. Perfect for a cozy movie night at home or an outdoor gathering, they offer the kind of rich chocolate experience we all crave. So don’t hesitate—get your ingredients ready, and let your oven work its magic. Enjoy every bite of these delightful vegan brownies!
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the oat milk for another type of milk?
What can I use in place of chia seeds?
Are these brownies gluten-free?
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
⭐ If you make my Vegan Brownies recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
Vegan Brownies
These Vegan Brownies are a delightful treat, featuring rich cocoa and dairy-free chocolate chips. Perfectly moist and easy to make, they offer a satisfying indulgence without the eggs or dairy. Enjoy them as a quick dessert or a comforting snack!
- Prep Time 20 minutes
- Cook Time 37-42 minutes
- Yield 24 brownies 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1/2 cup vegan butter melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups non-dairy chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds and oat milk in a small bowl; stir and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder; set aside.
- Melt vegan butter over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Measure out 1/2 cup for the recipe.
- In a large bowl, beat together melted vegan butter and sugars. Mix in chia seeds and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour mixture with the butter mixture and stir until just incorporated.
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 37-42 minutes, checking for doneness by gently touching the center; it should hold its form.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for an additional 30-60 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Allow the brownies to cool thoroughly before cutting to ensure clean slices.
For extra chocolate flavor, add additional non-dairy chocolate chips on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
