Vegan Brownies

Vegan baked goods sometimes get a bad wrap, but not these vegan brownies. They are intensely fudgy with a deep chocolate flavor amplified by a shot of espresso powder. Ground flaxseed and xanthan gum work quietly in the background to bind everything together, while canola oil keeps the texture supremely moist. Pockets of melted chocolate chips create little molten surprises in every bite, and a final dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and balance.

The beauty of this vegan brownie recipe lies in its straightforwardness: Whisk your dry ingredients, combine your wet ingredients, fold them together and slide the pan into the oven. Cut them into generous squares while they’re still warm and gooey, or wait until they’ve cooled completely for cleaner edges and a denser, more concentrated chocolate hit. As far as dairy-free desserts go, these will wow even the biggest skeptics.

Ingredients for Vegan Brownies

• All-purpose flour: As with most brownie recipes, all-purpose flour provides the structural foundation, creating a tender crumb that holds together without becoming dense.
• Sugar: Sugar provides sweetness and also helps retain moisture throughout baking, resulting in brownies that stay soft.
• Baking cocoa: Rich chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, which adds depth without the extra fat that regular chocolate would contribute.
• Ground flaxseed: Acting as an egg replacer, flaxseed binds the ingredients together while adding a subtle nuttiness and keeping the brownies vegan.
• Baking soda: A small amount of baking soda creates lift and helps the brownies rise to a light, airy texture.
• Salt: It enhances all the other flavors in the brownies and amplifies the chocolate notes.
• Instant espresso powder: Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee, resulting in a more complex and intense cocoa experience.
• Xanthan gum: This common ingredient in vegan baked goods mimics the binding properties of gluten and eggs, ensuring the vegan brownies recipe holds together properly.
• Unsweetened almond milk: The liquid component adds moisture while keeping the recipe dairy-free and allowing the chocolate to shine.
• Canola oil: Oil keeps the brownies exceptionally moist and tender since it stays liquid at room temperature, unlike butter.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor, adding aromatic warmth to each bite.
• Vegan semisweet chocolate chips: Pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies provide bursts of rich, indulgent flavor and textural contrast.
• Confectioners’ sugar: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates an elegant finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the pan and mix the batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment, grease it and set it aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, ground flaxseed, baking soda, salt, espresso powder and xanthan gum.

In another bowl, combine the water, almond milk, oil and vanilla until well blended. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the milk mixture.

Fold in the chocolate chips. Transfer to the prepared pan.

Step 2: Bake and cool the brownies

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in the pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Vegan Brownie Variations

• Add nuts for crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for added texture and a buttery, toasted flavor.
• Swirl in peanut butter: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the batter before baking, and then use a knife to swirl it through for a rich, nutty marble effect.
• Create a raspberry ripple: Gently swirl 1/2 cup of raspberry jam through the batter before baking to add a fruity brightness that complements the deep chocolate flavor.
• Turn them into brownie bites: Pour the batter into greased mini muffin tins and bake for 18 to 22 minutes for perfectly portioned individual treats.

How to Store Vegan Brownies

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fudgy. If you want to dust them with confectioners’ sugar, wait until just before serving to add it, as the sugar will absorb moisture and dissolve if stored on the brownies. Layer parchment between layers of brownies to prevent them from sticking together.

How long do vegan brownies last?

These vegan brownies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. If you refrigerate them, they’ll last for two to three weeks, though the texture may become slightly firmer. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within the first few days.

How can you freeze vegan brownies?

Wrap individual brownies tightly in storage wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. You can also freeze the entire uncut brownie by wrapping it well in storage wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for about an hour, or warm them briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Vegan Brownie Tips

How do you know when vegan brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, they’re done. The top should look set and may have a slight sheen, and the edges will start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Keep in mind that vegan brownies can be trickier to test than traditional ones, as they don’t contain eggs. Err on the side of slightly underbaking these brownies for the fudgiest texture.

Can you make this vegan brownie recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap in this homemade gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. If buying a gluten-free flour, look for a 1:1 baking blend for the best results. Let the vegan brownies cool completely before cutting to help them hold together better.

How should you serve vegan brownies?

These brownies are delicious served at room temperature, allowing their rich chocolate flavor to shine through. Warm them slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds and top with a scoop of coconut ice cream for an indulgent brownie sundae, or add date caramel or melted peanut butter. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries, a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a dusting of extra cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.