If you’re craving something rich, fudgy, and chocolatey, these Easy Vegan Brownies are just what you need. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, these brownies offer all the indulgence without any animal products.
They are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and they come together in just a few steps. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 9–12 (depending on slice size)
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into how to make Easy Vegan Brownies, let’s take a look at the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Flour provides the structure for the brownies, giving them the right balance of chewiness and softness.
- Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Cocoa powder is the star of the show, giving these brownies their deep, rich chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sugar not only sweetens the brownies but also helps to create that classic crackly top we all love. You can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Baking powder adds a slight lift to the brownies, ensuring they aren’t too dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- Water (¼ cup): Water helps to bring the batter together. It also ensures the brownies stay moist.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Oil is essential for that perfect fudgy texture. You can use any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or even melted coconut oil.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cocoa beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): This might seem like an odd addition, but apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking powder to help the brownies rise slightly and achieve a tender crumb.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips (½ cup): If you want an extra burst of chocolate in every bite, fold in some vegan chocolate chips into the batter.
- Nuts (¼ cup): Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the brownies.
- Espresso Powder (1 teaspoon): For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder. It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the method. Follow these steps to create the most delicious vegan brownies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. The parchment paper will make it easier to remove the brownies from the pan later, and it prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Sifting ensures there are no lumps in the mixture, giving your brownies a smooth, even texture. Next, add the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, combine the water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these together until they are well mixed. The apple cider vinegar may seem like an unusual addition, but trust it — it reacts with the baking powder to give the brownies a slight lift and keeps them tender.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough. The batter should be thick and glossy.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the batter at this stage. These add-ins take the brownies to the next level, providing extra texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with your spatula to ensure the brownies bake uniformly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If it comes out with wet batter, give them a few more minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy! They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra treat.
Tips for the Best Vegan Brownies
To make sure your brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Since cocoa powder is the main flavor component, using high-quality cocoa powder will make a big difference in taste.
- Let Them Cool Completely: It’s tempting to cut into the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven, but letting them cool completely will give you cleaner slices and allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Customizing Your Brownies
One of the best things about this vegan brownie recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas for customizing your brownies:
- Peppermint Brownies: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it in before baking.
- Mocha Brownies: Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder for a coffee-flavored kick.
Conclusion
These Easy Vegan Brownies are proof that you don’t need eggs, butter, or dairy to create a delicious, decadent dessert. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up a batch of these brownies anytime a chocolate craving strikes. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, these brownies are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy them as is, or get creative with add-ins and toppings to make them your own. Happy baking!
