The best Vegan Brownies

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These vegan brownies are fudgy, chewy, rich, and delicious. They are exactly what you’re looking for in a brownie. These are great with a dollop of your favorite vegan ice cream.

This recipe is hands down the best vegan brownies I’ve ever had.

I have tried SOOOO many different vegan brownie recipes.

And so many of them turned out to be a weird oil-separated nastiness.

So, I decided to try and make my own vegan brownie recipe, and I am glad I did.

I have made probably 20 different batches of brownies to land on this recipe.

We are talking a lot of chocolate chips, folks. But I have finally nailed it, and I am ready to share them!

There seem to be two big brownie camps: fudgy brownies or cakey brownies. I will be honest here- I am TOTALLY in the fudgy camp.

So naturally, these air on the fudgy side, but I do not think the cakey fans will be disappointed.

What is the best kind of chocolate to use for these vegan brownies?

When making brownies, it’s best to use a good quality chocolate bar or darker chocolate chips. The darker the chocolate, the higher the fat ratio, which will help your brownies be fudgier.

I love any of Follow Your Heart Chocolate Chips, or I always have Trader Joes Semi-Sweet chocolate chips on hand, and they work wonderfully.

If you’re using a good-quality chocolate bar, cut it into small chunks relative in size so that it melts evenly.

Always be careful when melting chocolate that you don’t over melt it and have it seize up.

Do I use unsweetened natural cocoa powder or dutch cocoa powder?

You can use either one for this recipe. Dutch cocoa powder typically leads to a richer, darker chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa powder is a touch lighter.

What kind of oil should I use in this vegan brownies recipe?

I always use vegetable or canola oil. You could use coconut oil, but it may change the properties slightly and potentially leave a coconut flavor if you’re using unrefined coconut oil.

But you can use any mild oil; even avocado oil will work. However, I wouldn’t use olive oil.

What flour should I use for these brownies?

These vegan brownies work best with all-purpose flour.

I have never made them gluten-free, but I think you easily could with how good all-purpose gluten-free flours have gotten.

What are vegan brownies made of?

Vegan brownies have the same base as regular brownies, with the main difference being eggs.

If they are vegan, they won’t have traditional eggs, but they will need an egg substitute.

For the best brownies vegan style, I have found that flax eggs which are ground-up flaxseeds with some water, work best as an egg substitution.

What is the best way to tell when brownies are done?

The toothpick test is a great way to check if brownies are done. Take a toothpick and stick it in the center; it should come out mostly clean without any clumps of batter.

For the best results, it’s best not to overbake these at all.

What’s the best way to store brownies?

It’s best to store brownies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days; however, they are best if you eat them within 1-2 days.

You can also freeze brownies in an airtight container for up to a few months.

Let it come to room temperature and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds.

I prefer fresh brownies and not frozen ones, but everyone’s different.

How do you get clean slices when cutting brownies?

Brownies tend to want to break into moist crumbs, so if you’re looking for a clean-cut, follow this-

• Make sure your brownies are all the way cool
• Determine how many brownies you want to end up with
• Take either a sharp knife or even a plastic knife and run it under hot water
• Make an entire slice through, then wash off the excess with hot water and repeat after each cut until you have them all cut.
• This should make perfectly cut brownies

Do I have to use instant coffee in these?

No, you do not have to use instant coffee. You can leave it out. The purpose of instant coffee or espresso powder is to enhance the chocolate flavor.

But let’s be honest; these are plenty chocolaty for the chocolate lover in your life.

I’ll leave it up to you if you want to leave it in or take it out.

What ingredients do I need for these vegan chocolate brownies?

These are all simple ingredients-

Dry ingredients-

• vegan chocolate chips
• instant coffee or espresso powder
• unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• brown sugar
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt

Wet ingredients-

• oil, vegetable oil, or whatever oil,(you could also use vegan butter melted)
• flax eggs (2 TB ground flaxseeds with 4 TB water)
• vanilla extract
• non-dairy milk (soy milk, almond milk, whichever you like)

How do you make these easy vegan brownies?

Baking time- 30- 35 minutes

Servings- 9-12 traditional brownies, vegan style

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees and preparing your 8×8 square pan with cooking spray.

You can also line your baking dish with parchment paper, enough so there are is a slight excess on each side for easy removal.

Set aside your prepared baking pan.

Make your flax egg and set it aside.

Take a medium bowl and combine your dry ingredients- your flour, baking powder, salt, stir together and set aside.

In a microwave-safe large bowl, mix your oil with 1 cup of the chocolate chips or chocolate chunks whatever you’re using, and stir.

Put in the microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk for 10 seconds. Put back in the microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk. The chocolate should be about melted; if it’s not, do it at 15 seconds intervals until it’s melted. Then set the wet mixture aside.

Once it’s melted, add the instant coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla, and 2 TB non-dairy milk whisking after each addition.

Last whisk in the Flax Eggs.

Stir the melted chocolate mixture and flour mixture until combined.

Then stir in your 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Spread the wet batter into the prepared 8×8 pan and smooth out.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Do not overbake. They will look underdone but will come out clean on a toothpick.

*These will have to rest for about 2- 3 hours before you can cut them. Look above at the best way to cut brownies.

Let’s answer some other vegan brownie questions;

Can you make a brownie mix without eggs?

Yes, you can, but you need to use an egg replacer like flax eggs.

Flax eggs work great because they have a decent amount of fat in them.

A flax egg is simply flax seeds ground up and mixed with water. When ground up flax seeds and water combine, it makes a gelatinous mixture that works excellent for egg replacement.

There are other options to use when substituting eggs, but this is the one I’ve personally found to be the best for brownies.

Is there a vegan brownie mix?

Yes, there are quite a few vegan brownie mixes. They aren’t typically advertised as vegan, but they are if you look at the ingredients.

It’s important to always read the ingredients on the box as recipes can change.

Want some more vegan dessert recipes?

• Vegan Smores Brownies
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
• Smores Vegan Bars

If you loved this recipe then give it a 5 star rating and leave a comment! I love to chat with you all. Please feel free to share on social media and tag #courtneyshomestead. I would love to see you over on Instagram or Facebook. 

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