Easy Vegan Brownies – Guilt-Free Treat

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Fudgy, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, these Easy Vegan Brownies are a game-changer for dessert lovers looking for a plant-based indulgence. With a perfectly crackly top and dense, chewy center, they deliver everything you love about classic brownies—without the eggs or dairy.

Whether you’re fully vegan or just trying to cut back on animal products, this brownie recipe is a go-to for satisfying sweet cravings. No complicated ingredients or hard-to-find substitutions, just pure, simple decadence in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe

These brownies come together quickly with pantry staples, making them ideal for last-minute dessert needs or weekly meal prep. They’re freezer-friendly, lunchbox-approved, and fancy enough for a party spread. Plus, they strike the perfect balance between gooey and cakey, winning over vegans and non-vegans alike.

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What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the deepest flavor and richest color, opt for unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder. It offers a smooth, chocolate-forward taste and reacts well with baking soda. If you’re using natural cocoa powder, just know the brownies might be slightly lighter in color and tangier in taste—still delicious, just a little different in vibe.

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Ingredients for the Easy Vegan Brownies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in delivering that classic brownie texture and flavor, without any animal products.

• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the brownies.
• Cocoa Powder – Brings rich, chocolatey depth; opt for Dutch-process if possible.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the crinkly top.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes to the fudgy texture and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
• Baking Soda – Provides a bit of lift while keeping the brownies dense.
• Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – Acts as an egg replacement and adds moisture.
• Neutral Oil (like canola or avocado) – Gives the brownies their soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic warmth.
• Non-Dairy Milk (like almond or oat milk) – Helps bind and smooth the batter.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips or Chunks – Optional but highly recommended for extra gooeyness.

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How To Make the Easy Vegan Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips or chunks.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before lifting them out. Slice into squares and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store These Easy Vegan Brownies

These brownies are rich enough to serve solo, but they also shine with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dessert, this recipe yields about 9 generous squares or 12 smaller ones.

For storage, keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well: wrap individual pieces and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

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What to Serve With Easy Vegan Brownies?

1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

The cool creaminess balances the warm, fudgy brownie perfectly.

2. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a bright, tart contrast.

3. Coconut Whipped Cream

A light and fluffy topping that brings a tropical flair.

4. Almond or Oat Milk Latte

A cozy beverage pairing that enhances the chocolate notes.

5. Salted Caramel Drizzle

Add a gourmet touch with vegan salted caramel sauce.

6. Crushed Nuts

Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor.

7. Espresso Shot

A bold, bitter counterbalance to the brownie’s sweetness.

8. Chia Pudding Parfait

Layer brownie chunks into a glass with chia pudding for a healthy spin on dessert.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it’s one that contains xanthan gum for structure.

2. What can I use instead of applesauce?
Mashed bananas or vegan yogurt are great alternatives. Keep in mind that bananas will slightly alter the flavor.

3. Are these brownies overly sweet?
Not at all. The balance of granulated and brown sugar adds depth without overpowering the chocolate flavor.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for a few extra minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

5. Why did my brownies come out dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs—not completely clean.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use banana instead of applesauce? Did you fold in nuts or swirl in peanut butter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Follow more of my daily recipes on Pinterest here: Life With Livia Pinterest

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Conclusion

These Easy Vegan Brownies are proof that dessert can be rich, gooey, and 100% plant-based without compromise. Whether you’re baking for yourself or surprising a crowd, this recipe delivers every time. Fudgy, quick to make, and free of animal products—they’re a win on all fronts.

So preheat that oven and get ready to indulge guilt-free. Once you taste them, they might just become your new favorite chocolate fix.

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