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Vegan Brownies

These Vegan brownies are a rich, fudgy dessert made without any animal products, using plant-based ingredients instead. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking for a dairy-free option, these vegan brownies are a perfect choice for any occasion.

History of Brownies

Brownies likely originated in the late 19th century when a chef accidentally created a denser, fudgier version of chocolate cake. As a result, the dessert quickly gained popularity. The first known recipe appeared in the 1897 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer, and by the early 1900s, the name “brownie” was widely used. Over time, especially during the 1920s and 1930s, brownies became even more popular with the introduction of packaged mixes. Today, they remain a beloved treat, constantly evolving with new variations. If you want to find out more about the history of brownies, here is where I found some of my information!


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Ingredients & Substitutes
  • Any non-dairy milk
  • Melted vegan butter or homemade vegan butter (Top 8 and legume and seed-free recipe)
  • Unsweetened applesauce or potato water (*see notes)
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Gluten-free flour (contains xanthan gum)
  • Sugar or xylitol (if sugar-free)
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder or corn-free alternative
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Vegan chocolate chips
How to Make Vegan Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Next, mix together all the ingredients until the mixture is very thick and smooth.

Then, pour the mixture evenly into a lightly oiled 9×13 dish, or a 9-inch round dish if you prefer the brownies to be extra thick (keep in mind, you’ll need to add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time).

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the center looks firm, not gooey.

Finally, let the brownies cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting them into pieces.

Common Questions

1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour for these brownies?
While you can use regular flour, the texture and consistency will differ, and they will no longer be gluten-free. If you’re aiming for a vegan and gluten-free option, it’s best to stick with gluten-free flour, as it provides the proper texture and structure.

2. What can I substitute for eggs in vegan brownies?
For vegan brownies, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, applesauce, potato water *see notes) or mashed bananas. These substitutes help bind the ingredients and provide moisture, ensuring a deliciously fudgy result.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use alternatives like xylitol or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly. If you prefer a sugar-free option, xylitol works well and won’t compromise the taste or structure of the brownies.

4. How do I make these brownies even more decadent?
To add extra richness, you can add in a swirl of sunflower butter. This addition brings more flavor and texture to the brownies, making them even more indulgent.

5. Can I make these brownies in advance?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. In fact, letting them sit for a day allows the flavors to deepen, making them even more delicious.

Other Favorite Allergy Friendly Dessert Recipes
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Vegan Brownies (Top 9 Free)

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These brownies are everything I desire when craving a brownie: rich, fluffy, fudgy, and thick. Super easy to make & tastes great with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream!Also, if you want a Blondie Brownie Recipe, go here! Serves about 18-24 large brownies (depending on the size dish you bake them in). Prep is 7-10 mins. Bake for 45 mins. Cool for 10-15 mins.

  • Total Time: 0 hours

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 1/2 cup any non dairy milk
  2. 1/2 cup melted vegan butter, OR homemade vegan butter (recipe is top 8 and legume and seed free)
  3. 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce, OR potato water (*see notes)
  4. 1 TB apple cider vinegar
  5. 1 TB vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups gluten free flour (does contain xantham gum)
  7. 1 3/4 cups sugar, OR xylitol (if sugar free)
  8. 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  9. 1 tsp baking powder, OR if corn free use this one
  10. 1 tsp baking soda
  11. 1 tsp salt
  12. 810 oz vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Mix together all the ingredients till very thick and smooth.
  3. Pour mixture evenly into a lightly oiled 9×13 dish, or a 9 inch circle dish if you want the brownies to be extra thick (plan on adding 5 mins to the time you bake).
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or till toothpick comes out clean, and center looks firm, not gooey. Let cool for 10-15 mins before cutting into pieces.

 

Notes

*Instead of using eggs like most baked good recipes, I like to use potato water. (You can also use applesauce or avocado if nightshades are an issue, but potato is the most neutral flavor. To achieve this potato water, I mash up one small boiled potato with 1 cup water until you get a mushy runny paste (kinda like applesauce). I then use 2/3 cup of this mixture in the recipe. See picture below for the right consistency:

  • Author: Nikki
  • Prep Time: 10 Min
  • Cool Time: 10-15 Min
  • Cook Time: 40-45 min

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