Easy and Extra Fudgy Vegan Brownies

Vegan Brownies are light and delicious chocolate squares, the dairy-free, egg-free and butter-free version of the classic American delicacy. Suitable for those with food intolerances or who follow a vegan diet, they are so melting and irresistible that anyone will appreciate them. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack with a hot drink, simply sprinkled with a little powdered sugar, or serve them as a dessert at the end of a meal, accompanied by a dollop of vegetable cream or a scoop of vegan ice cream.

What Are Vegan Brownies?

Brownies, the beloved chocolate squares, trace their origins to the United States in the late 19th century. The first known recipe appeared in Fannie Farmer’s 1906 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, though earlier versions existed. Traditionally made with butter, eggs, and chocolate, brownies quickly became a staple in American baking.

The vegan brownie variation emerged much later, gaining popularity with the rise of plant-based diets in the 20th and 21st centuries. Early vegan adaptations replaced dairy and eggs with ingredients like applesauce, flaxseed, or mashed bananas to maintain moisture and binding. As plant-based eating grew mainstream, more refined recipes emerged, incorporating nut butters, aquafaba, and dairy-free chocolate to replicate the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies. Today, vegan brownies are enjoyed not only by those following a plant-based diet but also by anyone seeking a delicious, cruelty-free dessert alternative.

Pro Tips for The Best Vegan Brownies

• Unlike traditional brownies that use butter, oil keeps vegan brownies moist. Opt for neutral oils like sunflower or coconut for the best texture.
• Too much flour can make brownies dense and dry. For accuracy, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly.
• Allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes before baking helps the ingredients bind better, resulting in a fudgier consistency.
• Vegan brownies continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven when the center is still slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to a cakier texture.
• For the cleanest slices, let the brownies cool fully before cutting. This helps them firm up and prevents crumbling.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the best vegan brownies, use unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed or high-quality natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic taste and results in a deeper chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa is more intense and slightly tangy. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s 100% cocoa with no added sugar or dairy for the richest, most authentic taste.

Can I Make These Brownies Starting From a Box Mix?

Yes! You can make these vegan brownies using a store-bought brownie mix, but you’ll need to swap out the non-vegan ingredients. Replace butter with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, and check that the mix itself is dairy-free.

How Can I Enrich These Vegan Brownies?

Characterized by a crunchy crust on the surface and an intense cocoa flavor, you can make them even more delicious by adding dark chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit to the dough. If you love the sweet-sour contrast, try adding fresh raspberries. You can also flavor the dough with your favorite spices or aromas, such as cinnamon, vanilla powder or grated orange zest.

How Do I Keep These Vegan Brownies Moist?

To keep vegan brownies moist, use enough fat—vegetable oil or melted coconut oil works best. Avoid overbaking; take them out when the center is slightly soft since they firm up as they cool. Finally, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out.

What's The Best Way to Cut Brownies?

For clean, even slices, let the brownies cool completely before cutting—warm brownies tend to crumble. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges. For extra precision, chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. If they’re extra fudgy, lightly oil the knife or run it under hot water before cutting.

Can I Make These Vegan Brownies Ahead of Time?

Yes! Vegan brownies can be made ahead of time and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Do These Vegan Brownies Freeze Well?

Yes! Vegan brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for a fudgy texture.

How to Store Vegan Brownies

To store leftover vegan brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness.

How to Make Vegan Brownies

Combine the flour and the sugar in a large bowl.

Add the baking powder, salt and the bitter cocoa powder.

Mix carefully to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Pour in the oil.

Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine the ingredients.

Gradually pour in the soy milk.

Continue working the mixture until it is smooth and homogeneous.

Brush a baking dish with oil.

Pour in the mixture.

Level with a spatula and bake at 360°F/180°C for 20 minutes, until they're cooked through. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes before cutting them into squares and sprinkling them with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!