Vegan Brownie Recipe: No Applesauce Needed!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey everyone! Are you looking for a delicious and easy vegan brownie recipe that doesn't rely on applesauce? Well, you've come to the right place! I know, I know, a lot of vegan baking recipes call for applesauce as an egg replacement, but sometimes you just don't have any on hand, or maybe you're just not a fan of the flavor it adds. No worries, guys! This recipe delivers incredibly fudgy, decadent brownies without a trace of applesauce. Trust me, even non-vegans will be begging for seconds!

Why This Vegan Brownie Recipe Rocks

This vegan brownie recipe is a game-changer for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it's incredibly simple. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No weird or hard-to-find vegan substitutes here! Second, it's fast. From start to finish, you're looking at under an hour, making it perfect for those last-minute chocolate cravings. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the texture is spot on. These brownies are fudgy, moist, and have that perfect crackly top that everyone loves. We achieve this glorious texture through a combination of ingredients like flaxseed meal (our egg replacer!), rich cocoa powder, and a generous amount of chocolate chips. We're talking serious chocolate intensity here, folks. The recipe also uses oil instead of butter, which contributes to the fudgy texture and keeps the brownies incredibly moist. No dry, crumbly vegan brownies here! And finally, it's completely customizable. Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make them your own. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a great base to build upon and experiment with your favorite flavors.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to whip up these amazing brownies. Don't worry, it's a pretty straightforward list:

Flaxseed Meal: This is our egg replacement. When mixed with water, it creates a gel that helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our brownies. You can also use a gluten-free blend if needed.
Cocoa Powder: Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. I recommend Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer, darker brownie.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that crackly top.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture to the brownies.
Vegetable Oil: This contributes to the fudgy texture and keeps the brownies moist.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Chocolate Chips: Because what's a brownie without chocolate chips? Use your favorite kind, dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work well.
Hot Water: This helps bloom the cocoa powder and intensify the chocolate flavor.

Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start baking. It's always a bummer to get halfway through a recipe and realize you're missing something!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get baking! Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying warm, fudgy vegan brownies in no time:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easy to remove.
Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. This is a crucial step, so don't skip it!
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add wet ingredients: Add the oil, vanilla extract, and flax egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
Bloom the cocoa: Gradually add the hot water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be quite thin at this point, but don't worry, that's normal.
Stir in chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.
Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will allow them to set up properly and prevent them from crumbling.

Tips for the Best Vegan Brownies

To ensure your vegan brownies are a smashing success, here are a few extra tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: This is especially important for the cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The better the quality, the better the flavor.
Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Don't overbake the brownies: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Let the brownies cool completely: This is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture. Be patient!
Add a pinch of espresso powder: Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle depth. Just a teaspoon will do the trick.
Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle with sea salt, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or top with vegan ice cream.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and add-ins:

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Dried Fruit: Stir in dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy sweetness.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a decadent treat.
Chocolate Chunks: Use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips for a bigger burst of chocolate flavor.
Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Vegan Caramel: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the baked brownies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Storing Your Brownies

Once your brownies are cool, it's time to slice and serve! These brownies are delicious on their own, but they're also fantastic with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. For an extra special treat, warm them up slightly in the microwave before serving.

To store your brownies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

FAQs About Vegan Brownies

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer. Just make sure it's a blend that's designed for baking.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or sunflower oil.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a substitute for granulated sugar. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the brownies.

My brownies are dry. What did I do wrong?

Overbaking is the most common cause of dry brownies. Be sure to bake them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Also, make sure you're using enough oil and flax egg.

My brownies are too fudgy. What did I do wrong?

Underbaking can result in overly fudgy brownies. Bake them for a few more minutes until they're set to your liking.

Get Baking!

So there you have it – a foolproof vegan brownie recipe that doesn't require any applesauce! I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious brownies as much as I do. Don't forget to share your creations with me on social media! Happy baking, and enjoy those fudgy, decadent, and completely vegan brownies! I promise you won't regret it!