Vegan Brownies (The Absolute BEST Fudgy Recipe!)

Name: Vegan Brownies (The Absolute BEST Fudgy Recipe!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed meal; 5 tbsp water; 1 cup all-purpose flour (Spooned and leveled); 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Good quality); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (Packed); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (Or other neutral oil or melted vegan butter); 1/4 cup plant-based milk (Almond, soy, or oat); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (Optional)

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Prepare to meet your new obsession: the absolute best fudgy vegan brownies you will ever taste. Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan baking being complicated or yielding less-than-perfect results. This recipe is your ticket to rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey brownies that are unbelievably easy to make. Best of all? It all comes together in just one bowl!

We’re ditching the eggs and dairy but holding onto all the glorious texture and flavor you crave. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a simple and delicious dessert, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

A close-up shot of a fudgy vegan brownie, showing its moist and chewy texture. — Look at that texture! Let the brownies cool completely to achieve this perfect fudgy crumb.

Why This Is the Only Vegan Brownie Recipe You’ll Ever Need

There are countless recipes out there, but this one stands out from the crowd. It has been tested and perfected to ensure a flawless result every single time. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Ultra Fudgy & Chewy: We’ve perfected the ratios to create a dense, moist, and wonderfully chewy brownie that is pure chocolate bliss.
Intense Chocolate Flavor: Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep, rich chocolate taste that isn’t overly sweet.
One-Bowl Wonder: Dirty dishes are the enemy of a happy baker. This entire recipe, from start to finish, is made in a single bowl.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No hard-to-find specialty items here! You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now.
Completely Foolproof: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this the perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Brownies

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of basic ingredients that work together to create a truly spectacular result.

Wet Ingredients

Flax Egg: Our secret weapon for replacing traditional eggs. A simple mixture of ground flaxseed and water creates a gel that binds the brownies and adds moisture, which is essential for that fudgy texture.
Melted Coconut Oil: You can also use any neutral-flavored oil or melted vegan butter. This provides the necessary fat content for a rich and tender crumb.
Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully. Just a splash is needed to bring the batter to the perfect consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A non-negotiable for enhancing the deep chocolate flavor.

Dry Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our brownies. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where all the chocolate flavor comes from! A quality brand will make a huge difference.
Sugars: We use a combination of granulated and light brown sugar. The white sugar contributes to that classic crackly top, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for extra chewiness.
Baking Powder: Provides just a tiny bit of lift to prevent the brownies from being too dense.
Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.

How to Make Vegan Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to see how easy it is? Follow these simple steps for brownie perfection.

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to act as handles. This will make it much easier to lift the brownies out later.
Make the Flax Egg: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This is your flax egg!
Combine Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the flax egg, add the melted coconut oil, both sugars, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is key to dissolving the sugar and helping create that desirable shiny top.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly into the same bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few small streaks of flour are okay.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use the spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake for 28-32 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Cool Completely: This is the hardest but most important step! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly, ensuring a clean slice and the ultimate fudgy texture. Trying to cut them while warm will result in a gooey mess.

A stack of rich, dark chocolate vegan brownies made with cocoa powder. — The secret to intensely chocolatey brownies is using high-quality cocoa powder.

Expert Tips for Achieving the Fudgiest Brownies

Want to take your vegan brownies from great to absolutely divine? Keep these pro tips in mind.

Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which will lead to a tough, cakey texture instead of a fudgy one. Mix only until you no longer see large streaks of flour.
Use High-Quality Cocoa: Since cocoa is the primary flavor source, using a good quality, dark, or Dutch-processed cocoa powder will yield a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.
Don’t Overbake: The key to a fudgy brownie is a slightly under-baked center. Keep a close eye on them and remember they will continue to cook from the residual heat as they cool in the pan.
Patience is a Virtue: Seriously, let them cool! A minimum of one hour is good, but several hours are even better. This allows the center to firm up, resulting in that dense, chewy texture we all love. For an even cleaner cut, you can chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Fun Variations & Add-Ins

While this recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for creativity. Try some of these fun additions:

Nuts: Fold in a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic crunch.
Chocolate Chunks: Swap the chocolate chips for larger vegan chocolate chunks for bigger pockets of melted chocolate. For a different flavor profile, consider these amazing chocolate mousse brownies.
Swirls: Before baking, drop dollops of peanut butter, Biscoff spread, or raspberry jam on top of the batter and use a knife to create a beautiful swirl pattern.
Frosting: Once cooled, top with your favorite vegan chocolate or peanut butter frosting.

Storing Your Brownies

Your delicious brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If they last that long! They also freeze beautifully. Simply slice them into squares, wrap them individually, and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely. For the best results, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, as it’s crucial for providing the structure that gluten normally would.

How do I properly store vegan brownies?

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Slice them first, then wrap them individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Let them thaw at room temperature.

What can I use instead of a flax egg in vegan brownies?

While a flax egg provides the best binding properties for a truly fudgy texture, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana. Note that this may result in a slightly more cake-like or dense brownie.

What’s the secret to getting that shiny, crackly top on brownies?

A shiny, paper-thin top is the result of properly dissolving the sugar into the fat. To achieve this, make sure you whisk the granulated and brown sugars into the wet ingredients very thoroughly for at least a minute, until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, before adding any dry ingredients.

Why did my vegan brownies turn out dry or cakey?

This is usually caused by one of two things: over-mixing the batter or over-baking. When you add the flour, mix only until it’s just combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, leading to a tough result. Also, be sure to bake only until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.

More Decadent Desserts to Try

If you loved these brownies, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorite dessert recipes. These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are always a crowd-pleaser. For a truly unique treat, give our Creme Brulee Cookies a try. And if you’re craving something rich and comforting, this Hot Fudge Pie is pure indulgence.

The Ultimate Fudgy Vegan Brownies

There you have it—a simple, reliable recipe for the most decadent and fudgy vegan brownies imaginable. They are proof that you don’t need dairy or eggs to create a show-stopping dessert. So grab your bowl, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat. If you make them, be sure to leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest!

Vegan Brownies Recipe