This really is the Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe! Fudgy, gooey, perfect squares of chocolate that cut easily and are easy to make. You’ll never buy a boxed brownie mix again!
In the last two days, I’ve made three batches of vegan brownies. That’s right, three. A few weeks ago, I tried some other recipes I was playing around with. All in an attempt to create the most perfect vegan brownies recipe in the world. It has been such a struggle you guys! (And yes I have a freezer FULL of brownies)
All of the recipes were edible (I mean, come on, it’s chocolate people!), but NOT the brownie perfection I was looking for. Either they were too fudgy, or too cake-like (my biggest peeve). Or one batch that cooked fine on the outside but wouldn’t fully cook near the middle.
I had to do some serious brownie research, read about ingredients, what makes a brownie cake-like, what makes them more fudgy, how to create the right balance for what I was looking for, and then think about the best vegan swaps for the result I wanted to achieve.
Finally, just a few days ago, I made one more batch of vegan brownies, after carefully creating the recipe on paper. I was SO excited as the batter tasted incredible, and after baking they looked good in the pan. Still having doubts, I let them cool a bit and then removed them from the pan and sliced them slowly.
When I looked inside and took the first bite, I knew, I had finally created the PERFECT Vegan Brownies Recipe! They are thick and hold together when you slice them. Fudgy, but not overly so, chewy, rich, ooey-gooey and full of chocolatey goodness. No one would guess they’re vegan!
What kind of chocolate chips should I use for vegan brownies recipe?
I used Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips because they happen to be vegan and are quite inexpensive. It can be difficult to find chocolate chips that don’t contain dairy, so just check the ingredients list. Enjoy Life is a good brand and you can order them on Amazon. You can also use your favorite chocolate bar and chop it into pieces.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
I used Trader Joe’s unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe, Hershey’s unsweetened is also a good option. I would not recommend you use a dutch cocoa powder, as you will get different results.
What is the best way to cut brownies?
If you are making vegan brownies for a party or to serve to others, it’s important to follow a couple of steps to get really nicely cut brownies. This is true whether they are vegan brownies or not!
It is helpful to line your pan with parchment paper that hangs out the sides for easy removal. After baking, let the brownies cool off for 15 minutes in the pan, then lift them out of the pan with the parchment paper and let cool 15-30 minutes more on a cooling rack. The longer you let them cool, the easier and cleaner cutting will be.
To cut, use a big, heavy knife. Run it under hot water for 30 seconds, dry it quickly and cut the brownies. Clean off the knife in between cuts, and you will have clean brownie squares.
If you like this vegan brownies recipe, you may also want to check out these “best” dessert recipes:
Perfect Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you make this recipe, let me know how it goes! Rate it, leave a comment and tag a photo @noracooksvegan on Instagram or find me on Facebook. Enjoy!
Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (earth balance brand), melted *see instructions
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips OR roughly chopped chocolate pieces
Instructions
- Make the flax eggs by stirring the ground flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside to thicken. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 7 x 11 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the vegan butter (earth balance brand preferred), and measure 1/2 cup. I do this by microwaving the vegan butter in a glass measuring cup, in 30 second intervals, until melted.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted vegan butter and sugars together. Add the flax eggs and vanilla, whisk until evenly combined.
- Over the same large bowl, sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Add the salt and baking powder and stir with a large wooden spoon until just combined, do not over mix.
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spoon or your hands. Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top of the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The brownies may still be bubbling and not look done, but they will firm up a lot as they cool.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then pull the brownies out, using the parchment paper and let cool for another 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
- To sift, either use a sifter or a fine mesh strainer also works.
- Coconut oil does not work very well in place of the vegan butter; it makes them very oily so I don't recommend it. You could sub applesauce for the vegan butter if you are oil free.
- If you don't want the brownies as sweet, it is perfectly okay to reduce the sugar, even to 1 cup. They will still turn out well, just not as sweet.
- When you initially take the brownies out of the oven, they will appear underdone and soft, but give them time to cool. They are even better the next day; fudgy and rich. These are NOT cake-like brownies.
- You may also use dutch processed cocoa powder for slightly different results. They will be a little less fudgy, and darker in color.
I don’t have a 7 x 11 pan. What else will work without compromising the results? I have 8 x 8 or 9 x 13 sized one.
8×8 inch works well, just add an extra 5 minutes of bake time perhaps.
Hi! Can I use vegetable oil instead of vegan butter??
Hi Laura. You could replace the butter with vegetable oil. Just know that it might make the brownies slightly more oily.
wow I love all of your recipes you have all of them
If I make the brownies ahead of time, do they freeze well?
Yes, they freeze well. Enjoy!
I’ve made these a couple and they turned out amazing both times! Tasted exactly like non-vegan brownies. Super easy recipe to follow as well, would definitely recommend!
I was also wondering if I would be able to substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and just increase the amount of flax mixture to avoid them being overly crumbly? Any advice would be appreciated 🙏
Thank you for the great recipe!
Hi Skye. I’m so glad you liked the brownies! I’ve used a gluten free mix and King Arthur Measure for Measure GF flour with good results. I really like Better Batter. Any quality gluten free flour mix should work quite well. Happy baking!
These are straight-up the best vegan brownies and I’ve made a LOT of different recipes. They will not fail you. Once I even used chia seeds instead of flax and coconut sugar instead of brown, because that was what I had on hand: still perfect. They need substantial time to set/cool (I’d say at least a half hour, get them in the fridge if you can) but they’ll be fudgy and perfect. They’re also pretty cheap to make compared to recipes that use a ton of melted chocolate, but they’re still super chocolatey from all the cocoa powder. Honestly they’re just great.
Hi Taylor. I am thrilled you love the brownies! I love reading about about your recipe experience…so fun! Thanks for your stellar review and feedback!
When making x2, double portion, size baking tray will I need? What will be the fan assisted baking temperature? And baking time? Thanks
I apologize if this is asked and answered in older comments. Would a 9 x 9 pan work?
Hi Jenn. Yes, a 9×9 pan will work. You might want to add about 5 minutes to the bake time as the brownies will be slightly thicker. Enjoy!
I have been making these brownies for every holiday and gathering for years. My entire family is non-vegan and they all swear these are the best brownies EVER! They joke that I’m only invited if I come with these brownies. 1000/10. Thank you for giving me this gift of a recipe!
😊 How fun! I’m thrilled the brownies are a hit at your gatherings! Thanks for sharing your awesome review and feedback! Wishing you lots of happy cooking!
I LOVE these brownies. Recipie is easy.Takes little time to put together. Tips are worth trying. family prefers these over their non-vegan brownies. Thanks Nora!
I am thrilled you are all loving the brownies, Christine! Thanks for your wonderful feedback!
Have done this recipe almost a dozen times using both the imperial measurements and the metric and it has turned out amazing every time. I’m not sure why some people seem to have had issues with it. I would suggest trying the recipe a second time, ensure your measurements are correct, that you are using the right ingredients and baking for the recommended time. Thanks Nora!
Thank YOU Matthew! I am glad you are having great success with the brownie recipe, and encouraging those who have had trouble to give it another try. They always turn out well for me as well! I appreciate your awesome review and helpful feedback! Happy cooking!