Easy Vegan Brownies

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These easy vegan brownies are everything you want from a classic chocolate dessert: rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolaty. Made with pantry staples and no dairy or eggs, they’re the ultimate treat for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Plus, they come together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.

The edges have a perfect chew while the center stays gooey and moist. They’re just sweet enough to feel indulgent but not overwhelming, and the addition of dairy-free chocolate chips takes every bite over the top. If you’re craving a brownie that delivers on both texture and flavor—without any animal products—this one’s for you.

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What Kind of Cocoa Powder Works Best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is the way to go for this recipe. It creates a rich chocolate flavor and pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate chips. If you’re after an even deeper color and more intense flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but it’s not essential.

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Ingredients for the Easy Vegan Brownies

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips

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How To Make the Easy Vegan Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them firm up and makes cutting cleaner.

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How to Serve and Store Your Vegan Brownies

These brownies are incredible on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of almond butter for a gourmet twist. They’re also perfect for packing into lunchboxes or taking to gatherings.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the brownies individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temp or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Can I substitute applesauce?

Mashed banana or vegan yogurt will work in place of applesauce, but note that it may slightly change the flavor.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?

Nope! You can skip them or replace with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter.

Why are my brownies too cakey?

Too much flour or overbaking can make them more cake-like. For fudgy results, measure accurately and don’t overbake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and extend the baking time to about 35–40 minutes.

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Want More Brownie and Bar Ideas?

If you love these easy vegan brownies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies for a nutty, creamy fusion.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with cinnamon-sugar crunch.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a wholesome sweet bite.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you’re craving something rich and fruity.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole when you’re leaning toward decadent breakfast-dessert.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap ingredients or add something extra? Did the texture come out just right for you?

I love seeing your creations and hearing your twists. Got questions? I’m here for them too.

For more vegan and dessert recipes, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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