Easy Vegan Brownies – Guilt-Free Treat

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Brownies that satisfy your chocolate craving and your conscience? Yes, please. These Easy Vegan Brownies are rich, fudgy, and totally plant-based—no eggs, no dairy, and definitely no compromises on flavor. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the kind of treat you can whip up when a chocolate emergency hits.

Perfect for after-school snacks, casual get-togethers, or a solo indulgent moment with your coffee, these brownies prove that vegan baking doesn’t have to be complicated. The balance of cocoa and coconut oil creates an incredibly smooth texture, while a touch of espresso powder enhances that deep chocolate taste. You won’t believe they’re vegan—until someone asks for the recipe.

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What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, go with unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give these brownies a smoother, darker taste, while natural cocoa powder delivers a brighter, slightly tangy bite. Both work, but if you love intense chocolate, Dutch-processed is your friend.

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Ingredients for the Easy Vegan Brownies

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (vegan egg substitute)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

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How To Make the Easy Vegan Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Flax Egg

In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as your egg replacement.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and sugar until glossy. Add the thickened flax egg, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and espresso powder if using. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the vegan chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and fudgy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle extra chocolate chips over it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up and intensify in flavor.

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How to Serve and Store These Brownies

Serve these brownies as-is for a classic chocolate hit, or warm them up and top with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They’re also fantastic chilled from the fridge—especially if you love extra fudgy brownies.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly and thaw before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make them gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I use another sweetener?

Yes, coconut sugar or brown sugar works well. Maple syrup is possible too, but reduce the milk slightly to balance the moisture.

What if I don’t have flaxseed?

You can use chia seeds in the same ratio (1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water), or a store-bought vegan egg replacer.

Can I double the batch?

Definitely. Use a 9×13 inch pan and bake for 28-32 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Are these brownies kid-friendly?

Absolutely. They’re rich, chocolatey, and you can’t taste any “health food” tricks.

Why use espresso powder?

It deepens the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee. It’s optional, but highly recommended for flavor depth.

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Want More Vegan Dessert Ideas?

If you loved these Easy Vegan Brownies, try these equally irresistible treats from the blog:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a fruity chocolate indulgence.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites if you love caramelized crunch.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for that cinnamon sugar magic.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for layered decadence.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a quick morning fix.

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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: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

And tell me how your batch turned out! Did you add nuts or keep it pure? Chill them or eat warm from the pan?

I always love seeing your takes on these dishes. Drop your questions or tips in the comments—we learn better together!

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