There’s something universally comforting about a warm, decadent brownie. That rich chocolate, the perfect texture – it’s a little slice of happiness! And what if that happiness could be completely plant-based, surprisingly simple to whip up, and still deliver that incredible gooey, fudgy experience everyone craves? Get ready, because these vegan brownies are here to prove that “guilt-free” and “utterly delicious” can absolutely go hand-in-hand, making them a hit even with those who aren’t strictly vegan.
This isn’t just another vegan brownie recipe. We’re talking about brownies that boast a beautifully shiny, crinkly top – often the elusive holy grail of egg-free baking – and a texture so fudgy and moist, they practically melt in your mouth. Forget dry, cakey imposters; these are the real deal, designed for ultimate satisfaction with minimal fuss.
Why This Recipe is the “Ultimate”
So, what makes these vegan brownies truly stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of carefully selected ingredients and techniques that work together to create a truly superior brownie experience.
The texture is, quite frankly, a triumph. We achieve that sought-after dense, fudgy, and gooey interior by using a combination of melted dark chocolate and Dutch-process cocoa powder, which provides an intense, well-rounded chocolate flavor and contributes significantly to the fudginess. A key secret to this recipe’s magic is the use of aquafaba – the humble liquid from a can of chickpeas. When whipped with sugar, aquafaba transforms, helping to create that signature flaky, crinkle top that many vegan brownie recipes miss. This innovative approach ensures a delightful textural contrast between the crisp top and the rich, soft center.
Beyond the incredible texture and flavor, this recipe shines in its simplicity. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find the steps straightforward and the process enjoyable. And the flavor? Pure chocolate explosion! Using good quality dark chocolate (around 65-75% cacao) and Dutch-process cocoa powder elevates the taste from simply sweet to deeply, satisfyingly chocolatey. The optional touch of espresso powder doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee; instead, it magically intensifies the chocolate notes, making them even more irresistible.
The Recipe: Gooey, Fudgy & Easy Vegan Brownies
Yields: 16 brownies Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-37 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (112g) vegan block butter (not spreadable margarine), cubed
- 3 ounces (85g) good quality dark chocolate (65-75% cacao), finely chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated or caster sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) aquafaba (liquid from one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, unsalted if possible)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoons (42g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but recommended)
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup (85g) vegan chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch (20cm) square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan and heatproof bowl (for double boiler) or microwave-safe bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
- Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the vegan butter and chopped dark chocolate together until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip Aquafaba & Sugar: In a clean, grease-free bowl, combine the aquafaba and sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is thick, glossy, and forms wavy ribbons when the beaters are lifted. It should resemble a loose meringue. Fold in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate-butter mixture into the whipped aquafaba mixture. Fold together carefully until just combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt. This prevents lumps and ensures a smoother batter.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Be very careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula. Bake for 30-37 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it looks like there’s a tiny bit of thick, melted chocolate on the toothpick, that’s likely from the chocolate chips and is perfectly fine.
- Cool Completely (Very Important!): Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely in the pan – this usually takes at least 1-2 hours, or even longer. This step is crucial for them to set properly and achieve that perfect fudgy texture. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares.
Key Tips for Brownie Perfection
Achieving brownie nirvana is easy with these essential tips:
- Don’t Overbake: This is the golden rule for fudgy brownies! They will continue to cook and set as they cool. An extra minute or two in the oven can be the difference between fudgy and cakey.
- The Magic of Aquafaba: As mentioned, whipping aquafaba with sugar is the secret to that desirable shiny, crinkly top and contributes to the wonderful texture. Don’t skip this unique ingredient if you want the “ultimate” result!
- Quality Chocolate Matters: The better the chocolate, the better the brownie. Using a good quality dark chocolate bar (65-75% cacao) and Dutch-process cocoa powder will yield a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.
- Do Not Overmix Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy brownies instead of tender, fudgy ones.
- Patience is a Virtue (Cool Completely!): It’s tempting to dive in while they’re warm, but allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential. This allows them to firm up, developing that incredibly fudgy texture and making them much easier to slice cleanly.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Accurate measurement of ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder, ensures consistent and delicious results.
Fun Variations to Try!
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative!
- Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies: For a gluten-free version, you can try a good quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Some successful tests have used a mix of 3/4 cup (82g) oat flour and 3/4 cup (100g) all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour, baking for 37-39 minutes. Gluten-free brownies might have a slightly different structure but are still delicious, especially after chilling.
- Nut-Free Goodness: This recipe is inherently nut-free (always double-check your chocolate chip ingredients for hidden nuts). For an added crunchy texture without nuts, consider stirring in a handful of sunflower seeds.
- Extra Chocolatey Indulgence:
- Add more vegan chocolate chips or chunks – try a mix of dark and semi-sweet.
- Once cooled, drizzle with a simple vegan chocolate ganache (melted vegan chocolate with a touch of plant-based cream).
- Remember that espresso powder? It’s your secret weapon for intensifying chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
- Other Delicious Twists:
- Caramel Swirl: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of your favorite vegan caramel sauce into the batter just before baking.
- Fruity Notes: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries for a tart contrast.
- Mint Chocolate: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a classic flavor combination.
Get Baking and Share the Joy!
And there you have it – the ultimate recipe for gooey, fudgy, and incredibly easy vegan brownies that are sure to impress everyone, vegan or not! They’re perfect for satisfying that chocolate craving, sharing with loved ones, or simply treating yourself to something special.
Ready to bake the best vegan brownies of your life? Give this recipe a try! We’d absolutely LOVE to see your gooey, fudgy creations. Share a photo on Instagram and tag us @planterpluse with the hashtag #UltimateVeganBrownies!
Have any questions, or perhaps your own favorite vegan brownie tips and tricks? Drop them in the comments below – we love hearing from you and building our baking community!
Happy Baking!