Delicious Vegan Brownies to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings

Ah, Vegan Brownies—where do I even start? The first time I made these, I was knee-deep in the chaos of school lunches, after-school meltdowns, and dinners that felt like a blur. I wanted to bake something comforting for my family without adding more stress, so I tried making Vegan Brownies. I found the recipe tucked away in an old cookbook, and honestly, I was skeptical. Could a plant-based dessert really hit that fudgy, chocolatey spot my kids love?

Turns out, yes! The first batch of Vegan Brownies came out dense, rich, and dare I say, better than many traditional brownies I’d tasted before. My kids’ eyes lit up with each bite, and even my husband—who’s not vegan—couldn’t stop sneaking them after dinner. This recipe brought us together and gave me a little win in the kitchen amidst our busy days.

What makes these Vegan Brownies so wonderful is how simple and comforting they are to make. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, and best of all, they’re dairy-free and eggless chocolate brownies that satisfy everyone around the table. These Vegan Brownies became our go-to when we needed a hug in dessert form—especially when the week got hectic.

If you’re a fellow busy mom looking for a plant-based dessert that keeps your family happy without adding overwhelm, you’re in the right spot. This recipe has grown alongside my family, becoming a simple comfort staple I cherish sharing with you today.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Top down view of raw ingredients for vegan brownies on a marble kitchen counter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free vegan brownies)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened – gives that rich chocolate flavor my family adores
  • 1 cup sugar (coconut or brown sugar work great too!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil; I keep it on hand for extra cozy moisture)
  • 3/4 cup almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a must for warming depth)
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional, adds a melty surprise)

No worries if you don’t have cocoa powder. Sometimes I swap in a mix of carob powder for a milder flavor that’s kid-friendly. This Vegan Brownies recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive—these ingredients live in my regular grocery store and stay budget-friendly.

Pro tip for busy moms: measure your dry ingredients while the oven heats up, and melt the coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds to save time. These little shortcuts turn making Vegan Brownies from a daunting task into a quick, comforting ritual.

Trust me, this Vegan Brownies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! Here’s a Vegan Brownies comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime—adding a pinch of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate without caffeine. The little things make a big difference.

Let’s Make it Happen!

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Light a candle or brew your coffee—it’s about to smell amazing in your kitchen! Vegan Brownies baking always feels like a warm embrace.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I love mixing with my kids—it turns baking into family time, even during hectic afternoons.
  • In another bowl, stir together melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mix is what transforms these into fudgy vegan brownies.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently. Don’t overmix; that’s a common concern but a little texture is a good thing here.
  • Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re using them. It’s like little pockets of comfort scattered throughout.
  • Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. At this moment, I often prepare tomorrow’s school lunches or do a quick walk around with my toddler—multi-tasking at its best!
  • Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Your Vegan Brownies should smell heavenly and have a slightly glossy top. Don’t worry if a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs—that’s how you know they’re fudgy vegan brownies and will be perfectly soft.
  • Allow brownies to cool before slicing; this helps them firm up, making them easier to serve and kid-approved.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Vegan Brownies—getting the texture right without eggs. Now I’ve learned a few family-tested shortcuts, like using melted coconut oil instead of vegan butter for extra fudge factor.

While your Vegan Brownies bake, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family. It’s these small moments that turn chaos into cozy memories.

How We Love to Eat This!

Close up of finished beautiful vegan brownies on a plate

Our family devours these Vegan Brownies as an after-school treat, often paired with a cold glass of almond milk. The kids love them warmed slightly, sometimes topped with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream to turn this plant-based dessert into a party.

For quick weeknight comfort, I slice them into squares and add fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Presentation matters, even if your day feels like a whirlwind—little touches go a long way in making kids feel special.

These Vegan Brownies also shine at birthday parties or casual get-togethers. When guests ask for the recipe, I point them to thoughtful versions like the fudgy gluten-free vegan brownies found over at Sweets and Thank You, which has a killer no-flax egg alternative.

Leftovers? Yes, please! They store well in an airtight container for up to four days, and sometimes I reheat a few bites for my afternoon pick-me-up. Talk about sanity-saving comfort food.

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for the vegan peanut butter brownies recipe I spied on a friends’ group—peanut butter adds a whole new comfort dimension.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is this Vegan Brownies filling enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! The combination of whole flour and cocoa gives a nice wholesome heft. Plus, adding dairy-free chocolate chips boosts the energy for active kiddos.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this Vegan Brownies?

A: Try cutting a small piece and warming it with almond butter on top for a familiar flavor mix. My youngest was hesitant at first, but once I added a tiny scoop of vanilla custard, it disappeared fast.

Q: Can I meal prep this Vegan Brownies for busy weeks ahead?

A: Totally! Bake a batch on Sunday, slice, and store pieces in the fridge or freezer. They thaw quickly and keep great thanks to the coconut oil moisture.

Q: Are these gluten-free vegan brownies possible?

A: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend like the recipe at Nora Cooks’ gluten free vegan brownies offers. The texture is slightly different but just as comforting.

Q: Can I make these without cocoa powder?

A: You can substitute carob powder for a milder, naturally sweeter taste. I do this sometimes when the kids are craving a less bitter dessert.

Q: How do you make the Vegan Brownies extra fudgy?

A: Melted coconut oil and a bit of espresso powder (optional) are my comfort hacks to deepen that fudgy goodness. Baking time also matters; slightly less time keeps them moister.

Q: What are good side dishes or drinks to serve with Vegan Brownies?

A: Dairy-free ice cream, fresh fruit, or a simple almond milk latte pairs perfectly. For easy lunches, I love making a quick peanut butter sandwich while these brownies cool.

Q: How much prep time does this Vegan Brownies take?

A: From measuring ingredients to pouring into the pan, about 15 minutes. Bake time is another 25-30, which is perfect for tidying the kitchen or prepping snacks.

Q: My family loves cream cheese brownies; any plant-based alternatives?

A: Definitely! You might enjoy the festive loaded cream cheese Halloween brownies or even the fun Halloween swirl Oreo cream cheese brownies – both vegan-friendly and crowd-pleasers.

Final Thoughts:

These Vegan Brownies have become a comforting cornerstone in my family’s meals, giving us cozy moments with minimal fuss. My Vegan Brownies Comfort Hacks you’ll want to remember:

  • Melt coconut oil for a rich fudgy texture every time
  • Adding vanilla extract and a hint of espresso powder for warm depth
  • Using dairy-free chocolate chips keeps everyone happy and adds extra gooey pockets

Family-tested Vegan Brownies variations include gluten-free vegan brownies for my son with sensitivities, fudgy vegan brownies with extra coconut oil for texture lovers, and a nutty peanut butter swirl version my husband requests often.

Each family member finds their own favorite—my youngest loves them plain, my husband digs the peanut butter version, and I stick with classic fudgy vegan brownies spiced up a bit for special days.

You can make it your way, adjusting ingredients and mix-ins as you go. I’m rooting for your family to find the same simple comfort from this Vegan Brownies recipe that keeps mine smiling on tough days.

If you want more cozy swaps or plant-based dessert inspiration, check out my go-to no-bake options with wholesome dates and nuts for a quick fix: Vegan No-Bake Brownies. They’re perfect when you’re short on time but craving comfort.

From one fellow comfort seeker to another, happy baking. May your kitchen be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of fudgy Vegan Brownies!

Print

Vegan Brownies

Home cook, taken with iPhone 15 Pro. Close-up slight angle of delicious vegan brownies on white plate. Rich inviting --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 260

Deliciously rich and fudgy vegan brownies made without any animal products, perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the applesauce, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an extra fudgy texture, you can add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the batter or serve warm with vegan ice cream.

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