Fudgy Vegan Brownies

Fudgy Vegan Brownies

Rich, chocolatey, and perfectly moist — these brownies are deeply satisfying and completely dairy-free.

Ingredients

• 8 oz vegan butter or coconut oil
• 15¾ oz (about 2 cups) sugar
• 3¾ oz (about 1/2 cup)unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (room temperature)
• 6¼ oz (1¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 4 oz chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Method

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease and line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Using a double boiler, gently melt the vegan butter or coconut oil until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully combined.
• Return briefly to low heat and warm the mixture to about 110°F (warm but not hot).
• Stir in cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Whisk in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the flour, whisking gently between additions. Do not overmix.
• Fold in chopped walnuts and vegan chocolate chips (if using).
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Vegan Chocolate Ganache Icing (optional)

Ingredients

• 7 oz vegan heavy whipping cream
• 12 oz vegan chocolate chips (finely chopped if large)

Method

• Place finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Heat the vegan cream until just about to boil (small bubbles around edges).
• Pour hot cream over the chocolate.
• Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
• Spread over completely cooled brownies.
• Allow ganache to set before slicing.

Bakers Tips

1. Adjusting for Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is 100% fat, whereas vegan butter contains some water.

• Reduce the coconut oil by approximately 20% when substituting for vegan butter.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegan milk or water to the batter to balance moisture and maintain a smooth texture.

2. Fixing Ganache That Won’t Fully Melt

If the chocolate chips don’t completely melt after adding the hot cream:

• Place the bowl over a double boiler and stir gently until smooth and glossy.
• Avoid direct stovetop heat to prevent scorching.

3. For Extra Shine

For a glossier finish,stir in about 1½ teaspoons of neutral vegetable oil into the finished ganache.

4. For Thicker, Fudgier Brownies

To achieve thicker brownies, bake the batter in a 9 x 9-inch square pan or a similar-sized round pan.

• You may need to extend the baking time slightly.

5. For a Deeper Cocoa Flavor

• Reduce the sugar by 1 ounce.
• Add 1 ounce of cocoa powder