Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Best Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 12 reviews

These Best Fudgy Vegan Brownies deliver rich, chocolatey goodness with a dense and moist texture. Made without eggs or dairy, they’re perfect for vegans and anyone craving a fudgy treat. The recipe uses ground flax seed or applesauce as egg substitutes and creates a shiny crust by dissolving sugar in water before mixing the batter. Chocolate chips add extra melty pockets of sweetness. Baked to perfection in an 8×8 pan, these brownies are deliciously indulgent yet easy to make.

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups very finely ground granulated sugar (Domino brand recommended)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seed OR 5 tablespoons apple sauce
  • 5 tablespoons water (for the flax seed mixture)
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted if clumpy)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten free or regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the brownies.
  2. Whisk flax seeds: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 5 tablespoons of water. Whisk and set aside to thicken. Omit this step if using applesauce.
  3. Use applesauce (optional): If you prefer not to use flax seed due to flavor concerns, substitute with 5 tablespoons of applesauce. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
  4. Dissolve sugar: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, whisk together the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Stir occasionally until all the sugar has completely dissolved without any clumps, about 5-10 minutes. Do not add extra water. This step is crucial for creating the shiny brownie crust.
  5. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and half of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined.
  6. Add sugar mixture: Once the sugar water is clear and smooth, whisk it once more and pour it into the dry ingredients bowl.
  7. Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the oil, vanilla extract, and the thickened flax mixture or applesauce. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the batter just comes together. Avoid over-mixing to maintain fudginess.
  8. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the remaining chocolate chips to add pockets of melty chocolate and enhance the shiny top.
  9. Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly.
  10. Top with chocolate: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired for added chocolate richness and shine.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-42 minutes. Around 38 minutes typically produces the perfect fudgy center, but use a toothpick to check doneness. Bake longer for a firmer texture or less for an extra fudgy, gooey inside.
  12. Slice and serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into 16 squares. Cooling longer improves slice cleanliness.

Notes

  • Use finely ground granulated sugar for best results; a coarser sugar may not dissolve properly, impacting the shiny crust.
  • Ground flax seed plus water acts as an egg replacer but may impart a mild flavor; applesauce is a neutral alternative.
  • Do not add extra water beyond what the recipe specifies when dissolving sugar to ensure proper crust formation.
  • If using gluten-free flour blend, make sure it is suitable for baking to maintain texture.
  • For the fudgiest brownies, avoid overmixing the batter and monitor baking time closely.
  • Cooling the brownies completely before slicing yields cleaner cuts.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan