Best Vegan Brownies

These vegan brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. No dairy or eggs necessary! This easy vegan brownie recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers the perfect gooey texture and crackly top every time.

Featured Comment:

I have been looking for the perfect vegan brownie recipe forever. They're all usually so cakey. Not these! This recipe is perfect. Don't let the black beans make you nervous - you don't notice them at all. - Caroline

What is it about brownies that come from a box? While I think a lot of baking aficionados look down on box mixes as lesser than, this has never seemed to be true for brownies. Box mix brownies are the standard for a reason!

This is the high standard I was chasing when developing this recipe. After much trial and error, these crackly-topped squares of perfection were born. Don't forget to serve them with vegan vanilla ice cream for a top-rate experience!

If you're into it, check out more of our brownies and bars! Here you can find more variations of this recipe including our vegan peanut butter brownies and vegan oreo brownies.

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need (with substitutions!)
• Why You'll Love These Vegan Brownies
• How to Make Vegan Brownies (with pictures!)
• Tips and Tricks
• Recipe Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Make Vegan Brownies Gluten Free?
• Best Brownie-Making Equipment
• Storage
• Best Vegan Brownies
• More Vegan Brownie Recipes
• More Vegan Brownies and Bars

Ingredients You'll Need (with substitutions!)

• black beans: Act as the base, adding moisture and structure while keeping the brownies soft and fudgy.
• water: Helps blend the beans smoothly and creates the right batter consistency.
• vegan butter: Adds richness, moisture, and that classic buttery flavor.
• dark chocolate: Provides deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.
• granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a slightly crisp top.
• light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for extra depth.
• vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
• instant espresso powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
• cocoa powder: Adds rich, concentrated chocolate flavor and helps create a dense, fudgy texture.
• all-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps the brownies hold together.
• nondairy chocolate chips: Add melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies for extra indulgence.

Why You'll Love These Vegan Brownies

• They're ultra fudgy and rich with deep chocolate flavor.
• Made with black beans for added fiber and moisture, but you won't taste them at all.
• Completely vegan and dairy-free, with no compromise on texture or taste.
• Packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Naturally gluten-friendly adaptable (just swap the flour if needed).

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips to help you make perfect vegan brownies every time:

1. Blend the beans really well: This is key! A smooth batter = fudgy brownies with no bean texture.
2. Use good quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the main flavor, higher-quality dark chocolate makes a big difference.
3. Don't skip the espresso powder: It won't taste like coffee. It just intensifies the chocolate flavor.
4. Sift the cocoa powder: Prevents lumps and helps create a smooth, even batter.
5. Don't over-mix after adding flour: Mix just until combined to keep the brownies tender.
6. Line your pan with parchment paper: Makes removing and slicing much easier.
7. Don't over-bake: The center should be slightly soft. This keeps them fudgy, not cakey.
8. Let them cool completely: They firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut and giving the best texture.
9. Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that bakery-style look.

Recipe Variations

Here are some Censored Baker approved recipe variations:

1. Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Add dollops of peanut butter to the brownie batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
2. Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients.
3. Raspberry Chocolate Brownies: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter before baking.
4. Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the brownie batter and swirl gently before baking. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
5. Tahini Brownies: Swirl ¼ cup of tahini into the brownie batter before baking.
6. Walnut Brownies: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter before baking. Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the fudgy brownies.
7. Orange Chocolate Brownies: Add 2 tablespoons of orange zest to the wet ingredients. The bright citrus flavor of orange zest complements the deep chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Vegan Brownies Gluten Free?

1. Swap the flour: Replace the 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure.
2. Check other ingredients: Ensure your cocoa powder, chocolate, and baking powder are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.
3. Adjust texture if needed: Gluten-free flours can sometimes make brownies slightly denser. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or nondairy milk to achieve the right consistency.
4. Bake as usual: Follow the original baking time, but check the brownies with a toothpick a few minutes early-the edges should be set, and the center slightly soft and fudgy.
5. Cool before slicing: Gluten-free brownies are often a bit more delicate, so let them cool completely in the pan before cutting to maintain their shape.

Pro Tip: For an even fudgier texture, you can also fold in a few extra chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chunks. They help keep the brownies moist and indulgent.

Best Brownie-Making Equipment

1. 9 inch Baking Pan: A standard square pan ensures even baking and the perfect brownie thickness. Use light-colored metal pans for best results. Dark pans can over-brown edges.
2. Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing brownies easy and keeps the edges intact. Helps prevent sticking, especially with fudgy batters.
3. High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Essential for pureeing black beans smoothly into the batter. A smooth batter ensures fudgy, creamy brownies without bean texture.
4. Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for folding in flour, chocolate chips, or mix-ins without deflating the batter.
5. Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Sifting cocoa powder prevents lumps and creates a smooth, even batter.
6. Cooling Rack: Allows brownies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
7. Toothpick or Cake Tester: For checking doneness.

Pro Tip: For extra fudgy brownies, don't overbake and always let them cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Storage

Room Temperature

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Bring to room temperature before serving to restore that fudgy, soft texture.

Freezing

• Wrap brownies individually or as a block in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge, then slice and enjoy.

Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, warm brownies slightly in the microwave before serving. They are extra perfect with a scoop of vegan ice cream!

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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More Vegan Brownie Recipes

• vegan skillet brownie
• vegan brownie bites
• vegan peanut butter brownies
• vegan oreo brownies

More Vegan Brownies and Bars