Vegan Blondies (Only 1 Bowl!)

These bourbon-infused vegan blondies are rich, chewy and loaded with buttery flavor. No dairy or eggs needed! Full of toasted walnuts, coconut flakes and gooey chocolate, this easy plant-based dessert comes together quickly and delivers on flavor.

Featured Comment:

These blondies are so easy to make and perfectly sweet and salty! Will be making again. - Danielle

I love any dessert that can be made using only one bowl. These vegan blondies are ridiculously easy to make and require only about 10 minutes of active time.

These blondies are the cool older sister of our vegan brownies. They have a little extra crunch and spice for pizzaz!

Be sure to check out our other brownies and bars if you need some more dessert inspiration.

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• Why You'll Love These Blondies
• How to Make Vegan Blondies (step-by-step)
• What are Blondies?
• Recipe Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Tell When Your Blondies are Perfectly Baked
• Recipe Variations
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage
• Vegan Blondies
• More Nutty Vegan Desserts
• More Vegan Brownies and Bars

Ingredients You'll Need

Here is everything you'll need to make these delicious treats:

• vegan butter: Adds rich, buttery flavor and keeps the blondies soft and moist.
• light brown sugar: Sweetens the blondies while adding moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor.
• bourbon: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, slightly smoky notes (the alcohol bakes off).
• vanilla extract: Adds depth and classic dessert flavor.
• baking powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly and stay soft.
• baking soda: Works with the brown sugar to create a tender texture.
• salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the bourbon and sugar.
• all-purpose flour: Provides structure and holds everything together.
• nondairy chocolate chips: Add pockets of melty chocolate for richness and sweetness.
• walnuts: Bring crunch and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor.
• sweetened coconut: Adds texture and a hint of chewy sweetness.
• flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a sweet-and-salty finish that enhances the overall flavor.

Why You'll Love These Blondies

• They're soft, chewy, and perfectly gooey in the center.
• Made with simple, plant-based ingredients-no eggs or dairy needed.
• The combo of chocolate, walnuts, and coconut adds the best texture in every bite.
• A splash of bourbon and vanilla gives them a rich, bakery-style flavor.
• Easy to make in one bowl with minimal effort.
• Perfect for dessert, snacks, or sharing (if you feel like it).
• They taste so good, no one will even realize they're vegan!

What are Blondies?

Blondies are a dessert bar similar to brownies, but instead of chocolate being the main flavor, they're made with brown sugar and vanilla, giving them a rich, caramel-like taste.

They have a soft, chewy texture and are often mixed with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut. Think of them as a cross between a cookie and a brownie, just without the cocoa!

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help ensure your blondies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don't over-mix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the blondies soft and tender.
2. Use room temperature vegan butter: This helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
3. Measure flour carefully: Too much flour = dry blondies. Spoon and level for best results.
4. Line your pan with parchment paper: Makes removal and cleanup way easier.
5. Don't over-bake: The center should look slightly underdone. They'll firm up as they cool.
6. Let them cool before slicing: This helps them set and keeps the texture perfectly chewy.
7. Add flaky salt on top: It enhances the sweetness and gives that bakery-style finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Tell When Your Blondies are Perfectly Baked

Signs Your Blondies Are Done

1. Edges Are Set: The edges should look slightly darker and pull away from the pan a bit.
2. Center Is Soft but Not Wet: Gently touch the center. It should feel soft and a little jiggly, but not raw or liquidy.
3. Toothpick Test (Optional): Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, it's ready.
4. Surface Is Slightly Glossy: The top should have a light shine, especially if using brown sugar, which gives that caramelized look.
5. Cool Before Slicing: Even if it looks a little underdone, letting the blondies cool in the pan helps them firm up while staying chewy.

Pro Tip: Blondies will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after removing from the oven, so err on the side of slightly underbaking rather than overbaking.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways you can update this recipe to fit your own taste:

1. Chocolate Lover's Blondies: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter or swirl in melted vegan chocolate for a chocolatey twist.
2. Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce on top before baking and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
3. Spiced Blondies: Add ½ teaspoon ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
4. Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for different crunch and flavor.
5. Chocolate: Use vegan white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dark chocolate chunks.
6. Fruit: Add dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy, fruity contrast.
7. Coconut: Mix in toasted shredded coconut or use coconut flakes on top for texture.
8. Bourbon or Rum: Increase bourbon slightly or swap for dark rum for a richer, adult dessert.
9. Espresso Blondies: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate and caramel notes.
10. Citrus Kick: Add zest of orange or lemon for a bright, fragrant twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-mixing the batter: Stir just until combined! Overmixing can make blondies tough instead of soft and chewy.
2. Over-baking: Blondies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They'll finish cooking as they cool, giving you that perfect gooey texture.
3. Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup way easier.
4. Using cold butter: Softened vegan butter blends more evenly with sugar and gives the blondies a smooth, tender crumb.
5. Ignoring the salt: Even a little salt balances sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
6. Crowding the pan with mix-ins: Too many chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut can weigh the batter down and affect texture. Spread them evenly for the best results.
7. Cutting too soon: Wait until the blondies have cooled completely. Slicing them hot can cause them to fall apart or turn mushy.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual blondie squares in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Pro Tip: For a freshly baked taste, you can warm frozen or refrigerated blondies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Perfect for gooey, melty chocolate chips.

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

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• vegan rocky road ice cream

More Vegan Brownies and Bars