Name: Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons ground flax; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup vegan butter (Earth Balance brand), melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla flavoring; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips OR roughly chopped chocolate pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you have been searching high and low for a rich, fudgy, and utterly satisfying treat that just happens to be plant-based, then look no further. This Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy your chocolate cravings while keeping it wholesome and cruelty-free. With a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies are destined to become your go-to dessert for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a smooth and shiny texture with visible swirls from mixing. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially coated with the glossy batter, showing a natural light brown color and wood grain. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the texture and flavor of these brownies. Each simple item plays its part, from the flax eggs that provide structure, to the vegan butter that adds richness and moisture, right down to the chocolate chips for those irresistible bursts of melted goodness.

4 tablespoons ground flax: Acts as a vegan egg substitute, binding the batter together naturally.
1/2 cup water: Mixed with the ground flax to create the flax eggs that hold the brownies together.
1/2 cup vegan butter (Earth Balance brand), melted: Provides a creamy, buttery base that keeps the brownies moist and tender.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed: Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and enhances moisture retention.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla flavoring: Elevates the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the body of the brownies, giving them that classic bite.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the rich, intense chocolate taste without added sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly and gives a tender crumb.
1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate pieces: Adds delightful gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

How to Make Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Eggs and Oven

Start by mixing the ground flax with water in a small bowl. This mixture works as a vegan egg substitute, providing the essential binding quality that keeps your brownies together. Let it thicken while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lining your baking pan with parchment paper now ensures an easy release after baking.

Step 2: Melt the Vegan Butter

Melt your vegan butter (Earth Balance brand works beautifully here) in a microwave-safe container using short bursts of 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overheat. Once fully melted, measure out 1/2 cup and set it aside. This buttery goodness will give your brownies that luscious, moist texture we all crave.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined and glossy. Add the thickened flax eggs and vanilla extract, whisking everything together into a smooth mixture. This stage ensures your brownies are sweet with a lovely depth from the brown sugar and vanilla.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually

Over the same bowl, sift in the flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Sprinkle in the salt and baking powder. Gently fold everything together with a large wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should look thick and fudgy — the key to brownies that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Fold in half of the chocolate chips carefully but thoroughly. Pour the dense batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spoon or your hands. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top — these will melt beautifully and make the brownies extra decadent.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your brownies for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven. Keep in mind they might still appear soft or slightly bubbling when you take them out, but don’t be alarmed. They will firm up as they cool down. Allow them to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a rack for another 15 to 30 minutes for optimum slicing.

How to Serve Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe

The image shows several square brownies laid out on a white marbled surface, each with a rough, textured surface and studded generously with smooth, shiny chocolate chips that are partially melted and slightly sunken into the top layer. The brownies are thick with a rich dark brown color, and their edges appear slightly crumbly while the centers look dense and moist. They are arranged neatly in rows, with some small crumbs scattered around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds a delicate elegance to your vegan brownies. For an extra indulgent touch, try a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate or a handful of chopped nuts sprinkled on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Fresh berries can add a refreshing tartness that beautifully offsets the rich chocolate flavor—trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your brownies warm in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy vibe or stack bite-sized squares on a decorative platter for a party-ready display. For a really fun twist, sandwich two brownie squares with vegan peanut butter or vegan cream cheese frosting for an irresistible layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover brownies will keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This gives you several delicious opportunities to enjoy them, maintaining moisture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these brownies well in advance, slice them into individual pieces and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them up when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, microwave a brownie square for about 15 seconds or warm it in an oven preheated to 300 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a bit of non-dairy ice cream or sauce on top enhances the experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegan butter brand?

Absolutely! While Earth Balance is recommended for its flavor and consistency, any solid vegan butter will work as long as it’s melted properly. Just avoid using oils to maintain the texture this recipe is known for.

What can I substitute for the flax eggs if I don’t have flaxseed?

Chia seeds mixed with water work similarly well (use the same proportions), or you can try unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, although these may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one to make it gluten-free with great results.

How can I make these brownies less sweet?

Reduce the granulated and brown sugars by about 1/4 cup each if you prefer a less sweet dessert, but keep in mind it will affect the classic chewy texture and moistness slightly.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can be folded into the batter right alongside the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly baked, fudgy brownie that just happens to be completely vegan. If you’re ready to treat yourself and those you love to something decadent and delicious, you owe it to yourself to try this Best Ever Vegan Brownies Recipe. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly satisfying – a recipe you’ll come back to time and again.