Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

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This vegan brownies recipe is quick and easy to make with a handful of everyday ingredients. Simple, fudgy and so delicious!

Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (1)

I’ve been making and bringing these vegan brownies to gatherings for nearly a decade now. And my friends — vegans and non-vegans alike — always adore them!

I’ve honestly found myself returning to these brownies so often because it’s one of those back-pocket recipes that only takes about 30 minutes to whip up and calls for basic pantry ingredients that I almost always have on hand. Plus it also sneaks half of a fresh avocado into the batter, whose healthy fats stand in for part of the oil needed and whose flavor is (at least in my opinion) completely undetectable in these brownies. People are always surprised to learn that they’re eating avocado brownies and give them rave reviews!

The most important thing you need to know about these brownies is that they’re rich and very chocolate-y and fudgy. And they are downright heavenly when served warm out of the pan with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re into the salty-sweet thing, I also highly recommend a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. Yum.

Let’s make some homemade brownies together! ♡

Vegan Brownie Recipe | 1-Minute Video

Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2)

Vegan Brownie Ingredients

Before we get to the vegan brownies recipe detailed below, here are a few notes about the key ingredients you will need:

  • Avocado: Fresh avocado, with its mild flavor and healthy fats, stands in for some of the oil in this recipe. Just mash it well with a fork and pack it firmly into a measuring cup to ensure that you use the proper amount.
  • Oil:I recommend any neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil or vegetable oil.
  • Flour:I typically make these brownies with basic all-purpose flour, but we’ve also enjoyed making them with white whole wheat flour too.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: To give the brownies a rich chocolate base.
  • Sugar:You’re welcome to use whatever type of granulated sugar that you prefer here. I often just reach for white granulated sugar, but we’ve also made these with coconut sugar and light brown sugar, and both options are delicious.
  • Baking soda:To help the brownies rise.
  • Vanilla extract:I recommend pure vanilla extract, as always, which tastes wonderful in these brownies.
  • Salt: There is a hint of fine sea salt included in the batter, but you’re also welcome to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the brownies just before serving.
  • Water or coffee: You’re welcome to just use water to thin out the batter. However, if you happen to have some brewed coffee on hand, coffee does wonders for enhancing the chocolate flavor in these brownies (without making them taste like coffee). Feel free to use caffeinated or decaf coffee if you choose to go that route.
  • Chocolate chips: Feel free to use whatever brand ofvegan chocolate chips that you prefer, either standard-sized or mini chips.

Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (3)

Vegan Brownie Variations

Here are a few different ways that you’re welcome to customize this vegan brownie recipe:

  • Double the avocado:Use 1/2 cup mashed avocado and omit the extra oil entirely. The brownies will have a slightly stronger avocado taste, naturally, but the texture will still be similar.
  • Omit the avocado:If you don’t happen to have a ripe avocado on hand, you can use 1/2 cup of oil (instead of 1/4 cup oil) and omit the avocado entirely.
  • Use a chocolate bar:If you’re having difficulty tracking down vegan chocolate chips, you’re welcome to roughly chop a vegan chocolate bar (you will need around 8 to 10 ounces) into small pieces and add those to the recipe instead.
  • Add nuts:Stir up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the batter along with the chocolate chips.
  • Add cookies:Roughly chop and sprinkle a few vegan cookies (similar to Oreos) on top of the batter before baking.
  • Add different chips: Add vegan white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.

Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (4)

How To Store Brownies

In case you find yourself with leftovers, here’s everything you need to know about how to store brownies:

  • On the counter:Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, you can cover the top of the pan with foil or transfer the brownies to a sealed container and store on the countertop for up to 48 hours.
  • In the fridge:Likewise, you can refrigerate the brownies in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
  • In the freezer:Can you freeze brownies? Definitely! Once they have cooled to room temperature, wrap them (either individually or as a large brick) tightly with some type of cling wrap. Then place the wrapped brownies in a ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to thaw the brownies, unwrap the brownies and let them rest on the countertop until they reach room temperature.

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More Vegan Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Looking for more chocolate vegan dessert recipes to try? Here are a few of my faves:

  • Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
  • Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Avocado Hot Fudge Cake
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Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (6)

Vegan Brownies

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.8 from 53 reviews

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 -16 servings 1x
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Description

This vegan brownies recipe is quick and easy to make with a handful of everyday ingredients. Simple, fudgy and so delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/4 cup well-mashed avocado*
  • 1/4 cupavocado oil(or any neutral-flavored oil)
  • 1 cup (140 grams) all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2/3 cup water (or coffee, see note below)
  • 1 1/2 cups (around 9 ounces) vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prep oven and pan. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed avocado and oil to combine, taking care to break up any big chunks of avocado. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, and water (or coffee) and stir until combined. Use a spatula to gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips until just combined.
  3. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Be careful not to over-bake, or else the brownies will move from being more fudgy to much more cake-like in texture.)
  4. Cool. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for at least 20 to 25 minutes before serving.
  5. Serve. Cut into squares, serve and enjoy!

Notes

Avocado:Mash the avocado very well with a fork and then press the mash firmly into a measuring cup to ensure that you have the proper amount. Alternatively, if you don’t have avocado on hand, you’re welcome to sub in an additional 1/4 oil. Or if you would like to omit the oil entirely, you can instead use a full 1/2 cup of mashed avocado.

Water or coffee:I prefer to use brewed coffee in place of water, which really helps to enhance the flavor of the chocolate. You are welcome to use caffeinated or decaf coffee. Or plain water will work just fine too.

Source: Recipe slightly adapted fromThe Pastry Affair. I also edited the recipe in 2022 to slightly reduce the amount of water (or coffee) from 3/4 cup to 2/3 cup and add vanilla extract.

posted on July 28, 2022 by Ali

Brownies, Chocolate, Desserts, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Vegetarian

236 Comments »

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236 comments on “Vegan Brownies”

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  1. Sarah November 4, 2021 @ 10:23 am Reply

    Super easy to make and honestly taste so good.. I doubled the batch and may have cooked a little too long so it has more of a cake texture than brownie but none the less really good! Will make again

  2. Madi November 13, 2021 @ 2:03 pm Reply

    These are awesome! I agree, they are a bit cakey. I added a teaspoon of instant coffee and it tasted much better. Thank you!

  3. Freddie January 20, 2022 @ 3:17 pm Reply

    I made these for my Grandma! they were super fun to make and look and smell so nice. I hope she likes them when I give them to her

  4. Cindy Vong March 23, 2022 @ 10:01 am Reply

    I made these brownies last night and OH MY GOD
    they are delectable. Going to make a second batch tonight
    :)

  5. Alena April 13, 2022 @ 11:27 am Reply

    I’m not gonna lie, I was skeptical. But now I’m a convert. How in the world does an avocado brownie work so well? I have no idea, but I’m not mad at all. Genuinely tastes amazing, and my sister was in shock when I told her it had avocado in it. That being said, there is a slight “weirdness” to it which you don’t find in normal brownies, but it’s not strong enough to put you off.

  6. Nikki May 26, 2022 @ 5:22 pm Reply

    Soooooo yummy & so easy to make. My non vegan family likes these better than any other brownies!

  7. Emily July 27, 2022 @ 2:19 pm Reply

    Completely obsessed with these brownies! We’re not vegan, but we make them all the time and friends always go crazy for them.

  8. Vanessa July 28, 2022 @ 4:19 pm Reply

    We’ve loved this recipe of yours for years, Ali! They’re always a big hit in our house.

  9. Mollie August 2, 2022 @ 12:22 pm Reply

    Favorite brownies ever. The new photos are gorgeous!

  10. Kylie October 19, 2022 @ 5:17 pm Reply

    Hello! I love this recipe and have used it countless times. Just curious, what would you recommend I add to make them more fudgey? Thank you!

    Kylie

  11. Kim December 26, 2022 @ 1:36 pm Reply

    These are our family’s favorite brownies! No one can ever believe that they’re made with avocado. :)

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Easy Vegan Brownies Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

Why are my brownies never fudgy? ›

Achieving a fudgy brownie is all to do with the ratio of fat to flour. A fudgy brownie recipe will use more fat than flour. Generally this is achieved by adding more butter or real chocolate to your brownie recipe. A cakey brownie recipe on the other hand will call for more flour in the ratio of fat to flour.

Why are my brownies not chewy? ›

But oil isn't the only key to a chewy brownie: Using dark brown sugar helps create that texture. Mixing in some white sugar gives you the shiny tops. However, the best touch for the chewy brownie experience comes at the very end. Chewy brownies must be slightly under-baked.

What is the difference between chewy and cake brownies? ›

While still moist, you can expect cakey brownies to have a center that's more fluffy and less soft and gooey than fudgy or chewy brownies. Additionally, the butter and sugar are usually creamed together, rather than starting with melted butter or oil.

Why are my brownies weird? ›

Things like oven temperature, over-mixing, your tin size, your mixing techniques really matter when it comes to avoiding brownie fails. Then, there are issues of having a dry and crumbly brownie which is admittedly not that appetising. Some people also like chewy brownies while some hate it.

What is the difference between fudgy and chewy brownies? ›

Fudgy brownies are moist, dense and gooey, with almost the texture of fudge, but not quite as compact. Chewy brownies are dense (like fudgy brownies), but have a little more “bite” to them or elastic texture when you chew them.

What happens if you add too much flour to brownies? ›

Mistake #1: Too Much Flour

For context, most chocolate sheet cakes call for at least 2 cups. If you add too much flour, your brownies will likely come out too dry and taste stale. If you're following a recipe to a T and your brownies still taste too dry, you may be overpacking the flour during the measuring process.

Are brownies better with butter or oil? ›

the butter brownies actually had a fudgier texture. they were softer, and they really just melted in your mouth. they also had that shiny crust and just better flavor, whereas the oil brownies were actually chewier. they were crunchier at the top and at the edges.

Is melted butter or softened butter better for brownies? ›

If you want a fudgy chocolate brownie, use melted butter. For cakey brownies, beating softened butter and sugar together to create air pockets will make your brownies lighter and cakier.

Can I add an extra egg to brownie mix? ›

The extra egg will make your brownies less fudgy and more cake-like. This is a personal preference, so if you like your brownies to have a cake-y texture, go ahead and add the extra egg, but be sure to follow the package instructions for other substitutions or changes to cook time.

What is the number one brownie mix? ›

Best Overall Brownie Mix: Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix. When you want a delicious brownie for a baking emergency—or just to treat yourself—look no further than a box of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies.

What is a brownie fairy? ›

brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms.

How do you keep brownies soft and chewy? ›

Using airtight wrappings (including using plastic wrap right against the brownies) is key to keeping your brownies fresh, whether you're keeping them at room temperature for short-term storage, or planning to freeze them so you can have a fresh brownie ready whenever you need it.

Should you chill brownie batter before baking? ›

In addition to keeping your brownie mix fresh, refrigerating brownie batter can also help boost the overall texture and flavor of the treat. Refrigerating helps improve the gloss and crustiness of brownies while simultaneously blending the flavors—the result? — brownie that tastes much richer and chewier.

What is the white stuff on my brownies? ›

The usual brown hues of chocolate can become discoloured with a hazy white coating. This coating is called "chocolate bloom" and appears naturally. Although it can make the product taste a bit different, it's not harmful.

How do you keep brownies fudgy? ›

Wrapping aluminum foil around individual brownies or a tin of brownies will block the air from entering and preserve their chewy nature.

Are my brownies fudgy or undercooked? ›

To test for doneness with a toothpick, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies and pull it back out. For fudgy brownies, you'll want to see some moist crumbs attached to the toothpick when you pull it back out. If it looks like it's covered in brownie batter, the brownies will need to bake a bit longer.

Why are my brownies so dense? ›

Overmixing the Batter

If you prefer fudgy brownies, mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing allows more air into the batter, which will give you lighter, cake-like brownies instead of dense, rich ones.

How do you keep brownies gooey? ›

Fudgy brownies benefit from less cocoa powder and the addition of chopped chocolate, which gets melted with the butter to create a thick, molten base. Pulling them out of the oven before a toothpick comes out clean also ensures the center stays fudge-like and gooey.

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