Dessert

Easy Vegan Brownies – Guilt-Free Treat Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

These easy vegan brownies are a delicious, guilt-free treat perfect for any occasion. Made without eggs or dairy, they deliver rich chocolate flavor with a moist, fudgy texture that everyone will love.

The image shows six square pieces of rich, dark brown brownies stacked slightly unevenly on a round white plate with a smooth texture. The top of each brownie has thin, glossy lines of chocolate drizzle, adding a shiny detail to the matte, crumbly surface. The plate sits on a wooden table with a white marbled texture visible nearby, and blurred bowls filled with chocolate and other ingredients are in the background, creating a cozy kitchen setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Optional: ¼ cup nuts
Optional: 1 teaspoon espresso powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder if using.
Step 3: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing the top.
Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra fudgy brownies, use slightly less flour or add a tablespoon of applesauce for moisture.
Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist on the classic chocolate taste.
Use gluten-free flour to make these brownies gluten-free.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or enjoy cold as a chewy treat.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a mixing bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter. The batter has a smooth and slightly glossy texture with some clumps. A woman's hand holds a spatula that is stirring or folding the batter inside the bowl. The metal bowl has batter spread unevenly around the inner sides. The background is blurred with a soft focus, and the surface underneath the bowl is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, oat flour, or whole wheat flour, but note that the texture may vary slightly.