Craving rich, fudgy brownies but want to keep them 100% vegan without the hassle of flaxseed? You’re in the right place!
Traditional vegan brownie recipes often rely on flax or chia seeds as egg substitutes, which can sometimes result in a slightly gritty texture or a subtle flavor that not everyone loves. This vegan brownie recipe with no flax swaps out those ingredients for simple pantry staples that yield an irresistibly moist, chewy, and chocolaty treat.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any eggs, dairy, or flaxseed.
Plus, these brownies come together with easily accessible ingredients and don’t compromise on that classic deep chocolate flavor. Keep reading to discover why these brownies might become your new favorite indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan brownie recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s flax-free, which means no more worrying about the texture or taste of flaxseed meal.
Instead, it uses natural alternatives that help bind the brownies perfectly.
Second, the brownies come out incredibly fudgy and moist, striking the perfect balance between cakey and gooey—a texture that many vegan brownies struggle to nail. You’ll get rich chocolate flavor from good-quality cocoa powder combined with melted vegan chocolate chips.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to add nuts, swirl in some peanut butter, or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top, these brownies are your blank canvas for creativity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for GF brownies)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as the egg replacement)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your favorite)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps and an even chocolate flavor throughout.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk until smooth and combined. The applesauce is the key to binding these brownies without flax or eggs.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully with a spatula. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips gently, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for an extra melty finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. This step is crucial for the brownies to set properly.
- Cut into squares and enjoy! These brownies are delicious served plain or with a scoop of vegan ice cream.
Tips & Variations
“For a nutty crunch, try adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.”
“If you prefer a cakier brownie, add an extra 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk to the batter.”
To boost the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients—it enhances the cocoa without adding coffee taste.
For a different twist, swirl in ¼ cup of peanut butter or almond butter before baking for luscious pockets of flavor.
If you want to reduce sugar, substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave, though you might need to slightly adjust the flour for consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 brownie) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 27 g |
Sugar | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan brownies are perfect on their own as a quick snack or dessert. For an elevated experience, serve warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan soft serve or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce.
Pair your brownies with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. For a fun twist, try crumbling brownies over vegan ice cream sundaes or layering them in a parfait with coconut whipped cream and fruit.
Looking for more sweet vegan treats? Check out this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a fruity alternative, or try this Vegan Beignet Recipe to satisfy your doughnut cravings.
Conclusion
This vegan brownie recipe without flaxseed is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a simple, delicious, and allergen-friendly dessert. By using applesauce as a natural binder and skipping flax altogether, these brownies achieve a wonderfully fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor that rivals traditional recipes.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your preferences. Plus, it’s a delightful way to show friends and family just how tasty plant-based desserts can be.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some of the best vegan brownies you’ll ever taste!
For more delicious vegan recipes, don’t miss our collection of Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals or explore hearty options in our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Brownie Recipe No Flax
Description: Deliciously fudgy vegan brownies without using flaxseed. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 25g
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