If you’ve ever craved a rich, fudgy brownie but want to keep it entirely plant-based, the America’s Test Kitchen Vegan Brownie Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe masterfully balances deep chocolate flavor with a moist, chewy texture that’s surprisingly easy to achieve without eggs or dairy.
Whether you’re a vegan veteran or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based treats into your diet, these brownies deliver indulgence without compromise. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful ingredient combinations and foolproof technique that America’s Test Kitchen is known for.
Perfect for baking beginners and pros alike, this recipe uses pantry staples while ensuring a decadent finish. You’ll find the brownies to be incredibly versatile, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting solo snack.
Plus, with no animal products, they’re allergy-friendly and inclusive for many dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of this vegan brownie recipe is its ability to mimic the classic texture and taste of traditional brownies. Thanks to clever ingredient swaps and tested methods, you won’t miss the eggs or butter.
Moist and fudgy without being overly dense, these brownies strike the perfect balance between cakey and chewy. The recipe’s use of plant-based fats like coconut oil and flaxseed as an egg replacer ensures a robust structure and rich mouthfeel.
It’s also highly adaptable. Feel free to add nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips, or even swirl in peanut butter for a personalized touch.
The recipe yields a generous batch, making it great for meal prep or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8-inch baking pan lightly with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons warm water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flax egg, ½ cup melted coconut oil, ½ cup almond milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips if using for extra gooeyness.
- Transfer batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set their fudgy texture.
- Serve and enjoy! These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra fudgy texture, consider adding ¼ cup of vegan cream cheese swirled into the batter before baking.”
If you prefer a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. You can also experiment with different plant milks; oat milk adds a subtle sweetness.
To intensify the chocolate flavor, use a mix of cocoa powder and melted vegan dark chocolate. For a healthier twist, swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour.
Looking for a gluten-free version? Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but note that texture may slightly vary.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 brownie, 16 servings) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 24 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 15 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan brownies are amazing on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
- Drizzle melted vegan caramel or peanut butter sauce for extra decadence.
- Pair with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy plant-based latte for a cozy treat.
For a fun twist, try cutting the brownies into bite-sized pieces and coating them with melted vegan chocolate to make brownie truffles.
Conclusion
The America’s Test Kitchen Vegan Brownie Recipe is a reliable, delicious way to enjoy classic brownies without animal products. It proves that vegan baking can be just as satisfying, with rich chocolate flavor and a perfect fudgy texture that appeals to everyone.
Whether you’re baking for a vegan friend or simply want to explore plant-based desserts, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire.
Remember, the key to success lies in using quality ingredients and following the steps carefully. Don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins or toppings to make these brownies your own.
And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or the delightful Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe.
For those who love experimenting with all kinds of recipes beyond vegan desserts, you might also enjoy the Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the hearty Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe. Happy baking and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: America's Test Kitchen Vegan Brownie Recipe
Description: A rich and fudgy vegan brownie that is both dairy-free and egg-free. Perfectly moist with a deep chocolate flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
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 unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, or oat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix applesauce, vegetable oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 32g
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