Cacao Brownie Recipe Vegan: Rich, Moist, and Delicious

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Indulging in a rich, fudgy brownie doesn’t have to mean compromising your vegan lifestyle. This cacao brownie recipe vegan is the perfect solution for those craving a decadent dessert that’s both delicious and plant-based.

Made with wholesome ingredients, these brownies deliver intense chocolate flavor with a moist, chewy texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Whether you’re vegan by choice or simply exploring healthier alternatives, this recipe is easy to follow and uses common pantry staples. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch that’s free from dairy, eggs, and refined sugars, yet utterly indulgent.

It’s a fantastic treat for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in.

Ready to bake the ultimate vegan cacao brownies? Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cacao brownie recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. First, it uses pure cacao powder instead of processed cocoa, giving it a bold, earthy chocolate taste that’s hard to beat.

Secondly, the recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, avoiding refined sugar while keeping the brownies moist and rich. The use of flaxseed as an egg substitute ensures a perfect chewy texture without compromising vegan principles.

Finally, these brownies are versatile and can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based baking, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 3/4 cup pure cacao powder
  • 1 cup organic maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
  • Spatula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water. Stir well and set aside for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps and an even mixture.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and flax egg until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
  6. Add optional mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Pour batter into pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared baking pan using the spatula.
  8. 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 moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  9. Cool completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps them set and improves texture.
  10. Serve and enjoy! Cut into squares and savor these fudgy, vegan cacao brownies with your favorite beverage.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tip: For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and allow residual heat to finish the cooking.

Experiment with different add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or dried cherries for unique flavors. You can also swirl in peanut butter or vegan caramel before baking for an indulgent twist.

To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For a nut-free version, skip the nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Want a richer chocolate flavor? Use a mix of cacao powder and vegan dark chocolate chunks melted into the batter.

And if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup by 1/4 cup, adjusting to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 brownie)
Calories 180
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 4g
Sugars 14g (from maple syrup)
Protein 3g
Sodium 90mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegan cacao brownies slightly warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo. They’re also wonderful drizzled with vegan chocolate sauce or topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy a brownie with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a rich coffee. These brownies freeze well, so consider storing extras and warming them gently before serving.

Pairing your brownies with a refreshing drink like a mint tea or a chilled almond milk latte can elevate the experience even further.

Conclusion

This cacao brownie recipe vegan offers a delightful way to enjoy indulgent chocolate treats while honoring a plant-based lifestyle. With simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create fudgy, flavorful brownies that everyone will love.

By using natural sweeteners and egg alternatives, these brownies are not only kinder to animals but also a healthier dessert choice. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday snack, this recipe is a reliable go-to for vegan bakers of all skill levels.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes, and Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for more plant-based inspiration.

Happy baking and enjoy every decadent bite of your vegan cacao brownies!

📖 Recipe Card: Cacao Brownie Recipe Vegan

Description: Deliciously rich and fudgy vegan cacao brownies made without eggs or dairy. Perfect for a healthy treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 9 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix coconut sugar, applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Fold in vegan chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool before slicing into squares.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 26 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cacao Brownie Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Deliciously rich and fudgy vegan cacao brownies made without eggs or dairy. Perfect for a healthy treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “9 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup cacao powder”, “1/2 teaspoon baking powder”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “3/4 cup coconut sugar”, “1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce”, “1/4 cup melted coconut oil”, “1/4 cup almond milk”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk together flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, mix coconut sugar, applesauce, melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in vegan chocolate chips if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before slicing into squares.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “26 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X