Vegetarian Chocolate Brownie Recipe That Everyone Loves

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re craving a rich, fudgy dessert but want to keep it vegetarian-friendly, this vegetarian chocolate brownie recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly moist with a deep chocolate flavor, these brownies are made without eggs or dairy, yet they deliver on all the indulgence you expect from a classic treat.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a delicious bake that everyone can enjoy, this recipe is easy to follow and yields mouthwatering results every time.

These brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, with a crackly top that’s just irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for that extra touch of decadence.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of brownies that will impress even the most devoted chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First of all, this recipe is incredibly simple and uses common pantry staples, making it perfect for last-minute baking sessions. No complicated substitutions or specialty products are required, so you can whip up a batch anytime without stress.

Additionally, it’s vegetarian-friendly and uses plant-based ingredients to achieve that rich chocolatey texture without compromising on taste or indulgence. If you’re interested in healthier dessert options, this recipe offers a lighter feel compared to traditional brownies loaded with butter and eggs.

Finally, the texture is just divine—it’s fudgy right in the middle with slightly crispy edges, satisfying every chocolate craving. Whether for a cozy night in, a party treat, or a gift for friends, these brownies are guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

  • 8×8 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
  4. Fold in optional add-ins. If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and/or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture and chocolate bursts.
  5. Pour batter into the pan. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to maintain fudginess.
  7. Cool completely. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
  8. Serve and enjoy. These brownies are perfect warm or at room temperature and pair wonderfully with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra fudgy texture, try adding ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana to the batter.”

Consider swapping water for brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding caffeine overload. You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds for crunch, or swirl in some peanut butter or vegan caramel before baking.

If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—but note texture may vary slightly. For a sugar-free version, try a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or erythritol, adjusting sweetness to taste.

This recipe also pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vegan frosting if you want to make it extra special for celebrations.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 brownie, makes 16)
Calories 150 kcal
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Carbohydrates 22 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 15 g
Protein 2 g
Sodium 90 mg

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious all on their own, but for a truly decadent treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan soft serve or a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce.

Add a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a lighter finish. They also make a fantastic base for brownie sundaes or dessert parfaits layered with fruit and vegan yogurt.

If you’re planning a party or potluck, cut these brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with nuts and dried fruit for an irresistible dessert board.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to try a delicious plant-based dessert, this vegetarian chocolate brownie recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, quick, and uses ingredients you likely already have at home.

The result is a fudgy, flavorful brownie that satisfies any chocolate craving without the need for eggs or dairy.

These brownies are versatile and adaptable, perfect for customizing with your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of nut butter. Plus, they pair beautifully with many other vegan treats, like the vegetarian date cake recipe or vegan bechamel sauce recipe, if you want to explore more vegetarian baking and cooking ideas.

So, next time you want a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both indulgent and vegetarian-friendly, this chocolate brownie recipe will not disappoint!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chocolate Brownie

Description: A rich and fudgy chocolate brownie that's completely vegetarian and easy to make. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without any eggs or dairy.

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

Servings: 12 brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix oil, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
  6. Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Let brownies cool before cutting into squares.

Nutrition: Calories: 190 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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