Name: Easy Vegan Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola or sunflower); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Craving that perfect fudgy bite but want to skip the dairy and eggs? These Easy Vegan Brownies are your go-to solution for rich, chewy chocolate bliss without a single ounce of compromise. They look like a classic brownie, taste even better, and are secretly plant-based. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or simply out of eggs, this brownie recipe has you covered with pantry staples and a guaranteed gooey center.

The beauty of these brownies lies in their simplicity. With just a few swaps, you’ll have a batch of glossy-topped, melt-in-your-mouth squares ready in under an hour. It’s the kind of treat that impresses both vegan and non-vegan crowds, making it a must-have in any dessert rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into the mixing bowl, make sure your kitchen is prepped with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: A large one for the wet ingredients and a medium one for dry. Essential for combining without overmixing.
Whisk or Hand Mixer: To fully incorporate the wet ingredients, especially when using flaxseed or applesauce as your binder.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture.
Rubber Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and scrape down the sides of the bowl so no goodness goes to waste.
8×8 Baking Pan: For that ideal thickness. You can also use a 9×9 for thinner brownies but adjust baking time.
Parchment Paper: Makes lifting the brownies out a breeze and prevents sticking.
Cooling Rack: Don’t skip this. It stops the baking process and helps set the texture perfectly.

Ingredients for the Easy Vegan Brownies

Each ingredient in this brownie recipe plays a role in crafting that gooey, chewy, chocolatey bite:

All-Purpose Flour: The structural base. It holds everything together and balances the moisture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich, deep chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality brand for best taste.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that shiny, crinkly top.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth with its subtle molasses flavor.
Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift without compromising the dense brownie texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the chocolate notes.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: The liquid component that keeps it dairy-free. You can sub with any plant milk.
Neutral Oil (like Canola or Sunflower): Brings in that tender, fudgy consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the flavors and adds warmth.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Optional but highly recommended for pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

How To Make the Easy Vegan Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and removes any clumps.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the almond milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

If using, stir in the dairy-free chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28-32 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve and Store Easy Vegan Brownies

These brownies shine on their own but can be elevated with a few simple pairings. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with a touch of melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist. For gatherings, cut them into bite-sized squares and dust with powdered sugar.

To store, place the cooled brownies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free 1:1 blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

What can I use instead of almond milk?

Any plant-based milk works here, like oat, soy, or coconut milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to control the sugar content.

Are these brownies cakey or fudgy?

They’re intentionally fudgy with a chewy bite. For a more cakey version, increase the baking powder slightly and reduce the oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by about 8–10 minutes. Watch closely after the 30-minute mark.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not necessarily. They’re fine at room temperature for a few days, but refrigerating helps them firm up and last longer.

How do I make them nut-free?

Use oat or soy milk instead of almond, and be sure to choose chocolate chips labeled nut-free.

Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If rich, chocolatey treats are your thing, you’ll want to check out a few other favorites from the LadyPlate kitchen. Try the decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars—they’re no-bake and layered with luscious peanut butter. Another reader favorite is the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes, a gooey marshmallow-centered delight.

Need something elegant but easy? The Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie delivers a silky, fudgy slice every time. For bite-sized options, the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are fun to serve and adapt easily for different flavors.

You can even explore some lighter alternatives, like our Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies, offering crunch and chew in every bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go for the chocolate chips? Did you try a swirl of peanut butter on top? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to see your twists on my recipes.

Want even more vegan dessert inspiration? Follow along on my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest where I share my favorite daily treats.