Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies) are a decadent treat that provides a guilt-free chocolate fix without any animal products. These brownies are incredibly fudgy, rich, and satisfyingly sweet, making them the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to add more plant-based treats to your life, these brownies will impress you with their deep chocolate flavors and comforting texture. Plus, you won’t believe how simple they are to whip up.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made these brownies—there was an afternoon where the craving for something sweet hit hard. I had some applesauce in the fridge and decided to experiment. The result exceeded my expectations, and I ended up sharing them with friends at a gathering. They couldn’t believe these fudgy delights were vegan! This recipe has become a staple, and it could easily become your go-to for brownietime too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 30 minutes total, making it a breeze for any occasion.
- Irresistible Flavor: Expect a rich, chocolatey taste that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The deep, dark color and glossy finish are sure to impress anyone you share them with.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or a midnight bite.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Totally vegan, this recipe swaps out eggs and dairy for a healthier twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil: This keeps the brownies moist and rich. You can substitute with coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give structure to your brownies. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Essential for enhancing sweetness; avoid imitation vanilla for a pure taste.
- ½ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: The backbone of the chocolate flavor; Dutch-process cocoa works well too for a mellower taste.
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and keeps the brownies extra moist. You can replace this with mashed bananas if desired.
- 2 ounces (57g) unsweetened chocolate, melted: Deepens the chocolate flavor; make sure it’s melted gently to avoid scorching.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for these brownies. Gluten-free flour could be used for a gluten-free version.
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Stir in those vegan chocolate chips to amplify the chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a 9×9-inch pan with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until well blended. Then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 4 ounces unsweetened applesauce. Next, fold in 2 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Mix in the flour: Gradually add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to give the brownies some luscious pockets of chocolate.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then lift them out using the foil overhang. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. For a delightful finish, dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For extended freshness, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Want to enjoy them later? Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind that reheating may slightly change the texture, but you can refresh their fudginess with a scoop of vegan ice cream!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-mixing your batter; it leads to tough brownies instead of delightfully soft ones.
- Ensure your melted chocolate has cooled slightly before mixing it in; hot chocolate can cook the other ingredients.
- If baking at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the flour and sugar slightly.
- For a richer flavor, let the brownies sit overnight before cutting into them; the flavors deepen beautifully.
Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies) are a delightful treat with just the right amount of sweetness. They can easily become everyone’s favorite dessert! Enjoy the chocolatey goodness as is, or serve them warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Get creative—experiment with add-ins like nuts or mint extract for a fun twist!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but note that it may result in a denser texture. If you want a lighter brownie, stick to using all-purpose flour or a mixture of the two.
What if I don’t have unsweetened chocolate?
If unsweetened chocolate is not available, you can use cocoa powder in conjunction with additional fat. For every ounce of unsweetened chocolate needed, substitute with 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and replace 1 tablespoon of the oil in the recipe.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
You’ll know the brownies are ready when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a larger batch, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a bigger pan, though the baking time may vary. Just keep an eye on them, as they may take a bit longer to set.
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📖 Recipe Card
Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
These Fudgy Vegan Brownies feature a delicious blend of cocoa and applesauce, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for quick desserts or as a comforting snack, this recipe is simple to make and sure to impress anyone seeking delightful homemade brownies.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ½ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened applesauce (about ½ cup)
- 2 ounces (57g) unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (Vegan ones, to keep it vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9” pan with foil, then spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar. Stir in the vanilla, cocoa powder, and applesauce. Add melted chocolate and salt, mixing until smooth. Gradually stir in the flour and then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
Ensure the chocolate chips are vegan to maintain the recipe’s plant-based status.
Allow the brownies to cool completely to ensure clean cuts when serving.
These brownies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
