Fudgy Vegan Brownies

Fudgy vegan brownies are a delicious and satisfying dessert option that can be made with simple ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to create these rich, chocolatey treats.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• Flour: 160 g (1 ⅓ cups) all-purpose flour (or buckwheat flour or gluten-free blend)
• Cocoa Powder: 60 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sugar: 250 g (1 ¼ cups) caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
• Vegan Butter: 120 g (½ cup) vegan block butter (not spreadable)
• Non-Dairy Milk: 120 ml (½ cup) unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy is recommended)
• Dark Chocolate: 150 g (5 ⅓ oz), finely chopped (about 70% cocoa solids)
• Vanilla Extract: 3 teaspoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Chocolate Chips: 85 g (3 oz), optional for added richness

Optional Ingredients:

• Instant Espresso Powder: 1 teaspoon, enhances chocolate flavor
• Flax Egg: Replace with 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water for binding

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan (20 cm/8 inches) with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt.
3. Melt the Wet Ingredients:

• In a saucepan over low heat, combine the vegan butter, sugar, and non-dairy milk.
• Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. The mixture should be warm but not boiling.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped dark chocolate until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients:

• Add the sifted dry ingredients to the melted mixture and stir until just combined.
• If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for about 20 minutes. A skewer inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake; if it comes out clean, they are likely overdone.

Cool and Serve:

• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Tips for Success

• Ensure that your vegan butter is a block type rather than spreadable for better texture.
• The addition of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste.
• For an extra fudgy texture, consider adding applesauce or using a flax egg as a binder.

These fudgy vegan brownies are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings while being entirely plant-based! Enjoy your baking!

What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Brownies Have a Crispy Top?

To achieve a crispy top on brownies, it’s essential to whisk the eggs and sugar together until they are thick and pale, which helps create a meringue-like layer on top. Additionally, incorporating melted chocolate or cocoa powder in the batter contributes to a shiny, crinkly surface. Baking at a slightly lower temperature (around 325°F) can also help maintain moisture while allowing the top to crisp up without overcooking the insides.

Can I Substitute the Non-Dairy Milk with Another Type?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk with other types of milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in vegan brownie recipes. Just ensure that the substitute is unsweetened to maintain the intended sweetness of the brownies.

What’s the Role of Espresso Powder in These Brownies?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor in brownies without adding a coffee taste. It intensifies the richness of the chocolate, making it more pronounced. This small addition can elevate the overall flavor profile of your brownies significantly.

Are There Any Tips for Preventing the Brownies from Being Too Cakey?

To prevent brownies from becoming too cakey, consider these tips:

Add fat: Ensure there’s enough fat (like vegan butter or oil) in your recipe for richness.

Use less flour: A higher ratio of cocoa powder to flour will yield denser brownies.

Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to maintain fudginess.

Check baking time: Overbaking leads to drier, cakier results; aim for moist crumbs on your toothpick test.