Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
Fudgy Vegan Brownies, or as I like to call them, Applesauce Brownies, have become my go-to dessert for every occasion. The rich, decadent chocolate flavor combined with an unbelievably fudgy texture makes them utterly irresistible. What more could you ask for in a dessert? These brownies are not only made without eggs or dairy, but they also find their perfect balance in sweetness from natural ingredients. If you’re craving something rich and delicious, this recipe is what you’ve been searching for.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this delightful treat during a vegan potluck. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked. They’re incredibly satisfying and feel indulgent without any of the guilt that comes from traditional brownies. Packed with flavor and moisture from the unsweetened applesauce, they’ll impress even the pickiest of eaters. Dive into this simple recipe, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of Fudgy Vegan Brownies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Expect a deep, chocolatey taste that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The fudgy texture and glossy finish make these brownies a showstopper.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert at parties, or even for breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Vegan and easy to make gluten-free if you swap the flour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This helps create that rich, fudgy texture. Feel free to use melted coconut oil for added flavor.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies perfectly, balancing the chocolate. You can try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Always use pure vanilla for the best results!
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that chocolatey goodness. Choose a quality dark cocoa for more depth.
- 4 ounces unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a binding agent and substitute for eggs, keeping these brownies moist.
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted: Intensifies the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip this—melt it gently to avoid burning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor remarkably well.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to your brownies. Swap in gluten-free flour if you need to avoid gluten.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add pockets of melty goodness throughout. Make sure to use vegan chocolate chips to keep this recipe plant-based.
How to Make Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While the oven heats, line a 9×9 inch pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray so that your brownies come out easily.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until well combined. The texture should be nice and smooth. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 4 ounces of unsweetened applesauce.
- Add Melty Chocolate: Gently fold in 2 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt into the mix. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy—you’re doing great!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, folding it in until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want these brownies to stay fudgy!
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Now for the fun part—add in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring just enough to spread them throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the brownie mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For a pretty touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Storing & Reheating
Store these delicious Fudgy Vegan Brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For a quick reheating option, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth and fudgy goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for that perfect fudgy texture. Mix just until combined!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If you opt for the coconut oil, allow it to cool slightly and mix with room temperature ingredients to prevent clumping.
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. They should be set on the edges but slightly soft in the middle.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to play with flavors! Nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter can elevate these brownies.
- Let Them Cool Fully: If you can wait, letting them cool completely helps them set perfectly, making cutting easier and letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Nothing brings a smile quite like a rich, chocolatey treat, and these Fudgy Vegan Brownies truly hit the sweet spot. They’re simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, making them a must-try for anyone craving a delicious dessert. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional brownies, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Feel free to tweak and adapt as your heart desires—after all, cooking is about having fun and creating dishes you love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different flavor profile, though you’ll need to adjust the liquid in your recipe slightly if using liquid sweeteners.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you’re out of applesauce, you can use mashed bananas or even a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside for a few minutes to thicken) as a binding agent.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check for doneness by using a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. You want the edges to look set, and the center should have a slight jiggle but not be wet.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that you like. This will keep the texture nice and fudgy while accommodating dietary needs!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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 & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
These fudgy vegan brownies, made with unsweetened applesauce and rich chocolate, offer an easy way to enjoy a deliciously indulgent treat. Perfect for satisfying sudden cravings, they blend simplicity with delightful flavor, ideal for any occasion.
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. Line a 9×9” pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the vegetable oil and sugar until well combined. Mix in vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and applesauce. Then, add the melted unsweetened chocolate along with the salt, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. Allow them to cool before slicing into squares.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Allow the brownies to cool completely to achieve cleaner cuts.
You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 207
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
