Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
Fudgy and decadent, there’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a rich brownie. These Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies) deliver that comforting, chocolatey goodness without the need for eggs or dairy. When I first whipped up a batch of these brownies, I was amazed at how easily they came together and how everyone, not just my vegan friends, loved them. Packed with flavor and a delightful fudge-like texture, they are a testament to how delicious plant-based baking can be.
Table of Contents
You might assume that vegan desserts lack the depth and richness of their traditional counterparts, but these brownies will prove otherwise. The use of applesauce not only keeps them moist but also allows us to omit eggs while still achieving that perfect, gooey consistency. Perfect for a cozy night in, a gathering of friends, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these brownies are a must-try. I can’t wait for you to experience their scrumptiousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich chocolate flavor balanced with the natural sweetness of applesauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Dense and fudgy brownies that look as good as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for an afternoon treat, dessert after dinner, or a midday snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan, making them suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and richness to the brownies. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and granulated sugar helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Brown sugar could be used for a deeper flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: For a hint of warmth and to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Best for that rich chocolate taste. Always choose a high-quality powder for the best flavor.
- 4 ounces unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted: This boosts the chocolate flavor significantly. You can swap it for more cocoa powder if you don’t have unsweetened chocolate on hand.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies. Gluten-free flour blends can be used if needed.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Choose vegan chocolate chips to keep the recipe fully plant-based. These will add delightful melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies cook evenly when you pop them in.
- Prepare your baking dish: Line a 9×9” baking pan with foil, leaving a bit overhanging to make it easier to lift out the brownies later. Spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until well combined. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 4 ounces of unsweetened applesauce.
- Incorporate the chocolate: Add in the melted 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add the flour: Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here—stop when there are a few lumps left.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out using the foil. Cut into squares and optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Fudgy Vegan Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For long-term storage, you can freeze them—simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. These brownies can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their fudgy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your brownies light and tender.
- If your brownies seem too crumbly after baking, try reducing the flour slightly next time.
- Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting ensures clean slices; patience pays off!
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits into the batter for extra texture.
- If possible, use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness.
These Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies) are an indulgence you can feel good about. Full of rich, chocolatey goodness, they’re super easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they cater to various dietary needs while not compromising on flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative; try adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other fruit purees instead of applesauce?
Absolutely! You could use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree as well, although they will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the brownies.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the edges have set and begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Just ensure that the blend you use contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
How can I make these brownies extra fudgy?
To make your brownies even fudgier, slightly underbake them. As they cool, they will continue to set, giving you a deliciously gooey texture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
These Fudgy Vegan Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick treat or a delightful dessert, they’re both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, satisfying all your sweet cravings with a healthier twist.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9” pan with foil, then spray it with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar. Stir in the vanilla, cocoa powder, and applesauce. Add the melted unsweetened chocolate and salt, mixing until everything is smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
- For a finishing touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Notes
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For extra fudginess, do not overbake the brownies; they should be soft in the center!
Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
