Have you ever experienced that moment when a sudden chocolate craving kicks in but you’re trying to stick to a plant-based diet? Trust me, I’ve been there. Navigating the sweet world of desserts while maintaining a vegan lifestyle can be like navigating a ship through a stormy sea. But don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect solution for you.
Introducing my ultimate Vegan Brownies recipe! Chocolatey, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, these brownies promise to please not just your palate, but also your conscience. Can desserts be both delicious and ethical? With this recipe, the answer is a resounding yes!
The Secret to Moist Vegan Brownies
When it comes to brownies, moisture is a critical element. Nothing is quite as disappointing as biting into a dry, crumbly square. But how do you ensure a moist texture without eggs or butter? The answer lies in a surprising ingredient: applesauce. Applesauce not only keeps our vegan brownies moist but also subtly sweetens them, reducing the need for additional sugar.
Another key player in our moist brownie game is coconut oil. A healthier alternative to traditional butter, coconut oil provides the necessary fat to keep our brownies soft and fudgy, without compromising on the vegan aspect of the dish.
Going Beyond Just Chocolate
The depth of flavor in these vegan brownies goes beyond just chocolate. We’ll be using a combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate for a full-bodied, intense chocolate flavor. But that’s not all; we’re also adding a dash of instant coffee. It might seem strange, but coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these brownies a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Don’t worry if you’re not a coffee fan. The amount we’re using is just enough to elevate the chocolatey taste without adding a noticeable coffee flavor. Think of it as a silent but powerful ally in your quest for the perfect brownie.
A Touch of Vanilla
Every good dessert recipe has a secret ingredient, and in this case, it’s vanilla essence. Adding a hint of vanilla to your brownies can make a world of difference. It enhances all the other flavors, especially chocolate, creating a harmonious blend and giving your brownies a little something extra.
As with the coffee, you won’t specifically taste the vanilla, but you’ll certainly notice the difference it makes. It’s like adding a dash of color to a monochrome painting – you might not notice it at first, but without it, the whole picture would seem a bit dull.
Let’s Get Baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and instant coffee, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 180 per serving