Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
Fudgy, chocolatey, and deliciously satisfying, these fudgy vegan brownies, also known as applesauce brownies, are perfect for anyone who thinks vegan desserts can’t be indulgent. They reveal an undeniably rich flavor, thanks to the combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and that secret ingredient—the applesauce. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a dense yet tender texture that will make you reconsider your preconceived notions about vegan baking.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy afternoon when I had a serious chocolate craving, craving sweetness without the guilt. Knowing I had an open jar of applesauce in the fridge, I turned to my pantry and whipped up these brownies. The satisfaction of devouring a fudgy vegan treat while knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients still brings me joy. Whether you’re tucked away on a cozy weekend or seeking a quick dessert for a get-together, these brownies are always a hit. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just about 30 minutes from mixing to baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a luscious blend of chocolate and a hint of sweetness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly textured brownies that scream, “Eat me!”.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, snacks, or even when you need a midnight treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the brownies. You can substitute with coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter version.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the sweetness you love in brownies.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- ½ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: This cocoa gives them a deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and adds moisture. You can use homemade applesauce or store-bought.
- 2 ounces (57g) unsweetened chocolate, melted: This adds richness and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind the brownies.
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (vegan): For those chocolatey bursts in every bite. Look for dairy-free brands to keep it vegan friendly.
How to Make Fudgy Vegan Brownies (Applesauce Brownies)
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking pan by lining a 9×9” baking dish with foil and giving it a gentle spray with cooking spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar. Whisk until it’s well combined and glossy. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 4 ounces unsweetened applesauce until everything is smooth.
- Add Chocolate & Salt: Melt 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Add this to your bowl along with 1 teaspoon salt and mix until everything is incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined—don’t over-mix as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Finish with Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips for those delicious melty bits in your brownies.
- Bake: Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look slightly firm but the center remains a bit soft. A toothpick inserted should come out moist but not wet.
- Cool & Serve: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar on top for a lovely presentation!
Storing & Reheating
Store your fudgy vegan brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, until warmed through. Keep in mind that they may lose a bit of moisture during refrigeration but can be refreshed with a quick warm-up.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
- Don’t overmix your batter once you add the flour, as this can lead to dense brownies rather than fudgy ones.
- For a flavor boost, consider adding a shot of espresso or coffee to enhance the chocolate.
- If you’re using natural applesauce, consider reducing the sugar slightly, as it’s sweeter than commercial blends.
- For extra indulgence, top brownies with a dairy-free coconut whipped topping or serve with vegan ice cream on the side.
These fudgy vegan brownies (applesauce brownies) are a delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while accommodating a vegan lifestyle. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this decadent dessert in no time.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works well, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends or spelt flour if you need a different option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture and taste.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you might substitute it with mashed bananas or a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). Each option will give you the moisture needed, contributing its unique flavor.
How should I cut brownies for the best texture?
For perfectly cut brownies, ensure they are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to maintain neat edges. You can also run a knife under hot water and dry it for an even cleaner cut.
Why did my brownies turn out more like cake?
If your brownies are turning out more cake-like, it could be due to overmixing the batter or baking them for too long. Aim for a fudgy texture by baking them just until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake
- High-Protein Fried Pickle Dip (Viral Recipe)
- Chocolate Covered Mint Oreos
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
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
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
These fudgy vegan brownies stand out for their rich flavor and simple preparation. Made with applesauce, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, they are perfect for a delightful dessert or a sweet treat anytime.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9” pan with foil, then spray it with cooking spray.
- Combine the vegetable oil and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix in vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and applesauce until smooth.
- Stir in the melted chocolate and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
- For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
For a richer taste, use dark chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
