Brownies

Name: Vegan Classic Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped (NOT chocolate chips); 1/4 cup plant-based butter; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup warm water; 6 Tbsp corn starch; 1 cup granulated sugar (can be raw, white, brown, or coconut); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa; 1 cup + 2 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour

Vegan Classic Brownies

July 1, 2020 by Rachael Ng Leave a Comment

A vegan version of my favorite brownies! These Vegan Classic Brownies are delicious, chewy, and complete with a delicate, crackly top. I promise you won’t miss the eggs or dairy in this easy recipe!

Vegan Classic Brownies

You all have been asking me for vegan brownies for months now, and I’m so excited to finally have this recipe for you! After lots of trial and error, I’ve landed on a mix of simple ingredients so you can make Vegan Classic Brownies at home when the chocolate craving hits.

I’m going to go ahead and put it out there that I don’t recommend any substitutes for this recipe. Trust me. I tried this recipe with flaxseed meal, aquafaba, egg replacers, chocolate chips, and many different amounts of flour and cocoa powder. I think it wasn’t until my 9th test that I finally figured out the perfect formula of ingredients.

Most importantly, you must use chopped chocolate for this recipe. Chocolate chips will not work. If you’ve made my brownie recipes before, this will seem odd given that I always use chocolate chips to achieve beautiful brownies. But this recipe is different. The eggs have been replaced with corn starch and water, and there is a lot more flour! And you have to use chopped chocolate. Or your brownie batter will boil and bubble, refuse to set, and be a gritty brownie mess! So trust me, and use your favorite vegan chocolate bars!

The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

Solid chocolate bar(s) – I like to use the $5 dark chocolate Pound Plus bar from Trader Joe’s. If that’s not an option, feel free to use your favorite vegan chocolate bars! (I’ve also made these brownies with the Moser-Roth chocolate bars from Aldi)
Plant-based butter – I’ve had success using both Earth Balance Buttery Sticks and Country Crock Plant Butter sticks
Olive oil
Vanilla extract
Corn starch + water – the magic binder for these vegan brownies!! I’m not sure if arrowroot or tapioca starch will work, so I can only recommend corn starch
Sugar – feel free to use your favorite granulated sugar. I like to use a 50:50 mix of coconut and raw or regular cane sugar
Salt
Baking powder – this will add lift to the brownies since there are no whipped eggs to provide lift
Dutch-process cocoa powder – this cocoa powder has a darker color and deeper flavor than natural cocoa powder. The Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa is now 100% Dutched and the easiest to find in US grocery stores
All-purpose flour

Yield: 16 Small Brownies

Vegan Classic Brownies

Delicious and chewy Classic Brownies made vegan! I promise you won't miss the eggs or dairy in this easy brownie recipe!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

8oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped (NOT chocolate chips)
1/4 cup plant-based butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup warm water
6 Tbsp corn starch
1 cup granulated sugar (can be raw, white, brown, or coconut)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 cup + 2 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8" baking dish with non-stick spray and parchment paper. I like to cut one long, thin strip of parchment paper to cover the bottom + two sides of the dish. Then fold the excess over the two edges and trim with scissors, keeping about a 1/2" of excess paper.
In a microwaveable bowl, add the chopped chocolate, plant butter, and olive oil. Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is all melted and smooth; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and corn starch. Use a firm spoon to mix the two until they reach a thin, uniform consistency - it's normal for it to be goopy and thick at first.
Add the corn starch mix to a large bowl, along with the sugar. Mix for about 30 seconds. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the salt and baking powder. Then sift in the cocoa powder and flour. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients all together, until no flour pockets remain. The batter will be more like a sticky cookie dough. It will be a lot thicker than traditional brownie batter.
Spoon the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers to gently spread, press, and smooth the batter into the dish, making an even layer of batter.
Bake the brownies at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until the center looks firm and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few big crumbs.
Allow brownies to cool completely before lifting them up and out of the baking dish with the parchment paper "tabs". Slice the brownies into 9 or 16 equal pieces.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

After multiple tests for this recipe, I recommend you only follow this recipe as written
You must use chopped chocolate bars and NOT chocolate chips. When this same recipe was made with chocolate chips, the batter boiled in the oven and never set
I like to use the Pound Plus chocolate bars from Trader Joe's here in the US. Both of their "dark chocolate" bars are free of dairy

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

calculated nutrition information may not always be accurate

Did you make this recipe?

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Classic Weeknight Brownies (DF)

January 14, 2020 by Rachael Ng 1 Comment

So I decided to take my favorite brownie recipe (which happens to be gluten-free) and make classic, gluten-full, fudgy brownies! For the folks looking for a simple brownie with ordinary ingredients, these brownies are for you. Made with regular cane sugars, eggs, all-purpose flour, and good ole chocolate chips, these brownies are as classic as they come. I, of course, used vegan butter for my brownies, but regular butter would work wonderfully, too!

For these brownies, you’ll melt the chocolate and fats together, whip up the eggs and sugars so they’re nice and thick, and then combine ingredients to form a batter. I only recommend using chocolate chips for this recipe as I could not achieve the same crackly top results with chopped chocolate – still unsure of the science behind this, but chocolate chips yield a crackly top every time! It’s also important to whisk your eggs and sugars until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and light in color – this is the traditional way to add “lift” to brownies without using any leavening agents (like baking soda, etc). The end result is a perfectly sweetened, fudgy brownie with a lovely crackly top.

Yield: 24 Brownies

Classic Weeknight Brownies

Classic, crackly-top fudgy brownies made with familiar ingredients from your pantry! The perfect brownies to bake for friends and family!

Prep Time 35 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 3 hours

Ingredients

2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips
1/2 cup plant-based butter (or solid coconut oil)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 heaping tsp instant coffee granules (optional)
4 large eggs, room temp
1 cup white granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp cocoa powder (natural or Dutch process)
2/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick spray and parchment paper. I like to cut my parchment paper into two pieces that will criss-cross along the bottom of the dish and then go up the sides. Trim parchment paper at the top edge of the dish.
Using a microwave, or the double boiler method, melt together the chocolate chips, vegan butter, olive oil, and instant coffee. If microwaving, cook the ingredients in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each one. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the room temperature eggs and sugars. Whisk on medium-high speed until mixture becomes thick, light in color, and somewhat fluffy, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
Add the melted chocolate mixture to your eggs and sugars, gently folding in the chocolate until totally combined - this takes a bit of patience.
Finally, sift the salt, cocoa powder, and flour into the bowl of batter. Use a large spatula or spoon to mix until no flour/cocoa pockets remain. Pour batter into your prepared baking dish. If your batter has a lot of air in it, there may be lots of bubbles coming to the surface. Feel free to tap your baking dish on the counter and/or use a toothpick to pop some of the bubbles before baking.
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out with a few crumbs. I like to test my brownies using a toothpick toward the outer edge; that way, I can ensure I don't over-bake the brownies and the middle, along with the outer pieces, will still be fudgy.
Allow brownies to totally cool in the baking dish - for quicker cooling, placing the dish on top of a cooling rack. Run a butter knife along the corners of the brownies, and then use the parchment paper tabs to life the whole brownie up and out of the dish. Carefully slice into 24 pieces, wiping your knife clean between each slice to ensure clean cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers (to keep the delicate, crackly top in tact).

Notes

Chocolate chips are necessary for the delicate, crackly top in this recipe

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies (DF + GF)

November 18, 2019 by Rachael Ng Leave a Comment

The weather is cooling down, the holidays are quickly approaching, and what’s better than a cozy mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows? Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies! These super rich chocolate brownies are flavored with peppermint extract and topped with a simple homemade peppermint marshmallow. In other words, forget about hot cocoa (for now) and indulge in one of these festive babes instead!

For this recipe I used my favorite base brownie recipe from Running with Spoons and paired it with a slightly altered version of Alton Brown’s Homemade Marshmallow Recipe. I’ve made marshmallows using a different recipe in the past and found myself disappointed with the taste. But this marshmallow topping has no funky gelatin flavor, isn’t too sweet, and has the perfect marshmallow texture! You can eat the brownies as-is or pop one in the microwave for a warm, gooey marshmallow brownie experience – this was my favorite way to eat these. And if you’re not a fan of peppermint, feel free to leave it out completely, replacing it with extra vanilla extract (or your extract of choice!).

Some of the ingredients I like for this recipe:

Coconut sugar is my go-to baking sweetener. It’s low GI, unrefined, and makes for a perfect substitute for white granulated sugar. And it tastes nothing like coconut! For a sweeter (less rich) brownie, feel free to use regular, white granulated sugar instead.

Chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) lend moisture and lots of chocolate goodness to these brownies.

Eggs make for the perfect brownie texture. Trust me, I’ve tried multiple egg replacements in this recipe, and they do not work. So don’t even try.

Instant coffee granules are totally optional but will deepen the chocolate flavor and richness in the brownies. I highly recommend adding it if you’re looking for a rich brownie!

Arrowroot starch thickens the brownie batter while also keeping it free of grains and gluten – perfect for GF and non-GF eaters alike since the taste is undetectable!

White granulated sugar is necessary for the marshmallow topping! I don’t recommend any substitutes since this topping has been tested as-is and works as-is.

Agave makes for a better alternative to corn syrup, which is what most marshmallow recipes call for. It also has a very low GI, which is great considering the higher GI of the white sugar you’ll also be using.

Yield: 16 Brownies

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies

Ultra rich and fudgy peppermint brownies topped with a thick layer of homemade peppermint marshmallow! The perfect treat for a cool, winter night!

Prep Time 1 hour

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Brownies

1/3 cup coconut oil, measured as a solid (or 6 Tbsp olive oil)
1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 tsp instant coffee granules (optional)
1/4 cup natural cocoa powder
2 large eggs, room temp
2/3 cup coconut sugar (or cane sugar)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp arrowroot, tapioca, or corn starch

Marshmallow

1/2 cup water, divided
1 1/2 packets of gelatin powder (~3 1/2 tsp)
1 cup white cane sugar
1/4 cup agave
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the brownies: preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8" baking dish with non-stick spray. Then line your entire pan with parchment paper. I like to cut two long strips of parchment that criss cross over each other on the bottom of the dish. Bring your eggs to room temperature by placing them in a glass of warm water for around 10 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the coconut oil and chocolate chips. Stir in the instant coffee and cocoa powder; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the eggs and sugar. Whisk on medium-high speed until thick and light in color. Whisk in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the sugar and eggs. Add the salt and arrowroot starch and gently mix until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out slightly gooey - you don't want to over bake! Allow brownies to totally cool.
Make the marshmallow: in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the water. Give it a little stir and then allow it to thicken while you heat up your sugar.
In a medium or large saucepan, add the sugar, agave, salt, and the other 1/4 cup of water. Gently swirl the pan to ensure sugar is totally saturated. Set heat to medium-high (or medium for a gas range) and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the sugar's temperature. If your mixture begins to boil too high up the pan (as mine did) you can use your thermometer to gently swirl the mixture back down/hold the pot up and over the heat. I recommend using a large pot. When the mixture reaches 240°F immediately remove from the heat.
With your stand mixer running at low speed, slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin. Turn the speed to high and whisk until mixture becomes white, thick, and fluffy. I like to wait until I see soft peaks. Immediately whisk in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
Spread the marshmallow over the cooled brownies, using an offset icing spatula to spread and swirl it over the brownies. Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint candies.
Allow marshmallow to set for at least 4 hours before slicing. Run a butter knife along the edges of the brownies and use the parchment paper to lift the brownies up and out of the dish. Slice into 16 squares.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. I highly recommend popping the brownie into the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!

Notes

Brownie recipe slightly adapted from Running with Spoons & Marshmallow recipe slightly adapted from Alton Brown

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies (GF + DF)

August 19, 2019 by Rachael Ng 2 Comments

Zucchini has to be one of my favorite add-ins to baked goods. Muffins, bread, and even cake can all be deliciously made with heaps of good-for-you zucchini! A green veggie in my desserts? Yep! Because who doesn’t want to feel a little bit better when indulging in something ooey gooey and ultra chocolatey?

These brownies are so decadent and fudgy, and with a thin layer of sweet dark chocolate frosting, you won’t be able to pass them up. And once you get the brownie-making method down, this recipe is really quite easy. The chocolate can be melted in the microwave, and if you have a stand mixer, the eggs and sugar can be left for a few minutes to whip while you shred your zucchini. Throw some extra chocolate chips into the batter for an irresistible triple chocolate brownie!

Some of the ingredients I love for this recipe:

Dutch process cocoa powder is darker in color and richer in flavor. Since there are no leavening agents in this recipe (baking soda, etc) you can also use regular cocoa powder – your brownies just won’t be dark chocolate.

Eggs whip up with the sugar to create a fluffy batter which gives the brownies lift, negating the need for baking soda or powder.

Coconut sugar is an unrefined, low GI sugar. It tastes less sweet than white sugar, and makes for a great, better-for-you alternative.

Arrowroot starch thickens the brownie batter and gives the brownies some substance. You should be okay replacing it with tapioca starch.

Yield: 16 Brownies

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies (GF + DF)

Ultra fudgy brownies made with shredded zucchini and dark cocoa powder. These chocolate-frosted squares are grain-free + dairy-free and totally irresistible!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup + 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips, divided
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
1 tsp instant coffee granules or espresso powder (optional)
2 large eggs, room temp
3/4 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp dutch process cocoa powder
1/4 cup arrowroot starch
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup finely shredded zucchini, excess juice squeezed out

Frosting

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp dutch process cocoa powder
1 Tbsp refined coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
2 Tbsp plant-based milk

Instructions

Bring your eggs to room temperature by placing them in a glass of warm water for around 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8" pan or baking dish with non-stick spray and parchment paper - I like to cut my parchment paper into two long pieces, criss-crossing them in the middle.
Melt together 1 cup of the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil and instant coffee granules/espresso powder in the microwave or using the double boiler method; stir and set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the eggs and coconut sugar. Whisk on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light brown in color, adding the vanilla extract along the way.
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whisked egg mixture. Fold in the cocoa powder, arrowroot starch, and salt. Stir in the shredded zucchini and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (optional) until combined.
Bake brownies at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until the center looks set. Allow brownies to cool for 10 minutes before making your frosting. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coconut oil or butter, and plant-based milk. Microwave the frosting until warm to the touch. Pour over warm brownies, tilting the pan until frosting is evenly distributed.
Allow brownies to totally cool before slicing and serving. For clean cuts, use the excess parchment paper to remove the entire brownie square. Slice into 16 brownies, wiping your knife clean between each slice. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Dutch process cocoa powder gives these brownies a richer, dark chocolate flavor. You can use regular cocoa powder, but the brownies won't be considered dark chocolate.

You want to finely shred your zucchini with the skin on. Place on a cheesecloth or paper towel and squeeze out and discard the juice.

The instant coffee/espresso powder will deepen the chocolate flavor, but it is totally optional.