Vegan Fudgy Brownies

🛒 Ingredients

• ½ cup melted coconut oil or softened vegan butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar.. ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup high‑quality unsweetened cocoa powder,, 1 cup all‑purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (oat, almond, or soy)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract,, ½ tsp baking powder,, ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• ¾ cup vegan semi‑sweet chocolate chunks or chips
• Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8‑inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the melted oil or vegan butter, both sugars, and plant milk until smooth and well combined. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla.

3. 3

   Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently just until no dry streaks remain — do not overmix, or the brownies will turn tough. Fold in the chocolate chunks.

4. 4

   Pour the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt if desired.

5. 5

   Bake for 25–30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centre will still look slightly soft and moist — a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.

6. 6

   Let them cool fully in the pan for at least 1 hour — they will firm up and develop that perfect fudgy texture as they cool. Lift out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and enjoy.