Vegan Fudgy Brownies Formula
Refined vs Unrefined Coconut Oil
🥥 Refined ⭐ (Recommended)
✅ Advantages
- • Neutral flavor - no coconut taste
- • Chocolate flavor shines through
- • Works in any brownie recipe
- • Higher smoke point (400°F)
Best For:
Classic brownies where you want pure chocolate flavor
🌴 Unrefined (Virgin)
⚖️ Trade-offs
- • Coconut flavor present
- • Can complement chocolate nicely
- • More nutritious (retains antioxidants)
- • Lower smoke point (350°F)
Best For:
Tropical-themed brownies with macadamia nuts or white chocolate
Our Recommendation:
Use refined coconut oil for classic vegan brownies. Save unrefined for specialty flavors.
Best Vegan Fudgy Brownies
📝 Ingredients (16 brownies)
- Flax eggs 2 (2 tbsp flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Coconut oil (melted) 1/2 cup (109g)
- Granulated sugar 1 cup (200g)
- Vanilla extract 1 tsp
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened) 3/4 cup (65g)
- All-purpose flour 1/2 cup (65g)
- Salt 1/4 tsp
- Baking powder 1/4 tsp
- Vegan chocolate chips (optional) 1/2 cup (85g)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Make flax eggs
Mix flax + water, let sit 5 min until gel-like
-
2
Melt coconut oil, cool slightly
Not hot, just liquid (about 5 min cooling)
-
3
Whisk flax eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla
Mix vigorously for 1 minute
-
4
Sift cocoa, flour, salt, baking powder
Prevents lumps
-
5
Fold dry into wet
Don't overmix! Stop when just combined
-
6
Add chocolate chips if using
Enjoy Life brand is vegan & delicious
-
7
Bake 8x8 pan at 350°F, 28-32 min
Toothpick should have moist crumbs
-
8
Cool completely before cutting
This is crucial! At least 2 hours
Why Coconut Oil + Flax Eggs Work
🥥 Coconut Oil Advantages
- Similar to butter: Solid at room temp, creates dense texture
- High in saturated fat: Gives that fudgy mouthfeel
- Stable structure: Doesn't make brownies cake-like (unlike vegetable oil)
- No dairy needed: Naturally vegan
🌾 Why Flax Eggs Beat Other Substitutes
| Substitute | Binding | Texture | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flax eggs ⭐ | Excellent | Fudgy | 5/5 |
| Chia eggs | Good | Slightly grainy | 4/5 |
| Applesauce | Fair | Cake-like | 3/5 |
| Banana | Good | Adds banana flavor | 2/5 |
Flax creates binding gel without adding moisture that makes brownies cakey.
Vegan Brownie Questions
Can I use chia seeds instead of flax?
Yes! Same ratio: 2 tbsp chia seeds + 6 tbsp water. Texture is slightly grainier but still works well.
What if I don't have coconut oil?
Use vegan butter (Earth Balance, Miyoko's). Same amount: 1/2 cup melted. Results will be equally fudgy!
How do I know they're done?
Insert toothpick 2 inches from edge—should have moist crumbs, not wet batter. Center will jiggle slightly. They firm up as they cool.