Simple Oil-Free Vegan Brownies with Applesauce: Guilt-Free Fudgy Perfection in 45 Minutes
Why You’ll Love This Simple Oil-Free Vegan Brownies Recipe
Craving rich, fudgy brownies but want to skip the oil and butter? These Simple Oil-Free Vegan Brownies with Applesauce are your answer! Whether you’re following a plant-based diet, trying to reduce your oil intake, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, these brownies deliver all the chocolate satisfaction you crave without compromising on taste or texture.
The secret ingredient? Applesauce! It creates incredibly moist, dense brownies that rival any traditional recipe. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. No fancy equipment needed, minimal cleanup required, and they’re ready in under an hour. Your family and friends will never guess these decadent treats are oil-free and vegan!
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 16 squares | Easy |
What You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups | Can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup | Use high-quality cocoa for best flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Or coconut sugar for refined sugar-free |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup packed | Adds moisture and depth |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Ensures proper rise |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances chocolate flavor |
Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 cup | Must be unsweetened; smooth texture preferred |
| Non-dairy milk | ½ cup | Almond, oat, or soy milk work well |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Pure vanilla gives best flavor |
| Instant coffee (optional) | 1 teaspoon | Dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water; intensifies chocolate |
Add-ins (Optional)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra nutrition
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with cooking spray if desired.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Prepare the wet mixture in a separate bowl. Whisk together the applesauce, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using instant coffee, dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of hot water first, then add to the wet ingredients.
Pro Tip: Make sure your applesauce is at room temperature for easier mixing. Cold applesauce can create lumps in your batter!
- Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well and gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Fold in add-ins if using chocolate chips or nuts. The batter should be thick but spreadable. If it seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more non-dairy milk.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan. Spread evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, making sure to reach all corners.
Baker’s Secret: Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake—the brownies will continue cooking slightly as they cool.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for clean cuts and proper texture. Allow at least 2 hours of cooling time, or refrigerate for 1 hour to speed up the process.
- Cut into squares using the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat squares.
How to Serve
These versatile brownies are delicious on their own, but here are some irresistible serving suggestions:
Classic Pairings:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
- Serve with a glass of cold non-dairy milk
- Top with fresh berries for added freshness
Decadent Options:
- Warm slightly and serve with vegan vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce
- Create brownie sundaes with your favorite toppings
Special Occasion Ideas:
- Cut into small squares for party platters
- Crumble over vegan yogurt for a breakfast treat
- Use as a base for vegan trifle desserts
Expert Tips for Success
Storage Solutions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Texture Perfections:
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by 2-3 minutes
- For cakier brownies, add an extra ¼ cup of non-dairy milk to the batter
- Let brownies cool completely—warm brownies are harder to cut cleanly
Flavor Variations:
- Mint Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and fold in crushed vegan mint cookies
- Orange Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and 1 teaspoon orange extract
- Espresso Brownies: Increase instant coffee to 2 teaspoons for a stronger coffee flavor
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of natural peanut butter on top and swirl with a knife
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Replace applesauce with mashed banana for different flavor notes
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for less refined sweetness
- Substitute almond flour for ¼ of the all-purpose flour for added protein
Common Questions
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup to prevent overly sweet brownies. Unsweetened applesauce gives you better control over the final sweetness level.
Why are my brownies too crumbly?
This usually happens when there’s not enough moisture. Make sure you’re measuring your applesauce correctly (1 full cup) and that your non-dairy milk hasn’t been reduced. Overbaking can also cause crumbly texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when they’re perfectly baked?
The top should look set and slightly cracked, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time will increase to 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
These Simple Oil-Free Vegan Brownies with Applesauce prove that healthy and delicious can absolutely go hand in hand! They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy rich, chocolatey brownies without the guilt. The applesauce creates an incredibly moist texture that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time. The best part? They’re so simple that you can whip them up whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
