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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Eggless Brownies

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These eggless brownies are proof that following a plant-based diet does not mean missing out on classic desserts. I use dark chocolate, coconut oil, and applesauce for a rich, fudgy dessert that tastes even better than a boxed mix. It only takes  50 minutes for me to have a batch of warm brownies that satiate my chocolate cravings.

easy, healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, eggless brownies with walnuts on a white plate

This recipe for eggless brownies is a perfect example of how a simple swap can still deliver a classic dessert with an incredible texture and familiar flavor, just like my tofu chocolate mousse. The combination of plant-based ingredients and mindful swaps ensures that my brownies are fudgy and chocolatey while remaining accessible. 

I am always looking for ways to turn everyday baked goods and desserts into vegan-friendly recipes that do not compromise on flavor or texture. After a few test batches, I felt confident enough to take a tray to my book club meeting. My one friend has a severe egg allergy and initially declined a brownie. But once she learned it was egg-free, she grabbed 3 squares. For another decadent dessert, try making my eggless donuts, which I plan on taking to my next meeting. 

I love that these eggless brownies are not only mostly plant-based, but also that they use no refined sugar. In fact, the sugar content is much lower compared to most commercial brownie recipes. I rely on the applesauce for natural moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the coconut oil creates the fudge texture. Using dark chocolate brings a richness and the essential strong chocolate flavor. 

I melt the chocolate and coconut oil together to create a smooth base that blends into the batter easily. The flax eggs help bind everything together, while the small amount of flour keeps the texture dense instead of cake-like. I mix everything until just combined to prevent the batter from becoming too thick, which helps preserve a soft gooey center. 

 A few years ago, I took my kids to a school friend’s birthday party and noticed that one mum had brought a serving of snacks, cake, and take-home treats, which she gave to the hostess. I learned that her daughter has an egg allergy and that she always brought her own food to every class party. When it was my child’s turn for a party, I made sure that all the snacks, treats, and the brownie cake were egg-free and let all the parents know. It was great to see her enjoying the food along with her classmates without feeling excluded. Try these brownies as a healthier dessert option the next time you are hosting a party.

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🥘 Ingredients

I keep these eggless brownies simple, using wholesome ingredients I almost always have in my kitchen. Here is a list of everything I use:

ingredients for easy, healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, eggless brownies with walnuts

Coconut oil: I use this in place of butter to create a fudgy texture.

Applesauce: This adds moisture and a natural sweetness. You can use store-bought, or you can make my Instant Pot applesauce and leave out the cinnamon. 

Dark chocolate: I melt good-quality dark chocolate for an intense flavor. If you prefer it slightly sweeter, try semi-sweet chocolate instead. Dairy-free chocolate also works well. 

Coconut sugar: This adds a caramel-like sweetness without relying on refined sugar. Other sugars could also be used in this recipe if that is what you have. 

Flax eggs: I mix flaxseed meal with water to create a plant-based binding agent that holds the brownies together. 

Vanilla extract: This enhances the chocolate flavor and rounds out the sweetness in the brownies.

All-purpose flour: I use a small amount of flour to ensure the texture remains dense.

Sea salt: A pinch of sea salt balances out the richness of the dark chocolate.

Walnuts: For a bit more crunch and texture, I fold in some chopped walnuts. 

🔪 How To Make

These eggless brownies are easy to make and follow a straightforward process. This is how I make them:

Prepare baking pan: I start by preheating my oven to 350F, and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, and mist it with a neutral cooking spray.

Melt the chocolate and coconut oil: Next, I melt the coconut oil and dark chocolate together in the microwave at 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.

wet ingredients mixed in a bowl

Mix sugar and wet ingredients: Then I use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the sugar, applesauce, flax eggs, and vanilla until thick and creamy. 

wet ingredients mixed in a bowl

Add chocolate: I stir the melted chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined. 

wet ingredients mixed in a bowl

Add dry ingredients: Then I add in the flour and salt, mixing until just incorporated, keeping the batter soft.

wet and dry ingredients mixed together in a bowl

Stir in walnuts: At this point, I stir in the walnuts or any other mix-ins I may decide to include.

walnuts added to batter in a mixing bowl

Bake: I pour the batter into the prepared tin and use a spatula to spread it evenly, then bake for 30 minutes.

brownie batter in a baking dish

Cut and serve: Once baked, I remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then I remove the brownies from the tin, and allow them to cool for a few more minutes before cutting and serving.

easy, healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, eggless brownies with walnuts cut into squares

My #1 Secret Tip for this eggless brownie recipe is to slightly underbake the brownies and let them finish setting as they cool. I make sure the center looks just set with a soft middle when I remove it. Baking them until they look fully cooked could lead to a dry batch of brownies. The beauty of this recipe is that since there are no eggs, I can do this and not worry about unsafe raw ingredients. 

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Use good-quality chocolate: Since the chocolate provides the main flavor in this recipe, I make sure to use good-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Look for a chocolate with 60-70% cacao. 
  • Do not overmix: I stir the batter until just combined, to keep the texture dense and soft. Even though this recipe uses very little flour, it can still be overworked. 
  • Line pans properly: I line my baking pans with parchment paper and allow for a slight overhang that allows me to lift the brownies out easily after they have baked.
  • Allow time to cool: It may be tempting to eat them while warm, but giving the brownies time to cool completely ensures that the center is set properly. 
  • Use the double-boiler method: If you are unsure about melting the chocolate in the microwave, place the coconut oil and chocolate in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water does not touch the base of the bowl. This method uses the heat from the steam to gently melt the chocolate without risk of burning. 

📖 Variations

Just like any other brownies, these eggless brownies can be tweaked and upgraded for some delicious variations. These are 3 my family enjoys most often:

Peanut swirl: I swirl in 1/4 cup of peanut butter before baking for a rich, layered flavor that my kids absolutely adore.

Marbled chocolate chips: Instead of walnuts, I fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup white chocolate chips. This creates an even richer and gooey marbled filling. My husband loves having this version with an ice-cold glass of oatmilk. 

Salted caramel: Once the brownies have cooled and are out of the pan, I drizzle over some of my vegan caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This is great for parties. 

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Whenever I make these brownies, I like to follow with other strictly vegan drinks and desserts that complement the rich chocolate flavor. I recommend serving them with a bowl of crunchy vegan caramel popcorn and a tall glass of strawberry milk tea. The brownies can hold their own when it comes to flavors, and these sides simply enhance the overall experience. 

In my house, everyone has come to love their own unique way of enjoying these eggless brownies. Some ways are typical and expected, like my husband enjoying his brownies with a mocha latte. Or my eldest, who prefers it with a scoop of tofu ice cream. And then there is my youngest, who enjoys eggless brownies the most when they have been smothered in my vegan vanilla pudding. Ha! 

🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating

Refrigeration: I store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing: I cut the brownies into squares, wrap them tightly, and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To warm slightly, I heat up individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or allow them to sit at room temperature until soft. 

❓ Recipe FAQs

How do I make a flax egg?

Making a flax egg is quite easy. I combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This is the equivalent of 1 flax egg. Be sure to check out my guide on 13 vegan egg substitutes and replacements for other options. 

What should the brownie batter look like before baking?

The batter should be thick, glossy, and quite dense. I like mine to resemble a fudge batter rather than a cake batter. It will not pour easily, so make sure to use a plastic spatula to scrape out all the batter and spread it in the pan. 

Can I replace the applesauce with anything else?

Yes, if you do not mind a subtle difference in flavor, a sweet potato puree swap works very well in a 1:1 ratio. And if you do not mind the flavor of bananas, I recommend using 3/4 cup of mashed bananas instead. 

easy, healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, eggless brownies with walnuts on a white plate

Love this plant based dessert recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

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🎥 Watch How to Make It

https://youtu.be/aM6WnvBQjHI
easy, healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg free brownies with walnuts on a white plate
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5 from 14 votes

Eggless Brownies Recipe

These eggless brownies are proof that following a plant-based diet does not mean missing out on classic desserts. I use dark chocolate, coconut oil, and applesauce for a rich, fudgy dessert that tastes even better than a boxed mix. It only takes  50 minutes for me to have a batch of warm brownies that satiate my chocolate cravings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Equipment

Instructions

  • First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
  • Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, and use cooking spray to spray the parchment paper so it’s coated. 
  • While your oven is preheating, melt the coconut oil and chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently.
  • Meanwhile, combine the sugar, applesauce, flax eggs and vanilla until the mixture is creamy. You can use a stand mixer for this, or a whisk. This can take about 3-5 minutes. If you're using a stand mixer, start on a slower speed and then speed up as the ingredients get more combined so it doesn't splatter. 
  • Add the chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and stir to combine for 1 minute. 
  • Add the flour and salt and stir to combine gently: stir until the flour is mixed in but be careful not to over mix. 
  • If you’re going to add in any “mix-ins” now is the time! I chose to add walnuts, but you can add any type of nut, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit if you’d like. 
  • Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  • At the end of 30 minutes, open the oven and insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your brownies are done and ready to go. 
  • Let the brownies completely cool before serving

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for this eggless brownie recipe is to slightly underbake the brownies and let them finish setting as they cool. I make sure the center looks just set with a soft middle when I remove it. Baking them until they look fully cooked could lead to a dry batch of brownies. The beauty of this recipe is that since there are no eggs, I can do this and not worry about unsafe raw ingredients. 
  • Use good-quality chocolate: Since the chocolate provides the main flavor in this recipe, I make sure to use good-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Look for a chocolate with 60-70% cacao. 
  • Do not overmix: I stir the batter until just combined, to keep the texture dense and soft. Even though this recipe uses very little flour, it can still be overworked. 
  • Line pans properly: I line my baking pans with parchment paper and allow for a slight overhang that allows me to lift the brownies out easily after they have baked.
  • Allow time to cool: It may be tempting to eat them while warm, but giving the brownies time to cool completely ensures that the center is set properly. 
  • Use the double-boiler method: If you are unsure about melting the chocolate in the microwave, place the coconut oil and chocolate in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water does not touch the base of the bowl. This method uses the heat from the steam to gently melt the chocolate without risk of burning. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g

51 responses to “Eggless Brownies”

  1. These look really delicious. I love walnuts in my brownies too. They make them taste so much better.

  2. I love this recipe and I love that you give healthier options with it. I have never tried coconut sugar but I think I need to find some and give these a try.

    • Thanks Krista! I love coconut sugar because it’s lower glycemic but still gives a nice sweet flavor to this recipe!

    • Walnuts + chocolate are one of my favorite pairings too!! Although any nuts + chocolate is great — and pecans or almonds would probably go well in these brownies too! Enjoy! 🙂

  3. These chocolate fudge brownies are mouth watering! I’m definitely a beginner baker when it comes to sweets! So want to try these!5 stars

    • These are so perfect for the beginner baker – they’re so easy to make! I can’t wait for you to try these – I’m sure you will love them!

  4. I have their cookbook and I’ve been to the store for the original, but I’ve never seen the brownie mix! They look so fudgy and delicious, I’ll have to give them a try!

  5. Those look….just, so good! haha, I haven’t had anything sweet in a while because of Lent so I am just drooling at the screen right now. I totally think that indulging once in a while is commmmpletely necessary!

5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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