These Dairy-Free Brownies are the best! Fudgy, chocolatey, and delicious, these easy brownies are the perfect treat to whip up when you are craving something sweet!
*Originally published June 1, 2022 and updated with new copy and photos 2/16/23.
I don't know about you but I love chocolate. Give me anything chocolate and I'm there! I am not a huge sweets person but I am a huge chocolate person. These dairy-free brownies are so easy and delicious to make. When I am having that chocolate craving, I know I can whip these up and have a piping hot pan of brownies in just 40 minutes. These brownies are full of chocolate, fudgy and oh so moist. You won't want to miss out!
For some other great recipes, check out this Easy Edible Brownie Batter, these Easy Boozy Brownies or these Vegan Peppermint Brownies!
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What Makes These Dairy-Free Brownies so Great?
- These Dairy-Free Brownies are ready in just 40 minutes!
- This dessert is the perfect easy and quick dessert to bring to any potluck, birthday or office event!
- These brownies are dairy-free so they are perfect for those who have allergies!
- These brownies have a secret ingredient, avocado to keep them nice and moist!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder-I use Hershey's Cocoa Powder. Make sure to sift it if it is lumpy!
- Applesauce- Applesauce works as the binder in this recipe, it replaces both the butter and the egg in these brownies. You can also use mashed avocado for a similar result
- All-Purpose Flour- The base of this recipe is flour. If you are gluten-free you can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
A complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x9 inch glass pan with cooking spray
- Mash the avocado into a glass bowl and then mix well with the melted vegan butter, mixing until no lumps remain and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the sugar, flax eggs and vanilla extract and cream until combined.
Step 1: In a small bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined. Set aside
Step 2: Add the applesauce, brown sugar, and white sugar to a bowl and mix until combined.
Step 3: Mix in the vanilla
Step 4: Add the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until a thick batter forms.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips. the batter will be very thick.
Step 6: Transfer the batter to a 9x9 inch square baking pan. Top with extra chocolate chips, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
Hint: Make sure to let the brownies cool before slicing or they will be too delicate to handle and may fall apart.
Variations
- Spicy - Add a kick of spice to this recipe by adding ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate - Add some cinnamon to the batter and top with marshmallows before baking to turn transform these brownies into your favorite drink!
- Candy - Fold your favorite candy into the batter to make a fun variation perfect for holidays!
Check out these Chewy Chocolate Molasses Cookies for another fun chocolate recipe!
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers I would be shocked. However, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days on the counter. You can also freeze these brownies by storing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They will freeze for up to 3 months.
Check out this 5 Minute Vegan Microwave Fudge recipe or these Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies for another fun variation
Top tips
- You can easily make these brownies in a food processor as well. Just add everything to the food processor and blend, blend, blend until smooth!
- To get the perfect slices, let the pan of brownies cool completely before slicing.
- Don't overbake the brownies. Part of what makes them moist and gooey is not overbaking them. You want them to be slightly underdone as they will continue to cook as the pan cools.
Recipe FAQ's
Some brownie mixes are surprisingly dairy-free, I know that Duncan Hines is. However, it is so easy to make your own brownies that I don't typically use mixes.
Yes! As your friendly lactose intolerant friend here, I can eat brownies! It is just a matter of making sure that they are dairy-free. This is the perfect recipe for your lactose-intolerant friends!
These brownies are easy to make without eggs. The applesauce contains pectin which will bind these brownies together. Applesauce alone will not cause the brownies to rise like an egg would which is why baking powder is added.
Other Great Chocolate Recipes!
The BEST Dairy-Free Brownies
Equipment
- 1 Glass Mixing Bowl
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- 1 9x9 baking pan
- 1 Measuring Cups
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- In a small bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined. Set aside
- Add the applesauce, brown sugar, and white sugar to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Mix in the vanilla
- Add the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. the batter will be very thick.
- Transfer the batter to a 9x9 inch square baking pan. Top with extra chocolate chips, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
Notes
- You can easily make these brownies in a food processor as well. Just add everything to the food processor and blend, blend, blend until smooth!
- To get the perfect slices, let the pan of brownies cool completely before slicing.
- Don't overbake the brownies. Part of what makes them moist and gooey is not overbaking them. You want them to be slightly underdone as they will continue to cook as the pan cools.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Jere Cassidy says
I am craving chocolate now. Your brownie recipe is interesting with the avocado added, I can see that it does add moisture. Thanks for the variations I want to try the Mexican Hot Chocolate flavor.
nancy says
wow you weren't kidding when this was the best dairy free brownie! So decendent and yet i don't feel tooo too guilty eating it
Andrea says
I've never baked avocado into brownies before. I'm excited to try this. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Bernice says
I've got 40 minutes to paradise... these brownies are full of chocolate, fudgy and oh so moist. Sounds like song lyrics to me and I am still drooling. Can you tell I'm a chocolate lover?
Nancy says
The addition of avocado was absolutely brilliant! These brownies were chocolately and moist, so delicious.
Serena says
My first time trying avocados in brownies. Great way to add in moisture
Jerika says
I love brownies!:) I love that you made it dairy-free. Thanks!:)
Lilly says
These brownies are delicious! I don't miss the dairy at all
Lizet says
We have so many avocados right now, and these brownies are the best way to use them! delicious!
amanda says
These brownies were so good, our whole family loved them! Making them again tonight!
Brianna May says
This looks so good!