Brownies with Nuts
If you’re looking for a delicious treat, brownies topped with chopped nuts are a great choice. Start by baking your favorite brownie recipe, then sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before baking. The nuts add a nice crunch and a bit of extra flavor. Once baked, let them cool, cut into squares, and enjoy. These brownies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a solo snack. Easy to make and always a hit.
There’s something almost magical about biting into a brownie—especially when it’s vegan. It’s like discovering your favorite song on a forgotten playlist. These brownies, with their rich, fudgy goodness, will have you questioning everything you ever thought you knew about dessert.
(And yes, I did once eat half a pan in one sitting, no regrets! ) Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, these brownies are a revelation, offering you that perfect blend of indulgence and comfort.
Caramel Sauce
Making caramel sauce is simpler than it seems. Start by melting sugar in a pan until it turns golden brown. Add butter and whisk until smooth. Be cautious—it’s hot. Drizzle over your favorite desserts or ice cream for a sweet touch.
Steps
- Combine ground flax and water in a small bowl to create flax eggs, and let the mixture thicken. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 7 x 11-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Melt 1/2 cup of vegan butter, preferably using a microwave in 30-second intervals. Measure the melted butter and whisk it together with the granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl.
- Add the thickened flax eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and whisk until evenly combined.
- Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the same bowl, then add salt and baking powder. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just mixed, taking care not to overmix the batter.
- Fold half of the chocolate chips into the batter, and pour it into the lined baking pan. Smooth the top with a spoon or your hands, then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the surface.
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. They might look underdone and bubbly when you remove them, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool for another 15-30 minutes on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (preferably Earth Balance brand), melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate pieces
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3012kcal | Carbohydrates: 516g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Sodium: 1500mg | Potassium: 1776mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 372g | Vitamin A: 3240IU | Calcium: 588mg | Iron: 24mg
FAQ
- What type of chocolate chips are suitable for vegan brownies?
- It is recommended to use chocolate chips that are dairy-free, such as Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips. Always check the ingredients to ensure there are no dairy products involved. Alternatively, you can chop up your favorite vegan chocolate bar.
- Which cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
- Unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal, with Trader Joe’s and Hershey’s being good options. It is not advisable to use Dutch-process cocoa powder, as it may change the texture and color of the brownies.
- How should I cut the brownies for clean slices?
- For clean slices, line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for an additional 15-30 minutes. Use a large, heavy knife, running it under hot water and wiping it clean between cuts to achieve neat brownie squares.
- Can I substitute coconut oil for vegan butter in this recipe?
- It is not recommended to replace vegan butter with coconut oil, as it can make the brownies excessively oily. For an oil-free alternative, you may substitute applesauce for vegan butter.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the brownies?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar to as little as 1 cup for a less sweet brownie. They will still bake well, just with a less pronounced sweetness.
Tips
- Use parchment paper to line your baking pan with the edges hanging over the sides. This will make it easier to remove the brownies from the pan after baking and ensure clean cuts.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack for an additional 15-30 minutes. Cooling them thoroughly will make slicing easier and prevent them from falling apart.
- If you prefer less sweet brownies, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. This adjustment will result in a less sweet, yet still delicious, brownie.
- When you take the brownies out of the oven, they may seem underdone and soft. Let them cool completely, as they will firm up and taste even better the next day.
Equipment
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Sifter – for sifting flour and cocoa powder.
- Parchment Paper – for lining the baking pan.
- 7 x 11 Inch Baking Pan – if you don’t already have this specific size.
- Large Wooden Spoon – for stirring the mixture.
- Large Whisk – for combining ingredients.
