Veganizing Your Favorite Treat: How to Make Delicious Box Brownies Vegan

Fear not, for you can still indulge in the decadent, fudgy delight of brownies while staying true to your vegan lifestyle. Learn how to make delicious box brownies vegan.

Brownies, those moist and decadent squares of chocolatey goodness, are a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional brownie recipes often include eggs and dairy, making them unsuitable for vegans. But fear not, for you can still indulge in the rich, fudgy delight of brownies while staying true to your vegan lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to make box brownies vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why Go Vegan with Your Brownies?

Before we dive into the delicious details of vegan brownie-making, let’s briefly explore why you might choose to veganize your brownies:

1. Ethical Considerations: Many individuals adopt a vegan lifestyle to avoid contributing to the exploitation of animals in the food industry. By making vegan brownies, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting animal welfare.
2. Health Benefits: Vegan brownies typically contain less saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional recipes, which can contribute to better heart health and overall well-being.
3. Allergen-Friendly: Vegan brownies are often free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them suitable for those with allergies or intolerances.
4. Environmental Impact: Vegan brownies have a lower environmental footprint, as they require fewer resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to their non-vegan counterparts.

Now that we’ve established some compelling reasons to go vegan with your brownies, let’s get started on transforming your favorite boxed brownie mix into a delightful vegan dessert.

Related: Indulge Guilt-Free: How to Make Vegan Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

What Can You Substitute for Eggs in Box Brownies?

There are many different substitutes that can be used for eggs in box brownies. Some of the most common and popular options include:

• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for every egg called for in the recipe.
• Mashed banana: Use 1/2 of a medium banana, mashed, for every egg called for in the recipe.
• Yogurt: Use 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, either regular or Greek, for every egg called for in the recipe.
• Silken tofu: Use 1/4 cup of silken tofu, mashed, for every egg called for in the recipe.
• Ground flaxseed: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
• Chia seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
• Aquafaba: Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, to replace one egg.

When using any of these substitutes, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Some substitutes may require you to adjust the amount of other ingredients in the recipe, such as the liquid or flour.

Here are some tips for using egg substitutes in box brownies:

• If you are using applesauce, banana, or yogurt, make sure that they are unsweetened. Sweetened substitutes can make the brownies too sweet.
• If you are using silken tofu, be sure to mash it very well until it is smooth. This will help to ensure that the brownies have a smooth texture.
• If you are using ground flaxseed or chia seeds, be sure to let them sit for a few minutes after mixing them with water before adding them to the brownie batter. This will help them to thicken and gel.
• If you are using aquafaba, be sure to beat it until it is stiff peaks before adding it to the brownie batter. This will help to give the brownies a light and fluffy texture.

No matter which egg substitute you choose, your box brownies will still be delicious!

Ingredients

Before you embark on your vegan brownie-making journey, gather the following ingredients:

1. Vegan Brownie Mix: Start with your favorite box of vegan brownie mix. Many popular store-bought mixes are accidentally vegan or can be easily adapted.
2. Flax Eggs: To replace traditional eggs in the recipe, you’ll need flax eggs. For each egg called for in the box mix, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.
3. Vegan Butter or Oil: You’ll need a fat source to replace the butter called for in the mix. You can use vegan butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
4. Plant-Based Milk: Choose your preferred plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. This will replace any dairy milk called for in the recipe.
5. Pure Vanilla Extract: Add a dash of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your brownies.
6. Optional Mix-Ins: Get creative with your brownies by adding vegan-friendly mix-ins like dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step instructions for making vegan box brownies.

Step 1: Prepare Your Flax Eggs

In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg called for in your brownie mix. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Flax eggs work as a binding agent and provide moisture, just like traditional eggs.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Follow the instructions on your brownie mix box to preheat your oven to the specified temperature. While your oven is heating up, you can proceed with the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with a small amount of vegan butter or oil. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan and makes for easier removal.

Step 4: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegan brownie mix, prepared flax eggs, vegan butter or oil, and plant-based milk. Add a splash of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. Stir the ingredients until well combined. This should yield a thick and rich brownie batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Optional Mix-Ins

If you want to take your vegan brownies to the next level, fold in your favorite mix-ins. Vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruit are excellent choices. Mix them evenly into the batter.

Step 6: Bake Your Vegan Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Follow the baking time and temperature instructions on your brownie mix box. Remember that baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies as they bake.

Step 7: Perform the Toothpick Test

To check if your vegan brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it (but not wet batter), your brownies are ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest until they’re done.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Once your vegan brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After they’ve cooled, you can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Your vegan brownies are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and savor every gooey, chocolatey bite!

Vegan Brownie Mix Brands

While it’s easy to veganize a standard box of brownie mix, you may want to choose a pre-packaged vegan brownie mix to simplify the process. Here are some popular vegan-friendly brownie mix brands to consider:

1. Duncan Hines: Many Duncan Hines brownie mixes are accidentally vegan, including the Dark Chocolate Fudge and Chewy Fudge varieties. Be sure to check the ingredients list, as formulations can change.
2. Betty Crocker: Betty Crocker’s Fudge Brownie Mix is another option that’s often vegan-friendly. As with Duncan Hines, always double-check the label.
3. King Arthur Baking Company: King Arthur offers a Gluten-Free Brownie Mix that is both gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary needs.
4. Enjoy Life: Enjoy Life is known for its allergen-friendly products. Their Gluten-Free Brownie Mix is vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts.
5. Simple Mills: Simple Mills offers a vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly Almond Flour Brownie Mix, which is a healthier alternative to traditional brownie mixes.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Brownies

To ensure your vegan brownies turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Follow the Box Instructions: Always follow the instructions on your chosen brownie mix box for baking time and temperature. This will ensure your brownies cook evenly.
2. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture of your brownies.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
4. Add Vegan Frosting: For an extra layer of indulgence, top your cooled brownies with vegan frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with your brownies by adding extracts like mint or almond for unique flavor twists.

Conclusion

Vegan brownies are not only a delicious treat but also a compassionate and sustainable choice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transform your favorite box brownie mix into a vegan delight that satisfies your sweet cravings while aligning with your ethical and dietary preferences.

In addition to the basic instructions provided, don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegan brownie-making adventures. Experiment with different mix-ins, try out alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, or even explore gluten-free options if needed. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your vegan brownies to suit your tastes and dietary requirements.

Remember, vegan brownies are not just for vegans. They are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. The rich, fudgy goodness of vegan brownies is sure to impress even the most dedicated non-vegan palates.

As you embark on your journey to make box brownies vegan, you’ll discover that it’s not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll be contributing to a more compassionate world, taking steps towards better health, and indulging in a delicious treat that proves veganism can be both ethical and scrumptious.

So, whether you’re a long-time vegan looking for a tasty dessert or someone exploring vegan options for the first time, give vegan brownies a try. Your taste buds, your conscience, and the planet will thank you for it. Happy baking!