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Lazy Cat Kitchen

A food blog with plant-based recipes from all over the world

Flourless vegan brownies

October 26, 2019 by Ania - 38

aquafaba, easy, gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-freego to recipe

go to recipe

flourless vegan brownies

If you follow us on Instagram, you might know already that this past Wednesday night we were invited to the Bristol premiere of a new BBC nature documentary series called Seven Worlds One Planet narrated by England’s beloved storyteller David Attenborough. We watched an episode entitled ‘Antarctica’ followed by a live interview with some of the makers, including David Attenborough himself.

The film was breathtakingly beautiful and utterly awe inspiring yet also profoundly sad at the same time. We both left in tears! For the first time ever, a BBC documentary of this sort chose to draw people’s attention to the undeniable effect that our collective actions have on the planet and millions of species of animals that we all think we love and treasure. It’s about time given that climate change science has been capable of making accurate predictions (which are sadly coming true today!) since the 1980s.

The film offers some hope by illustrating, for example, how a near extinct whale population (killed by our demand for whale blubber margarine and soap!!) regenerated itself after all but three countries (Japan, Norway and Iceland) worldwide committed to a complete whaling ban in 1986, but unless we stop inflicting any further damage, things will go from bad to worse very soon as the rate of destruction is accelerating more rapidly than originally predicted.

Things look so dire right now that scientists estimate that 150-200 species of plant, insect, bird and mammal become extinct every 24 hours!! It’s insane! And apart from some occasional lip service, we do very little. Plus to make matters worse, there are no shortage of people, lead by those who profit from the main culprit industries (fossil fuels, meat and dairy, automobile, transportation, to name the key players), who insist that climate change is a hoax, diluting the urgency of the message and making people shrug their shoulders and carry on as they were. It’s infuriating how unchecked self-interested greed tramples over everything else.

While it is sometimes very lonely being vegan (when pretty much everyone you know makes fun of you behind your back and ostracises you for your choice to minimise harm) I was never as convinced about my and Duncan’s decision to leave meat, dairy and eggs off our plate as I am now. As things are at a tipping point, I really feel the sense of mission with this blog. I am not the kind of person to go on animal vigils or to try to make people on the street go vegan, but I feel like I am doing my bit by showing up here, cooking delicious plant-based food and showing people that being vegan isn’t about deprivation or elitism, it’s about doing your bit for the environment, for the animals and for your own health too, while enjoying food as much (if not more) as you used to. There is no better time to go vegan than now!

Speaking of not depriving yourself of the food you enjoy, today’s recipe is a tray of super indulgent vegan brownies cos like I say, veganism ISN’T a diet. It drives me bonkers when, in a bid to discredit it, the media equates it with weight loss. These brownies are super dense, rich and delectably fudgy. I’ve tested them over and over again and this is my most favourite version thus far. I find it even nicer when it’s been sitting in the fridge overnight, the fudginess cranks up a notch – heavenly.

These flourless vegan brownies are really simple to make too. While I do use aquafaba to replace eggs, in this recipe you do not need to whip it until you reach stiff, or even soft, peaks. Simply whip it until white and foamy, 2 minutes tops, and then stir all the other ingredients through it, it’s really easy and delish! That’s a promise! Oh and as an added bonus, they happen to be naturally gluten-free also! x

PS: If you make my flourless vegan brownies, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram as @lazycatkitchen and use the #lazycatkitchen hashtag. I love seeing your takes on my recipes!

flourless vegan brownies mixture

flourless vegan brownies cut

flourless vegan brownies hand

flourless vegan brownies macro

flourless vegan brownies cross section

5.00 from 11 votes
Print
  • makes: 20 cm / 8" square tin (9 pieces)
  • prep: 15 min
  • cooking: 25 min

Ingredients

  • 150 g / 5.30 oz vegan 70% cocoa dark chocolate
  • 120 ml / ½ cup aquafaba (chickpea brine), from a tin or from homecooked chickpeas
  • 200 g / 1 cup sugar (caster sugar gives you the crispiest outer shell, but coconut sugar works well too!)
  • 180 g / ¾ cup 100% natural nut or seed butter of choice (I used this almond butter)
  • 2 tbsp water or plant milk (I used almond milk)
  • 150 g / 1½ cups finely ground almonds / almond flour
  • 70 g / ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda (GF certified if needed)
  • chopped nuts (I used hazelnuts), for decoration (optional)

Method

  1. Melt the chocolate very slowly over a bain marie / water bath. Make sure the bowl with chocolate does not touch the water underneath.
  2. Preheat the oven to 175° C / 345° F. Line a 20 cm x 20 cm  / 8 inch x 8 inch baking tin with baking parchment. Make the baking parchment stick out of the tin so that you’re able to remove the brownies from the tin a little easier.
  3. Whip aquafaba with an electric whisk until foamy (no need to achieve stiff peaks for this recipe).
  4. Gradually add sugar to the aquafaba, whisking well after each addition.
  5. Using a spatula, fold melted, lukewarm but not hot, chocolate into the aquafaba and sugar mixture.
  6. Fold in almond butter and 2 tbsp of water or plant milk.
  7. Add in all the dry ingredients in batches, mixing well until no cocoa or almond meal pockets remain. The batter should be very thick.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it into the sides and corners with a spatula. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
  9. Bake on the middle shelf for about 25 minutes (depending on how fudgy you like your brownies and on your oven). Allow the brownies to cool down completely (!) before cutting with a sharp knife.
If you want more info on some of the ingredients that we use in our recipes, check out our glossary.
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This recipe has been written by Ania. She is the cook, stylist and photographer behind Lazy Cat Kitchen. You can read about her journey into food blogging here. You can also check her out on Pinterest and Instagram.

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    Comments

    Leave a comment

  1. Pernille says

    October 26, 2019 at 8:50 pm

    Hello,

    First of all, I just want to say thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes – every single recipe I’ve used from your blog has worked so well and been a great hit with both friends and family.

    And now to my question: I was wondering if it would be possible to substitute the almond flour with regular flour? If not, can you think of another option?

    Many thanks,
    Pernille

    Reply
    • Ania says

      October 27, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Pernille,

      Thank you for your kind words, they really mean a lot!

      As for your question, the honest answer is that I am not sure as my intention was to create flourless brownies from the outset so that they are gluten-free out of the box. I think it is giving them a try, but you may need to make some alterations (my instinct is to use less) to the quantity, for example, and if using wheat (gluten-containing) flour, be very careful not to overmix. The batter is supposed to very thick so if you overwork it you may end up with bread-like brownies 🙁 Good luck! Ania

      Reply
  2. Chris says

    October 27, 2019 at 2:03 am

    Could I sub all purpose flour for almond 1:1? These sound amazing!
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Ania says

      October 27, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Chris,

      I am not 100% sure as I haven’t tried that – my intention was to create flourless brownies from the outset so that they are gluten-free out of the box. You may need to make some alterations to the quantity, for example, but worth giving it a shot. Ania

      Reply
  3. Wendy Gerster says

    October 27, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    It`s also important to think of the cocoa farmers who are exploited and find a good source of chocolate!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      October 27, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      Totally agree, minimise the harm as much as possible. I do use ethically sourced chocolate and cocoa powder. Thanks Wendy! Ania

      Reply
  4. Yujing Wang says

    October 27, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    Dear Ania, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the BBC documentary. You are definitely doing your part in changing the world. I have some friends interesred in going plant bansed but have no idea what to make… I send them your recipes.
    Hugs, I know it can feel lonely. I recently statted compost at my daughter’s daycare and at my church for refreshment service. We are in this together!!!!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      October 27, 2019 at 9:06 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Yujing! And sorry for the moan – that screening really got me down and the state of things and prevalent ambivalence in the society, but I do know that there are people who understand and care. Thank you for caring and for your thoughtful comment. x Ania

      Reply
  5. Chocoviv says

    October 30, 2019 at 5:23 am

    These brownies are absolutely mouth watering…

    Reply
    • Ania says

      October 30, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks, I am glad you think so! Ania

      Reply
  6. Raquel says

    November 1, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    You are amazing and congratulations on your blog and recipes! I am brand new in this vegan journey and I’m really happy to find such tasty recipes! Thank you Ania!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      November 1, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Raquel! I am delighted to hear that you are enjoying my recipes and that you’ve decided to go vegan!! Hope you’ll love how it makes you feel as well as all other positives it carries. xx Ania

      Reply
  7. Joshua Howard says

    November 12, 2019 at 11:35 am

    I love your site and your perfect recipes! This one is awesome! Thank you for the share!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      November 12, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Thanks Joshua! I am glad you enjoyed it! Ania

      Reply
  8. Verena says

    November 15, 2019 at 1:07 pm

    Hi! This looks so good!!
    You said “Bake … for about 25 minutes (depending on how fudgy you like your brownies and on your oven)” . Does this min 25minutes minimum and more if you don’t want it to be too fudgy or should I aim for less than 25 minutes for fudgy brownies?

    Reply
    • Ania says

      November 15, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Verena,

      It really depends on your oven so it’s hard to give a super precise time, but I baked mine for 25 minutes and you can see a cross section photo for an idea of how fudgy they turned out. They were perfect for me, but if you want them even more fudgy, bake for a couple of minutes less. Hope that helps! Ania

      Reply
  9. Eva says

    November 19, 2019 at 11:30 pm

    I love all of the nature documentaries and have been excitedly watching the new BBC series. You’re right, it’s egregious what we’ve done to Mother Earth. I wish everyone would get on board, or even half of the meat eaters. Progress is being made in small increments…I just hope it’s not too late.

    I haven’t actually made these brownies yet but have been eyeballing them! I will make them soon!

    I made quite a few of your recipes at Christmas last year and they were AMAZING!

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      November 20, 2019 at 1:33 am

      I’m totally with you re: hope that it’s not too late. I must admit, I do get demoralised some days when I feel like I am swimming against a very strong current, but words of encouragement and understanding from like-minded individuals, like yourself, always give me some hope back! Thank you for your kind words about my recipes, I am super glad to hear that! x Ania

      Reply
  10. Gill Kedgley says

    December 5, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    Wow Thankyou……. so delicious and healthy too. Thank you Thank you Thank you 🌞

    Reply
    • Ania says

      December 5, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      My pleasure 🙂 x Ania

      Reply
  11. Adie says

    December 26, 2019 at 12:50 am

    I made these on Christmas Eve and they are incredible! I’ve generally found egg free brownies to end up more cake-like, but these are really fudgey and dense. So delicious, just have to stop myself from eating them all now!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      December 28, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      Thank you for your kind words, Adie! I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed them so much! Thank you!! x Ania

      Reply
  12. Yvonne says

    February 3, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    Hi, can I replace the aqua faba with a direct substitute for eggs in the same proportion?

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 3, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      Hi Yvonne,

      I guess so but as I am vegan I never use eggs so I cannot be sure how this would work out. Cheers! Ania

      Reply
  13. Melissa says

    February 10, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Thanks so much for this recipe! I Do you have any suggestions/recipe alterations for baking at high altitude (6,000ft)? Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 11, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      I do hope they come out well. I am sorry but I don’t really have any experience with high altitude baking. Ania

      Reply
  14. Sara says

    February 13, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    Hi Ania , your recipies are awesome. Do you think I can substitute the aquafaba with a chia egg , my chickpeas never have brine .
    Thank you and well done 😊

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 13, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks Sara,

      I think so but I would suggest using 2 and adding enough water so that you have roughly 1/2 cup of it once thickened. Full disclaimer, I have not tried it in this recipe yet, but I am pretty sure it would work – it is only list of things to test but I have not managed it yet. Ania

      Reply
  15. Suzanne Park-Davies says

    February 15, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    Oh My I’ve just made this and it is utterly delightful! The kids don’t even know it’s Vegan. On a horrible rainy day it’s a must Feel good go to recipe . Thankyou so much for your amazing recipe ❤️

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 15, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks, Suzanne! I am delighted to hear that these went down so well with you and your family. x Ania

      Reply
  16. Geeta says

    February 25, 2020 at 7:32 am

    Hi
    I am not completely vegan. Can I use 2 eggs as a replacement for the brine?

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 25, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      As I am vegan myself, I do not bake with eggs and have not done so in years so I am not 100% sure. I *think* it should work out.

      Reply
  17. Philippa says

    March 9, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Hi

    I just came across your blog and this recipes is AMAZING!!! Can’t wait to try out some more! Me and my husband made the switch to a plant based diet last year and haven’t looked back! Totally feel the same with the comments from friends but cooked them a totally vegan meal when they were all last round and one of them didn’t even realise!!!

    Thanks for joining in the good fight to help save our planet
    Philippa

    Reply
    • Ania says

      March 10, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      Hi Philippa,

      I am delighted to hear that you enjoy my recipe and thank you for your kind words about them. Big congrats on going vegan and for staying vegan! For me, personally, it’s one of the best decisions I made in my life. x Ania

      Reply
  18. Lisa Bennett says

    November 6, 2020 at 9:56 pm

    Wonderful! Just wonderful! Dense, fudgy, and not too sweet.
    As a Georgian (The state of Georgia, USA), I made mine with pecan butter and topped with our local pecans. I baked mine in a 7 inch square pan (I don’t have an 8). Next time, I’d add some chopped nuts to the batter itself, but I’m a texture fiend.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ania says

      November 7, 2020 at 12:19 am

      Thanks so much, Lisa! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed these so much and pecans make a great addition! Ania

      Reply
  19. teresa annibale says

    February 5, 2021 at 3:44 am

    Making these for Superbowl this weekend. They look amazing😋, I’ll share how they turn out.

    Reply
    • Ania says

      February 5, 2021 at 3:43 pm

      Thanks, Teresa! I hope you’ll enjoy them! x Ania

      Reply

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Ania Marcinowska
Hi, I'm Ania. I love good food but I love animals more! Adopting a plant-based diet has been the best decision I've made and that's how this blog was born. It's a space where I want to show you that creating delicious plant-based food isn't actually hard at all.
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