Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies are a rich, fudgy treat without any animal products. Think intense chocolate flavor, gooey texture and that perfect chewy bite – all vegan-friendly. Jamie, known for making cooking approachable and fun, created these brownies as a way to show that plant-based desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as the traditional versions.
What makes these brownies stand out? They ditch butter, eggs and dairy but keep the soul of a classic brownie. Instead of eggs, there’s a clever combo of flaxseed or apple sauce to bind everything. The recipe leans heavily on quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder, giving a deep cocoa punch. There’s a subtle nutty crunch from walnuts or pecans if you want, adding a lovely contrast to the soft brownie center.
These brownies are perfect for anyone curious about vegan baking or those who want a healthier dessert option without sacrificing taste. Also, they’re surprisingly easy and quick to whip up, making them ideal for an impromptu treat or a cozy weekend bake.
Jamie Oliver Vegan Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Ingredients Needed
This is where simplicity meets quality. Jamie’s recipe uses ingredients you likely have or can easily find. Here’s the rundown:
- Plain flour – Acts as the structure. All-purpose works great.
- Cocoa powder – Unsweetened, for that rich chocolate flavor.
- Dark chocolate – Use vegan-friendly chocolate, ideally at least 70% cocoa for that deep flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps give the brownies a little lift.
- Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – Reacts with baking powder to help the brownies rise a bit.
- Plant-based milk – Almond, oat or soy milk work well here.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Vanilla extract – For that warm, aromatic touch.
- Ground flaxseed (optional) – Acts as a binder replacing eggs.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional). For crunch and texture.
That’s it. No fancy ingredients or strange substitutes. Just good stuff that works in harmony to create brownies that are delicious and dairy-free.
Equipment Needed
The equipment list is simple but important to get the texture right:
- Mixing bowls – One large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet.
- Whisk or spoon – To combine ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy matters, especially with baking powder and cocoa.
- Baking tray or square cake pan. Usually 8×8 inches works perfectly for brownies.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – To line or grease the pan for easy removal.
- Oven – Preheated to the right temperature for even baking.
- Cooling rack – Brownies need to cool down a bit before cutting.
That’s pretty much all you need. No fancy gadgets, just the basics that any home kitchen should have.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies
The magic happens in a few simple steps:
- Preheat and prepare: Get your oven to around 180°C (350°F). Line your pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In your large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together. This ensures there are no lumps and that the leavening is evenly spread.
- Melt the chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate. either in a bowl over simmering water or carefully in the microwave in short bursts. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In your medium bowl, whisk the plant milk, apple cider vinegar, oil, vanilla, sugar and flaxseed if using. The vinegar helps activate the baking powder for that slight rise.
- Bring wet and dry together: Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly. Add the melted chocolate, folding it in carefully to keep that fudgy texture.
- Add nuts: If you’re using nuts, fold them in now.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. The trick is to take them out when the edges are set but the center is still soft. fudgy, not cakey.
- Cool and slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once cooled, cut into squares.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies taught me a few cool things:
- Vegan baking isn’t complicated: You don’t need weird ingredients to get a rich texture. Simple swaps like flaxseed or apple cider vinegar can work wonders.
- The chocolate quality matters: Using good dark chocolate makes a huge difference in flavor depth.
- Patience is key: Letting the brownies cool properly is essential. Cutting them too early can make them fall apart.
- Baking times are flexible: Depending on your oven and pan, watch the texture closely. A fudgy center means pulling them out just at the right time.
- The magic of vinegar: It’s fascinating how apple cider vinegar reacts in baking, making things rise even without eggs.
Overall, it showed me how thoughtful ingredients and simple techniques can create desserts that are both ethical and indulgent.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies
Jamie Oliver’s vegan brownies are already pretty fantastic but there’s always room to make them your own. One quick tweak is to swap out the sugar for something less refined, like coconut sugar or maple syrup. It gives a richer flavor and adds a slight caramel note that plays beautifully with chocolate. Just remember to adjust the liquid balance a bit since liquid sweeteners can change the batter texture.
If you want a nuttier bite, toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans or even toasted hazelnuts. They add crunch and a depth of flavor that contrasts perfectly with the fudgy softness. Another cool trick? Stir in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks. As they melt, they create gooey pockets of pure indulgence.
For a twist on texture, try adding a spoonful of flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Not only does it boost nutrition but it also adds a subtle earthiness and a slight chewiness. And if you’re a fan of spices, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder for a surprising warmth that elevates the chocolate’s intensity.
Finally, if you like your brownies extra fudgy, reduce the flour slightly or add a bit more plant-based milk to keep them moist and dense. For cakier brownies, increase the flour or add a teaspoon of baking powder. Experimenting with these tweaks lets you craft your perfect batch every time.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Brownies, especially vegan ones, can be a bit tricky when it comes to storing. You want to keep that fudgy texture intact without drying them out. The best way is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within two days. This keeps them moist and soft.
If you’re saving them for longer, pop them in the fridge but here’s a tip: bring them back to room temperature before eating or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This helps bring back the gooey texture.
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Wrap each brownie individually in cling film or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly. They hold up surprisingly well this way, maintaining their flavor and texture.
If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also add a slice of bread to the storage container. The bread absorbs excess moisture and keeps the brownies soft. Just swap the bread every couple of days.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies?
Brownies are a treat on their own but pairing them with the right sides can take the experience up a notch. A classic is a scoop of coconut or almond milk-based ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the dense, warm brownie.
For a fresh touch, serve with a handful of berries-strawberries, raspberries or even a few sliced bananas. The natural tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds a juicy burst with every bite.
If you want to be fancy, drizzle some dairy-free caramel or a berry coulis over the brownies. This adds complexity and makes your dessert feel extra special.
For a cozy vibe, a cup of rich, plant-based coffee or a spicy chai latte pairs beautifully. The spices and bitterness balance the chocolate’s sweetness and make every bite linger.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of vegan whipped cream flavored with a hint of vanilla or espresso. It’s like a little cloud of indulgence on top.
FAQs
Can I Substitute The Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can swap some ingredients. For example, use almond milk instead of oat milk or flax eggs instead of chia eggs.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies Take To Bake?
They usually bake for around 20-25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies Gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour, and you’re good to go.
