The Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Irresistible Peanut Butter Frosting

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor! These are not just any chocolate brownies; these are the ultimate vegan chocolate brownies, decadently rich, intensely fudgy, and crowned with a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting. This plant-based masterpiece is so utterly delicious, it will captivate even the most discerning non-vegan palates. Get ready to indulge in a treat that truly satisfies every sweet craving!

Hello, fellow dessert lovers! As the year unfolds, we often find ourselves caught between health resolutions and the undeniable allure of comfort food. If you’re anything like me, January’s chill brings an irresistible urge for cozy, heartwarming treats rather than strict calorie counting. And what could be more comforting than a batch of rich, chewy brownies? If your resolution involved steering clear of sweets, you might want to bookmark this page and return later. Because today, we’re diving headfirst into a world of pure indulgence: incredibly fudgy vegan chocolate brownies paired with an opulent peanut butter frosting. Ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet aromas? Let’s begin this delicious journey!

Discover the Best Vegan Chocolate Brownies You’ll Ever Make

I know, that’s a bold statement. But I stand by it wholeheartedly. These aren’t just good vegan brownies; they are, in my humble opinion, the absolute best vegan chocolate brownies you’ll ever sink your teeth into. From the moment the first bite melts in your mouth, you’ll be hooked. Each square boasts a perfectly crisp, crackly top, giving way to an unbelievably moist, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey interior. They embody everything a perfect brownie should be – rich, dense, and utterly satisfying.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless vegan brownie recipes. While some were passable, none truly captured that magical balance of texture and flavor until I perfected this one. In fact, these brownies are so irresistible that getting them photographed for this very blog post proved to be a significant challenge. The first two batches vanished before I even had a chance to set up my camera! My family and friends couldn’t keep their hands off them, a testament to their exceptional deliciousness. This recipe truly redefines what a plant-based dessert can be, proving that going vegan doesn’t mean compromising on taste or indulgence.

The Dreamy Peanut Butter Frosting: A Match Made in Dessert Heaven

While the brownies themselves are stellar, a significant part of what makes this treat so incredibly addictive is the silky-smooth, wonderfully sweet, and perfectly creamy peanut butter frosting. It elevates these vegan chocolate brownies from simply delicious to an extraordinary culinary experience. And the best part? This frosting is incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.

This peanut butter frosting is not only divine on these brownies but is also remarkably versatile. Its stable yet spreadable consistency makes it ideal for decorating cakes and cupcakes, adding a rich, nutty flavor that complements almost any sweet base. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl – it’s that good! Beyond baking, imagine it as a luxurious spread on your morning toast, a dollop on a warm slice of banana bread, or even swirled into oatmeal for an extra special breakfast. Its creamy texture and robust flavor truly are what dessert dreams are made of.

Indulgence Without Compromise: A Plant-Based Treat for All

Let’s be clear: this recipe is designed for pure pleasure. These vegan chocolate brownies with peanut butter frosting are unapologetically decadent, rich, and indulgent – exactly what a brownie should be. They aren’t meant to be a health food, but a glorious celebration of flavor and texture, proving that plant-based desserts can be every bit as satisfying as their traditional counterparts. As I mentioned in a previous post about my mixed berry Dutch baby, this time of year is all about embracing comfort food and cozy treats, letting go of the stress of strict dietary restrictions, and simply enjoying delicious moments.

The beauty of these brownies lies in their ability to impress everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Many people are often surprised that such a rich and fudgy brownie can be entirely dairy-free and egg-free. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, parties, or simply a cozy night in. Prepare to receive rave reviews and requests for the recipe!

How to Create These Spectacular Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Making these incredible brownies is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. You can practically prepare the entire brownie batter in a single bowl, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the delicious results. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through the process:

Ingredients Spotlight and Preparation Tips

• Sweetener and Fat Base: Begin by combining soft light brown sugar with melted and cooled coconut oil. The brown sugar contributes to the fudgy texture and caramel-like notes, while coconut oil provides a rich, moist foundation that perfectly replaces butter. Ensure your coconut oil is melted but not hot, as this can affect the consistency of the batter.
• Moisture and Acidity: Next, add your chosen plant-based milk. While cashew milk is my personal favorite for its creaminess and subtle flavor, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and works wonderfully with almond, soy, or oat milk. The addition of apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light, airy crumb without the need for eggs, making these brownies perfectly rise and become delightfully tender.
• The Chocolate Factor: The star of the show! Melt dark chocolate (ideally with at least 70% cocoa solids for a deep, intense flavor) and allow it to cool to room temperature before incorporating it into your wet ingredients. This prevents it from seizing or cooking other components. A good quality dark chocolate is key here for that truly rich, authentic chocolate flavor. Finish your wet mix with a splash of vanilla extract for warmth and depth.
• Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. The cocoa powder amplifies the chocolatey goodness, while baking powder and soda provide the necessary lift. Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.

Mixing and Baking for Perfect Fudginess

Once your wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and your dry ingredients are whisked, gently fold the dry into the wet. The key here is to mix until *just* combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick and luxurious.

Pour this glorious chocolate mixture into your prepared baking tin. I typically use an 8-inch square tin for a perfect brownie height and density. On the occasion I photographed these for the blog, I used a slightly smaller 7-inch tin, which resulted in slightly ‘taller’ brownies – still incredibly delicious, but it illustrates how tin size can affect the final thickness. Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes.

The Toothpick Test and Cooling Process

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. For a truly fudgy brownie, the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, your brownies might be on the drier side, though still tasty! The top should have a beautiful, shiny, papery crust, and the edges should just begin to pull away from the sides of the tin. This indicates they are perfectly baked.

Allowing the brownies to cool completely is crucial for achieving that dense, fudgy texture. This also ensures the peanut butter frosting sets beautifully without melting. Patience is a virtue here; resisting the urge to cut into them immediately will be tough, but worth it!

Tips for Storing, Serving, and Customizing Your Brownies

Once cooled, generously spread the peanut butter frosting over the brownies. For optimal results and a cleaner slice, place the frosted brownies in the fridge for about an hour. This allows the frosting to firm up slightly, making them easier to cut into perfect squares. Slice, serve, and savor every bite!

Storage Suggestions:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration: Frosted brownies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture, or enjoy chilled for a firmer bite.
• Freezing: These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual unfrosted squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then frost before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Nut-Free Option: If you have a peanut allergy, consider using a different nut or seed butter for the frosting, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (sunbutter).
• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or even vegan white chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Flavor Boost: A pinch of instant espresso powder in the brownie batter can enhance the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• Spice it Up: A dash of cinnamon or a hint of chili powder can add an exciting twist to the chocolate brownies.

The inspiration for today’s recipe and its stunning presentation comes from the wonderful Mei of nm_meiyee. Her creativity in the kitchen is truly inspiring!

I genuinely hope you love these irresistible vegan chocolate brownies with peanut butter frosting as much as I do. Each bite is a testament to the fact that plant-based desserts can be utterly spectacular. If you give this recipe a try, or any other recipe from my collection, please let me know in the comments below! Your feedback and experiences brighten my day.

📖 Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

5 from 17 votes

Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Delicious, irresistible and indulgent vegan chocolate brownies with creamy peanut butter frosting.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Course:

Dessert

Cuisine:

Vegan

Keyword:

brownies, chocolate brownies, vegan brownies, peanut butter frosting

Servings:

9 brownies

Author:

Anna

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 200 g soft light brown sugar
• 125 ml coconut oil, melted and cooled
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 230 ml cashew milk (or other plant-based milk of choice)
• 100 g dark chocolate (min 70% cocoa solids), melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 250 g smooth peanut butter, room temperature
• 115 g vegan spread (e.g., vegan butter or margarine)
• 250 g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 2 tablespoon cashew milk (or other plant-based milk)

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) fan. Line an 8-inch square tin (or 7-inch for taller brownies) with baking parchment, leaving some excess to overhang on the sides to assist with easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the soft light brown sugar and the melted and cooled coconut oil. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add the cashew milk, apple cider vinegar, melted and cooled dark chocolate, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until all wet ingredients are well combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it evenly.
7. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should have a shiny, papery crust, and the sides should just begin to pull away from the tin.
8. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. This is crucial for fudgy brownies.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine all frosting ingredients: smooth peanut butter (room temperature), vegan spread, icing sugar, and cashew milk.
2. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. You may adjust the amount of cashew milk by adding a little more, a teaspoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency if it’s too thick, or a little more icing sugar if it’s too thin.
3. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
4. For best results and easier slicing, place the frosted brownies in the fridge for about an hour to allow the frosting to firm up slightly.
5. Slice into square pieces and enjoy your delicious vegan chocolate brownies!

Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested using metric grams. I recommend using digital scales for the most accurate results. While I have provided a conversion to US customary units within the recipe, please be aware that I have not personally tested the recipe using these measurements.

Did you make this? Tell me how you like it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!

Don’t want to miss out on my latest mouth-watering recipes and helpful tips? Make sure to subscribe to my mailing list and let’s stay connected. Let’s be friends and continue exploring the wonderful world of plant-based cooking together!